Worldwatch Institute Staff

Biography

Zoe Chafe, Online Communication Manager and Research Associate

Email: zchafe@worldwatch.org
Phone: +1 (202) 452-1992 x554

Zoë Chafe directs Vital Signs Online and works with Worldwatch's Global Economy Project. She is also a new member of the Institute's communications department, where she assists with electronic outreach and strategic web development. At Worldwatch, Zoë's research has touched on issues as diverse as environmental governance, tourism, natural disasters, urbanization, and carbon markets.

Zoë speaks to a wide variety of academic and policy audiences on topics including global environmental issues, disasters and peacemaking, tourism, green purchasing and consumption choices, and the youth movement on sustainability. Recent audiences have included the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, World Bank Institute, United States Institute of Peace, and United Nations.

Zoë has a strong interest in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges. Prior to joining Worldwatch in 2003, she worked as a researcher at the Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, where she focused on consumer demand for responsible tourism. She also served as an intern with the Centre for Science and Environment, in New Delhi, and did field research for the United States Forest Service, as well as the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Her research has taken her to countries as diverse as Japan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Zoë holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology, with a concentration in environmental policy, from Stanford University. She is a former steering committee member of SustainUS, the US youth network for sustainable development, and former board member of the Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County.

Selected Publications

"Improving Carbon Markets," in State of the World 2008.

Worldwatch Report: Beyond Disasters: Creating Opportunities for Peace, with Michael Renner, 2007.

"Reducing Natural Disaster Risk in Cities," in State of the World 2007.

"Turning Disasters into Peacemaking Opportunities," in State of the World 2006, with Michael Renner.

"Darfur: A Promise, Tested Again" in World Watch Magazine.

"Weather-related Disasters Affect Millions," "Air Travel Takes Off Again," "Internet and Phone Use Soar," "Disappearing Mangroves Leave Coasts at Risk," in Vital Signs 2006-2007.

"World Trade Rises Sharply," "Air Travel Slowly Recovering," "Interest in Responsible Travel Grows," in Vital Signs 2005.