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Deborah Gallagher

Professor of the Practice Emeritus of Environmental Science and Policy
Environmental Sciences and Policy
Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328
9 Circuit Drive, 4104 Environment Hall, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Gallagher's research examines public policies to promote environmentally sustainable business practices and public/private partnerships for environmental policy implementation. She has critically examined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) as an international environmental governance mechanism to promote business sustainability. Recent work in partnership with the UNGC focused on responsible business engagement in climate policy and implementation of an internal price for carbon. She is currently working with the UNGC on evaluating corporate leadership behaviors which would advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Gallagher is also a leading scholar of environmental leadership, serving as editor of SAGE's Handbook of Environmental Leadership, which created a framework for study in the field. She is collaborating with colleagues on an upcoming book, Critical Perspectives on Environmental Leadership.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of the Practice Emeritus of Environmental Science and Policy · 2022 - Present Environmental Sciences and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment
Affiliate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2014 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published April 22, 2020
Earth Day at 50
Published January 8, 2014
Nicholas School Faculty Publications Earn Year-End Honors

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Recent Publications


Use of Fracking Information Disclosure Policies to Reduce Uncertainty in Risk-Based Decisions

Journal Article Review of Policy Research · May 1, 2021 The hydraulic fracturing (fracking) boom has outpaced both our understanding of its potential impacts on human health and the environment, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks in place to govern it. We conducted interviews in Pennsylvania with in ... Full text Cite

Acknowledging the challenges of pedagogical innovation: the case of integrating research, teaching, and the practice of environmental leadership

Journal Article Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences · September 15, 2019 Providing opportunities for community engagement and research is part of many environmental sciences and studies programs. Because of the constraints of the typical classroom environment, we need to develop innovative pedagogical tools to allow students to ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Community Environmental Empowerment

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust · 2015 - 2016

2007 Ecosystem Services Valuation Workshop for Senior State Leaders, Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions.

ConferencePrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Environmental Protection Agency · 2007 - 2008

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 2002 Ph.D.
Harvard University · 1986 M.A.
Northwestern University · 1980 B.S.CH.E.