Jens Christiansen

  • Professor Emeritus of Economics

Jens Christiansen’s major interest and concern is the politics and economics of global climate change. Other research interests and many of his recent publications focus on questions of comparative economic performance in the G-7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and U.S.). In particular, he is examining the differences in productivity growth, inequality, and unemployment among these economies. He has presented his research findings at numerous international conferences and has been an economic commentator on radio and television programs. 

Christiansen has a keen interest in environmental issues and is actively involved in Mount Holyoke’s Environmental Studies program, of which he is a founding member. In particular, his interest focuses on questions concerning economic growth and ecological sustainability.

Areas of Expertise

Comparative macroeconomic performance of advanced capitalist economies; women and the economy; economics and the environment

Education

  • Ph.D., Stanford University
  • M.B.A., Hamburg University, Germany

Happening at Mount Holyoke

Recent Campus News

$650 Million Forever Uncommon Campaign Launches

Mount Holyoke College launches the largest campaign ever undertaken by a women’s college, which will expand scholarships and career opportunities, advance academic excellence and reimagine campus life.

A question of morality: when intentions matter

Mount Holyoke student Chiara Hodge ’29 was shortlisted for the John Locke Institute’s Global Essay Prize for an argument exploring whether good actions can be morally wrong when motivated by bad intentions.

MHC leaders named among Washington’s most powerful women

Three members of the Mount Holyoke College community were named to Washingtonian’s 2026 list of the 300 most powerful women in Washington, recognizing their leadership in philanthropy, government affairs and education.