Jason Russ joined IEG’s Planet unit in 2025 as a Senior Economist, where he leads thematic evaluations, micro reviews, and synthesis reports. His background is in environmental and development economics, with a focus on evidence-based policy design in the areas of water, climate and weather risks, and infrastructure.

Before joining IEG, Jason served as a Senior Economist in the Office of the Chief Economist of the World Bank’s Planet Vertical. In that role, he led empirical research and contributed to shaping country and regional development strategies. He was the lead author on analytical work for major reports, including The Economics of a Livable Planet and Detox Development: Repurposing Environmentally Harmful Subsidies.

Jason began his World Bank career in the Water Global Practice, where he played a key role in strengthening the practice’s analytical foundation and contributed to several global flagship reports. His academic work has focused on externalities and sustainability, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Jason holds a Ph.D. in Economics from George Washington University and began his professional career as an analyst at PricewaterhouseCoopers.