Title: Why is the Economics of Climate Change so Difficult & Controversial? (An Economist’s Apology)
When: Thursday, March 14, 2019 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Buell Hall, Maison Française, East Gallery, 515 W. 116 St., New York, NY 10027
The economic analysis of climate change presents an incredibly difficult intellectual challenge. It compels the economist to confront issues that push economic analysis to the breaking point – and sometimes well beyond. Economists are forced to grapple with many issues that are novel or that have previously been swept aside. The questions being raised are of supreme importance, but do not often lend themselves to simple or easy answers. This talk will provide a fast-paced crash course on why the economics of climate change is so especially difficult and so especially controversial.
Guest Speaker: Martin L. Weitzman, Research Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Respondent: Geoffrey M. Heal, Donald C. Waite III Professor of Social Enterprise, Columbia Business School
Moderator: Scott Barrett, Lenfest-Earth Institute Professor of Natural Resource Economics, Columbia University
This event is co-sponsored by The Earth Institute and the School of International and Public Affairs.