Media Advisory

Media Contact: Sophia N. Johnson, sj2482@columbia.edu, 212-854-1566

PER DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Featuring Nobel Laureate, Lars Peter Hansen

WHAT:  Lars Peter Hansen, Nobel Laureate (2013) will deliver lecture titled, ‘Pricing Uncertainty Induced by Climate Change’

WHO: Lars Peter Hansen, Nobel Laureate (2013), David Rockefeller Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, Statistics, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago

WHEN: Friday, April 13, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  1512 International Affairs Building

DETAILS: Climate science documents uncertainty induced by alternative emission scenarios and alternative models, and it constructs simplified approximations to complex models.  This special lecture examines the extent to which these components of uncertainty matter in an economic setting and over what time horizons. To address this problem, Hansen pose a hypothetical social planning problem and embrace recent advances in decision theory designed to confront uncertainty, broadly conceived.  He uses “shadow” asset prices to assess the importance of climate uncertainty.  The climate impacts depend on the horizon to the adverse outcomes might be realized.  He uses some recent data to assess some of the current impacts or impacts expected to be realized in the near term.

Space is limited.  For more information, visit: https://econ.columbia.edu/event/per-distinguished-lecture-lars-peter-hansen/

About the Department of Economics

The Department of Economics offers a general economics major, in addition to five interdisciplinary majors structured to suit the interests and professional goals of a heterogeneous student body.  All of the undergraduate programs have different specific requirements but share the common structure of core theoretical courses that provide the foundation for higher-level elective courses culminating in a senior seminar.  Graduate students receive training within an outstanding research environment, supported by members of faculty who are leading research in their fields.

In 2017, the Department offered 42 undergraduate courses.  A total of 4765 students were enrolled, 742 in the Department’s majors.  The M.A. program provides a technical and rigorous approach to the study of economics.  In addition, the doctoral program receives approximately 1,000 applications each year for an incoming class of roughly 25 students.  The Department has played a prominent role in the development of economic thought.  It will continue to through its faculty and students, and contribute to a better understanding of economic activities and the elaboration of policy.