Climate & Society Research

Global climate change poses risks for nearly every aspect of society, with implications for ecosystems, energy systems, political institutions, and the economy. Low income households are especially at risk, both in the US and around the world. Understanding how a changing climate is affecting the most vulnerable families and communities is critical to developing intelligent and equitable policy responses.

The Opportunity Lab’s Climate and Society Initiative supports research to better understand how environmental conditions and externalities are affecting families and communities, while also examining the economic consequences of policies designed to combat or mitigate climate change and pollution. Led by Professors Solomon Hsiang, Meredith Fowlie, and Reed Walker, the initiative uses data-driven approaches to study the social costs of greenhouse gas emissions, the cost-effectiveness and distributional consequences of resource management strategies, and inequalities in exposure to environmental harm.

 

FACULTY LEADERSHIP

Meredith Fowlie, Associated Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Class of 1935 Endowed Chair in Energy

Meredith Fowlie

Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Class of 1935 Endowed Chair in Energy

Solomon Hsiang, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy, Associate Director, Center for Environmental Public Policy

Solomon Hsiang

Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy, Associate Director, Center for Environmental Public Policy

Reed Walker, Associate Professor of Business and Public Policy and Economics

Reed Walker

Associate Professor of Business and Public Policy and Economics