The Economics of Climate Change. Adaptations Past and Present

Lihecap, Gary D., and Richard H. Steckel, Eds.

ISBN 10: 0226479889 / ISBN 13: 9780226479880

Published by University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2011

About this Item

x + 353 pp. A National Bureau of Economic Research Report. dust jacket.

Seller Inventory # 30710

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Economics of Climate Change. Adaptations Past and Present
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press, Chicago
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0226479889
• ISBN 13: 9780226479880
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: As new
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Book Type: book
• Seller catalogs:
  • History

About this title

Synopsis

While debates over the consequences of climate change are often pessimistic, historical data from the past two centuries indicate many viable opportunities for responding to potential changes. This volume takes a close look at the ways in which economies—particularly that of the United States—have adjusted to the challenges climate change poses, including institutional features that help insulate the economy from shocks, new crop varieties, irrigation, flood control, and ways of extending cultivation to new geographic areas. These innovations indicate that people and economies have considerable capacity to acclimate, especially when private gains complement public benefits. Options for adjusting to climate change abound, and with improved communication and the emergence of new information and technologies, the potential for adaptation will be even greater in the future.

About the Authors

Gary D. Libecap is professor emeritus in the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Richard H. Steckel is the SBS Distinguished Professor of Economics, Anthropology, and History at Ohio State University and a research associate of the NBER.