Adapting to climate change: A view through the prism of economics

Background/Question/Methods Few would argue with the statement the development of public policy that properly anticipates and effectively aids adaptation to a changing climate can reduce the severity of the climate-induced impacts on humans, ecosystems and built infrastructure.  But, what form should that policy take?  Current federal proposals for climate adaption policies are generally piecemeal approaches, appealing to overly narrow regional concerns and involve little more than a promise to spend tax dollars.

Results/Conclusions

This presentation will focus on one set of climate impacts - drought and threats to freshwater supplies - and provide an economist's view of an effective and efficient framework for the development of water-related adaptation policy.