Working Paper: NBER ID: w25189
Authors: Solomon Hsiang; Robert E. Kopp
Abstract: Climate change management is a global challenge that requires social science as much as it requires natural science. We provide a brief introduction to the physical science of climate change, written to provide essential background for economists and other social scientists. We also highlight some key areas in which economists—including those studying macroeconomics, political economy, and development—are in a unique position to help climate science advance.
Keywords: Climate Change; Economics; Greenhouse Gases
JEL Codes: Q54
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Human emissions of greenhouse gases (Q54) | Alteration of the climate system (Q54) |
| Increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Q54) | Distortion of the Earth's energy balance (Q54) |
| Accumulation of CO2 (Q54) | Blocking of infrared radiation (Q54) |
| Blocking of infrared radiation (Q54) | Rise in temperatures (Q54) |
| Cumulative CO2 emissions (Q54) | Increase in warming (Q54) |
| Human activities (Q59) | Alteration of the global climate (Q54) |
| Human activities (Q59) | Increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (Q54) |
| Water vapor feedback (Q54) | Amplification of warming (Q54) |