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