| 09/25/2017 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
THE PHYSICAL BASIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Jason Smerdon, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
Abstract
Abstract
Jason E. Smerdon is a Lamont Research Professor at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University. He also holds appointments at Columbia University as an Earth Institute Faculty Member, an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of International and Public Affairs, and as Co-Director of the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development. He teaches courses on climate, environmental change and sustainable development to undergraduate and graduate students. Smerdon also lectures widely in public and private settings on the subject of climate change and its social dimensions.
Smerdon’s research focuses on climate variability and change during the past several millennia and how past climates can help us understand future climate change. He publishes widely in the scientific literature on paleoclimate reconstruction techniques, the dynamics of past climate change and variability, and on assessing climate model simulations of the past and future using paleoclimatic information. In 2013, Smerdon served as a Contributing Author to Assessment Report Five of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Smerdon received his B.A. in physics from Gustavus Adolphus College and his Ph.D. in applied physics from the University of Michigan.
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| 10/30/2017 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
THE EFFECT OF WEATHER ON AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT AND PRICES
Wolfram Schlenker, the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA); Earth Institute at Columbia University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).
Abstract
Abstract
Four commodity crops (maize, wheat, rice, and soybeans) account for 75% of the calories that humans consume. The talk will review both statistical estimates as well as prices-based models of plant physiology that model the effect of weather on agricultural yields. The best predictor of year-to-year variation in yields of these four commodity crops is temperature extremes. While there has been great success in increasing average yields over time through technical innovations, it has made yields more susceptible to such temperature extremes. Climate change will substantially reduce yields in current growing areas and increase commodity prices as hot temperature extremes are more frequently observed. Current adaptation possibilities to the increase in the average number of hot temperature extremes per year are limited and costly, but adaptation to higher year-to-year variability can easily be achieved through higher storage levels. Finally, weather shocks are not only confined to the areas they hit but have significant spillovers: weather shocks over agricultural areas around the world are a significant predictor of asylum applications to the European Union.
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| 11/27/2017 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
TACKLING CLIMATE RISK IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
Mackenzie Huffman, JPMorgan Chase
Abstract
Abstract
The financial sector has become increasingly focused on the potential financial implications of climate change for loan and investment portfolios, including how companies are positioning themselves to manage risks and capitalize on opportunities. In early 2016, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) established the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to develop recommendations to guide voluntary disclosure of information about climate-related financial risks and opportunities. Efforts to operationalize these recommendations have led to a number of questions and challenges around how to best quantify and model the potential effects of climate change for financial institutions. The talk will provide background on the development of the TCFD’s recommendations, discuss the goals of the recommendations, and outline how financial institutions are thinking about implementation.
Mackenzie Huffman is a Vice President in JPMorgan Chase’s Sustainable Finance group, which collaborates across the firm and with clients to advance best practices in sustainability, develop strategies and financing opportunities, and share knowledge and insights on trends in sustainability and finance. In this role she covers sustainability reporting efforts, monitors industry and policy trends, and engages with stakeholders on sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Mackenzie was the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality where she helped to coordinate environmental policy across federal government agencies. She began her career at the Department of Energy where she served in several roles focusing on clean energy finance and national laboratory policy. In these positions she also helped to coordinate strategy and communication across the departmental offices and councils advising the Secretary of Energy. Mackenzie holds a Bachelor’s degree in history and biology from Saint Olaf College.
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| 12/18/2017 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
INVESTING IN CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
Bruce Usher, Columbia University
Mark Townsend Cox, New Energy Fund, LP
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| 01/22/2018 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
PORTFOLIO INVESTING TOWARD A 2° WORLD
Stanislas Dupré, 2 Degrees Investing Initiative
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| 02/12/2018 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
Reconciling the deep end of "impact" with investments at scale for traditional returns
Andrea Armeni, Transform Finance and New York University
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| 03/05/2018 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
Corporate Governance and Sustainable Investment
Ailsa Röell, Columbia University
Abstract
Abstract
This talk will examine corporate governance issues arising in the context of sustainable investment, such as the effectiveness of shareholder engagement (“voice”) versus divestment (“exit”), and frame and review the available economic research.
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| 04/09/2018 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
the application of natural capital and ecosystem service valuation by the finance sector // REDD+ project financing in developing countries
Jeffrey Potent, Columbia University
Abstract
Abstract
A presentation on the application of natural capital and ecosystem service valuation by the finance sector (banking, investment and insurance)
Eron Bloomgarden, Climate and Forest Capital and Columbia University
Abstract
Abstract
REDD+ refers to the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the fostering of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The REDD+ presentation will include introduction of an innovative REDD+ financing mechanism, the REDD+ Acceleration Fund (RAF) under development by Climate and Forest Capital in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and funded by the Packard and Rockefeller Foundations. REDD+ projects not only mitigate climate change, but also serve to support sustainable forest management, protect water resources, reduce flooding and soil erosion, protect streams and rivers, and aid communities dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods and traditional ways of life — in essence, supporting a vast array of critical ecosystem services. The RAF approach has the potential to be applied to markets for these and other environmental services.
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| 05/07/2018 |
Faculty House, Columbia University
7:00 PM |
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