The Effects of Weather Shocks on Economic Activity

Abstract:

Global temperatures have increased at an unprecedented pace over the past 40 years, and significant further warming could occur. None will be spared from the negative effects of climate change. As data scientists, we are in a unique position to shed light on the projected increase in temperature and other aspects of climate change, and explore ways to cope with it. In this presentation, Evgenia and Jilun will delve into the data crunching behind the recent IMF’s World Economic Outlook, October 2017 chapter on the impact of weather shocks on economic activity. The presentation will go over historical and forecast geospatial data on temperature and precipitation from 1900 to 2100, steps to process and aggregate the data for analysis to country-year level using GIS software, and present the key findings on the channels through which economic output is affected.

Bio:

Evgenia Pugacheva is a Research Assistant in the World Economic Studies Division of the IMF's Research Department. At the IMF, she worked on issues pertaining to international trade; conflict, growth and migration; and climate change. Prior to joining the IMF, she worked at the World Bank on the World Development Report. She studied economics at the University of Maryland. She is interested in data science for public good.

Jilun Xing studied business economics and public policy at Indiana University and is currently a Research Assistant in the World Economic Studies Division of the IMF’s Research Department. The topics Jilun has been worked on at the IMF include climate change effects on economic activity and sectorial shift.

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Agenda:

• 6:30pm -- Networking and Refreshments

• 7:00pm -- Introduction, Announcements

• 7:15pm -- Presentation and Discussion

• 8:30pm -- Data Drinks (Tonic , 2036 G St NW)

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