Climate Change: Economic Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

This lecture discusses the severe impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on Switzerland's unique challenges and responses. It begins with a recent record heatwave in Brazil, highlighting the urgency of climate issues. The instructor explains how Switzerland is warming at twice the global average, leading to increased tropical days and reduced frost days. The economic implications of climate change for Switzerland are examined, including potential losses in tourism, agriculture, and increased mortality rates due to heatwaves. The lecture emphasizes the need for mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, detailing the costs associated with these efforts. The instructor outlines the importance of adaptation measures, such as changing agricultural practices and improving infrastructure resilience. The discussion also addresses the psychological and economic barriers to action, emphasizing the necessity for collective global efforts to combat climate change. Ultimately, the lecture advocates for proactive measures to ensure a sustainable future, despite the challenges faced by smaller nations like Switzerland.