BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars: Misperceptions of the dynamics of climate change and of policy instruments

BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars
“Misperceptions of the dynamics of climate change and of policy instruments”

Dr. Sanjay Sharma
Dean and Professor of Management,
Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont (USA)

Abstract

There is a wide gap between recommendations and actual reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. Decisions to reduce emissions rely on politicians and their electorates. They may have good reasons to delay initiatives, however, they may also be confused by contradictory information and they may unable to perceive consequences of neither emissions nor policy initiatives. One challenge is to consider causes of climate change in addition to observations. Another is to realize that the climate problem is coupled to the problem of fossil energy depletion. A third is to understand the consequences of delays both when it comes to effects of emissions and to development of alternative technologies. Regarding policies, one major challenge is to understand how environmental taxes work. Most misperceptions seem to bias policies towards inaction. In my analysis of misperceptions I will draw on laboratory experiments, simulation models and observations of debates and policy making.

Lecturer

Dr. Sanjay Sharma
Dean and Professor of Management,
Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont (USA)

For further information regarding Professor Moxnes and System Dynamics methodology you can visit:

– http://www.ifi.uib.no/staff/erling/
– http://www.uib.no/rg/dynamics/publications/about-system-dynamics