R. Jisung Park, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World," dives into the subtle yet significant impacts of climate change. He discusses how wildfires affect public health and economic stability, stressing the importance of reframing this crisis for better policy responses. The conversation also reveals the unexpected ways climate change influences education and workplace safety, highlighting how heat can impair student performance and pose risks for outdoor workers.
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Quick takeaways
The unseen health impacts of climate change, such as air pollution from wildfires, highlight the importance of recognizing its broader consequences beyond immediate disasters.
Government intervention is essential for establishing market signals to reduce emissions, fostering public engagement through economic understanding of climate issues.
Deep dives
Hidden Costs of Climate Change
The discussion emphasizes that the impacts of climate change often extend beyond the immediate, visible consequences like wildfires and storms. Researchers reveal that while the flames from wildfires are destructive, the hidden costs associated with the resulting air pollution may be even more severe. For instance, estimates suggest that thousands may die annually due to health issues linked to wildfire smoke, overshadowing the fatalities directly caused by the fire itself. This notion challenges conventional thinking about climate-related disasters, urging a broader understanding of the pervasive and insidious effects of a warming world.
Economic Implications and the Slow Burn
Climate change is presented as a 'slow burn' crisis, highlighting its gradual degradation of quality of life rather than immediate catastrophe. This perspective allows for a nuanced understanding that the repercussions of climate change are subtle yet significant, affecting areas such as education and workplace safety. For example, studies indicate that students' test scores can drop significantly on hot exam days, demonstrating the far-reaching impacts of elevated temperatures. Additionally, heightened temperatures expose workers in various industries to increased risks of accidents and health issues, showcasing how climate change can undermine everyday life.
Role of Government and Public Awareness
The discussion touches on the essential role of government in addressing climate change through policy and economic management. Government intervention is critical in establishing the proper market signals necessary for reducing emissions, thereby mitigating climate change's effects. Challenges remain regarding how to effectively communicate the gravity of climate issues to the public, particularly when economic concerns dominate political conversations. By linking climate change to everyday economic experiences, there may be opportunities to foster greater public engagement and inspire action toward more sustainable practices.
What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg Audience Survey https://bit.ly/48b5Rdn Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. R. Jisung Park, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses his book Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World. Hosts: Tim Stenovec and Katie Greifeld. Producer: Paul Brennan.