An Introduction to Natural Disaster Economics

Matthew Kahn

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: The fires in Los Angeles ignited in January 2025. I will use this shock to sketch out my main themes as I will explore the microeconomics of natural disasters as I focus on the causes and consequences of extreme weather events; including hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, extreme heat, and pollution spikes. I will ask (and sketch answers to) some tough questions: Why do these shocks cause damage? Why weren’t people, firms, and governments prepared for such shocks? What does it mean “to be ready”?

Keywords: natural disasters; adaptation; uncertainty; investment; incentives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-04-05
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