My columns, essays, books, as well as research and teaching materials like case studies.
Just as the broader European economy depends heavily on Germany, the continent's industrial powerhouse, Germany's own economy depends on access to affordable power. With geopolitical and climate conditions requiring an urgent transition to renewables, the task now is to develop a politically viable energy strategy.
Columbia Business School Case
Columbia Business School Case
The next climate disaster is sure to come. When and where is the question
Combining public priorities with private investments is the key to climate action – but speed is of the essence
Financial Times business school teaching case study
Financial Times business school teaching case study
by Mark Freeman, Ben Groom, Frikk Nesje, and Gernot Wagner
Although US President-elect Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans give climate advocates plenty to worry about, all hope is not lost. Clean-energy technologies still have decisive physical advantages over the alternatives, and economic common sense will eventually win out.
On climate and especially environmental policy, the return of Donald Trump to the White House is clearly bad news. But the outlook is uncertain, because Trump has sent mixed signals about the kinds of policy changes he might pursue, and it remains to be seen what effect he can have on broader technological and market trends.
Financial Times business school teaching case study
The Austrian capital has been spared the worst of recent flooding. Its experience could be a lesson in how to tackle the climate crisis
Es gibt handfeste Gründe dafür, effizienten Technologien zum Durchbruch zu verhelfen.
Economists have long insisted that the only way to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases rapidly and at scale is to put a price on them. But while that is true, the key to a successful, politically sustainable climate policy is to ensure that the benefits precede the costs.
Going, Going, Gone?
by Gernot Wagner & Conor Walsh
Improving energy efficiency is not enough for advocates of degrowth, who espouse energy sufficiency as the best way to fight climate change. But their argument is absurd: using limited inputs more efficiently is the definition of economic productivity – which, in turn, boosts growth.
by Gernot Wagner & Shang-Jin Wei
Even if Donald Trump defeats President Joe Biden and tries to take a wrecking ball to US climate and environmental policies, he ultimately would be powerless to derail the inevitable renewables revolution that is gaining momentum worldwide. His anti-climate agenda would be another wall that never gets built.
