Elaborations on Climate Adaptation in U.S. Agriculture

Slow progress on emission mitigation makes adaptation inevitable. Climate change affects agricultural plant growth, animal performance, pest incidence, and available irrigation water among other things. Adaptation action will occur autonomously by private individuals and through planned public actions.  A wide variety of adaptation actions are possible and a number have been observed.  Some adaptations have not occurred due to resources, incentives, or market failures. Some adaptation actions have resulted in mal-adaptations, worsening adaptation elsewhere or in the future.  Economists will have a role in facilitating adaptation by promoting the resolution of market failures and carefully evaluating projects.  This presentation will elaborate on the points made above.