Responding to Threats of Climate Change Mega-Catastrophes

There is a low but uncertain probability that climate change could trigger “mega-catastrophes,” severe and at least partly irreversible adverse effects across broad regions. This paper first discusses the state of current knowledge and the defining characteristics of potential climate change mega-catastrophes. While some of these characteristics present difficulties for using standard rational choice methods to evaluate response options, there is still a need to balance the benefits and costs of different possible responses with appropriate attention to the uncertainties. To that end, we present a qualitative analysis of three options for mitigating the risk of climate mega-catastrophes—drastic abatement of greenhouse gas missions, development and implementation of geoengineering, and large-scale ex ante adaptation— against the criteria of efficacy, cost, robustness, and flexibility. We discuss the composition of a sound portfolio of initial investments in reducing the risk of climate change mega-catastrophes.climate change, catastrophe, risk, decisionmaking under uncertainty

Responding to Threats of Climate Change Mega-Catastrophes

There is a low but uncertain probability that climate change could trigger "mega-catastrophes," severe and at least partly irreversible adverse effects across broad regions. This paper first discusses the state of current knowledge and the defining characteristics of potential climate change mega-catastrophes. While some of these characteristics present difficulties for using standard rational choice methods to evaluate response options, there is still a need to balance the benefits and costs of different possible responses with appropriate attention to the uncertainties. To that end, we present a qualitative analysis of three options for mitigating the risk of climate mega-catastrophes--drastic abatement of greenhouse gas emissions, development and implementation of geoengineering, and large-scale ex ante adaptation--against the criteria of efficacy, cost, robustness, and flexibility. We discuss the composition of a sound portfolio of initial investments in reducing the risk of climate change mega-catastrophes.

Scopes: From Stethoscope to Microscope - To the Scope of the College, Annual Report 2015

Topics of articles in this issue of 'Scopes include: Deans Message: Foundations for the future (Lorin D. Warnick);Tribute to [Michael I.] Kotlikoff: The Veterinary College Visionary; Learning: DVM Program; NatGeoWILD: Vet School; Continuing Education; Hiring in Hong Kong; Capital Expansion; Care: Clinical Trials at CUHA; Off to the Races; CUVS Success; Gimme Shelter; Animal Health Diagnostic Center (Ned Place); Discovery: Canine Influenza Investigation (Amy Glaser, Edward Dubovi); Impact: Engaging with Apes an Rhinos (Robin Radcliffe); Engaged Cornell; The Veterinarian from Down the Street (Matt Antoniak); Alumni, Donors, Friends; Financials; Remembering Emeritus Dean George Poppensiek (1918-2015)

CBRN Threats and the Economic Analysis of Terrorism

The aim of this paper is to investigate the economic aspects of CBRN threats. For this purpose, the extent to which this topic is reflected in freely-accessible academic literature and the costs associated with such threats will be assessed. Furthermore, it is to be determined which industries have a particular interest in security against such CBRN threats.

Research and education for the development of integrated crop-livestock-fish farming systems in the tropics

There is a vast potential for Asia's numerous and needy small-scale farmers to enjoy the benefits of integration of aquaculture into farming systems. This publication attempts to create a framework for an interdisciplinary approach to research and education in integrated farming - a fusion of agriculture and aquaculture sciences.Integrated farming, Research, Education, Tropics