Socioeconomic Impacts of Mesoscale Weather Systems and Regional Scale Climate Variations

The primary goal of this CIMMS thematic area is to estimate the socioeconomic impacts and values of mesoscale weather systems and regional-scale climate variations in central and eastern North America and Japan and parts of Australia and Africa, in order to facilitate the mitigation (enhancement) of the adverse (beneficial) impacts. A continuing component of this work makes extensive use of climate scenarios and economic models, and is performed in collaboration with agricultural economists and social scientists. It is also complemented by a research thrust that is addressing a spectrum of weather- and climate-related disaster issues.  This area offers the opportunity to forge an alliance between academic programs and real-world implementations with organizations such as the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).  This type of alliance would ultimately lead to more effective disaster preparedness, assessment, mitigation, education, and recovery, and would serve as a vehicle for shared NOAA/private industry funding of weather- and climate-related disaster research.