2024 Wharton Climate Prof Showcases Faculty Climate Research
The 2024 Wharton Climate Prof packed evidence-based insights into short time slots, giving faculty just five minutes to present their latest research at the intersection of business and climate change.
Inspired by “Iron Chef” and Wharton’s own “Iron Prof,” the fast-paced October 16th event took place during Penn’s Climate Week and drew a full house of more than 150 students, alumni, and staff eager to explore cutting-edge climate research.
Hosted by Sarah E. Light, Mitchell J. Blutt and Margo Krody Blutt Presidential Professor and Faculty Co-Director of the Wharton Climate Center, the evening featured eight faculty members sharing research on topics ranging from the economics of clean energy to the role of finance in the climate transition. Presenters included Brian Berkey, Susanna Berkouwer, Sanya Carley, Daniel Garrett, Witold Henisz, Benjamin Keys, Luke Taylor, and Arthur van Benthem.
The lightning talks were followed by an engaging audience Q&A, sparking discussions on cross-disciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. The event underscored how Wharton’s expanding climate curriculum connects cutting-edge research with hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Watch the faculty research showcase below.
Associate professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics Brian Berkey talks through his argument and questions on the promise of ESG to help deal with the climate crisis.
Susanna Berkouwer, assistant professor of business economics and public policy, talks about the cost and efficiency of different green technologies, from electric vehicles to improved charcoal stoves.
Sanya Carley, professor of energy policy, discusses how residential solar reduces household energy insecurity, which is defined as when a household struggles to secure their energy needs.
Finance assistant professor Daniel Garrett discusses his research on municipal bonds, a key pathway to invest in climate resilience and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Vice dean and faculty director of the Impact, Value, and Sustainable Business Initiative Witold Henisz discusses his research on the misalignment of corporate disclosure and lobbying on environmental and social issues.
Real estate and finance professor Benjamin Keys discusses his research on property insurance and disaster risk, which leverages new evidence from mortgage escrow data.
Finance professor Luke Taylor discusses his research on carbon burden, which investigates the size of negative externalities from corporate greenhouse gas emissions.
Arthur van Benthem, professor of business economics and public policy, shares his findings on electricity pricing schemes that can help incentivize energy saving during peak hours, reducing the need for high-emitting peaker plants.