To combat climate change, it is important to understand developments of and relationships between climate data, such as greenhouse gas emissions and temperature. Econometric methods could be of great value in this process, but they are often not accessible for climate researchers and they are not always directly applicable to climate data. With her research, Friedrich, assistant professor of Econometrics, wants to make econometric methods more accessible and suitable for climate research.
“Climate researchers trying to use econometric tools currently face two challenges,” says Friedrich. “Firstly, not all analytical tools are suitable for climate data. Secondly, these methods are often not publicly accessible.” Friedrich will solve these issues by developing a new method for the analysis of relationships that are subject to structural change, such as climate change, and by making existing methods available through open-source and user-friendly software.
Applying econometrics in climate sciences opens endless opportunities. “To give one example: together with colleagues from the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), I will study the relationship between crop yields and climate variables, and how this relationship changes as a result of climate change. That is important to know with regards to food security.”
Another example is Friedrich’s research into the greenhouse gas ethane, for which they collaborate with geophysicists. They are keen to expand that collaboration in the future. “By working together, we can learn from each other and create synergies,” says Friedrich. The research aims to understand global developments in atmospheric ethane, mostly caused by humans through oil and gas production. “Knowing how ethane behaves in the atmosphere over time will also give a better picture of the fraction of the greenhouse gas methane which is caused by humans.”
About the Veni Grant
The NWO Veni grant, of up to 320.000 euros, is awarded to excellent researchers who have recently obtained their PhD, to conduct independent research and develop their ideas for a period of three years. Laureates are at the start of their scientific career and display a striking talent for scientific research.
Two researchers of VU School of Business and Economics have secured a Veni grant during this round. Econometrician Etienne Wijler will use his research grant to explore new methods which scientists can use to analyse very large datasets for climate research, amongst others.