Tues., July 15, 2025: AGI Seminar “The demographic transition and stagnation in countries vulnerable to climate change” (online) [finished]

We invite researchers engaged in studies on Asia to present at our AGI Seminars. We look forward to your participation!

* This online seminar is free to attend, and the details are as follows:

Date and Time

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (JST)
*A question-and-answer session is scheduled at the end of the presentation.

Presenter

Nguyen Thang DAO, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Roehampton, London, UK

Title

The demographic transition and stagnation in countries vulnerable to climate change

Abstract

Climate change, environmental degradation, and high population growth can trap Sub-Saharan Africa in prolonged economic stagnation. We develop a novel theoretical framework showing how climate-induced resource depletion increases women’s time spent collecting essentials like water and firewood, reducing investment in girls’ education. This perpetuates gender inequality in education and income, slowing fertility decline and reinforcing population growth. A larger population further degrades resources, creating a feedback loop of stagnation. Empirical analysis of 44 African countries (1960 – 2017) supports these findings, revealing adverse climate effects on local resources and education gaps. Addressing these interconnected challenges is critical to breaking the stagnation cycle and fostering sustainable development.

Language

English presentation and material(s)

Presenter Biography

I am a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Economics at the University of Roehampton London. My research focuses on Economic Growth, Demographic Economics, and Environmental & Resource Economics. I study how climate change-induced environmental degradation, gender inequality, and high population growth contribute to long-term economic stagnation in climate-vulnerable countries. I also explore anthropogenic tipping points in coupled human–natural systems, emphasizing how user heterogeneity—especially through the “effort-sorting effect”—intensifies resource depletion as abundance declines. My broader work combines theoretical modeling and empirical analysis to understand development challenges at the intersection of demography, environment, and inequality.