Fri., April 25, 2025: Staff Seminar “Reducing Health Risks from Extreme Temperatures in the Elderly: The Role of Solar Photovoltaics” (online)

We regularly hold Staff Seminars for research presentations and information exchanges among AGI Researchers.

*This seminar will be online and free of charge.

*Please refer to the following for details.

Date and Time

Friday, April 25, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
*A question-and-answer session is scheduled at the end of the presentation.

Presenter

Dr. Yi-Chun KO, Assistant Professor, AGI

Title

Reducing Health Risks from Extreme Temperatures in the Elderly: The Role of Solar Photovoltaics

Abstract

Rising extreme temperatures and escalating energy costs threaten public health by limiting households’ ability to regulate indoor climates. This study investigates whether residential solar photovoltaics (PVs) can mitigate these risks by lowering energy expenses. Using Japan’s prefecture-month-level mortality data from 2009 to 2014, we exploit the electricity price surge following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Our findings show that solar PV installation significantly reduces temperature-related health risks, particularly among the elderly. These results underscore the importance of renewable energy in enhancing climate resilience and call for policies that promote solar PV adoption to protect vulnerable populations.

Language

English presentation and material(s)

Researcher Biography

I am an assistant professor at Asian Growth Research Institute, specializing in environmental economics. I am also a visiting researcher at Tohoku University, where I collaborate on research examining the impact of climate change on Japan’s agricultural sector. My primary research focuses on the impacts of climate change on agriculture, public health, and electricity consumption, as well as exploring potential mechanisms to address these challenges. I seek ways to mitigate the economic consequences of extreme weather events, contributing to important policy recommendations for achieving a sustainable society. I earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Tohoku University.