Climate variability and water infrastructure
Subtitle: historical experience in the Western United States
By: Zeynep K. Hansen, Gary D. Libecap, Scott E. Lowe.
Contributors: Lowe, Scott E.; Libecap, Gary D.; National Bureau of Economic Research.
Series: NBER working paper series -- working paper 15558; Working paper series (National Bureau of Economic Research : Online) -- working paper no. 15558.
Publisher: National Bureau of Economic Research
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Description: "Greater historical perspective is needed to enlighten current debate about future human responses to higher temperatures and increased precipitation variation.  We analyze the impact of climatic conditions and variability on agricultural production in five semi-arid western states.  We assemble county-level data on dams and other major water infrastructure; agricultural crop mixes and yields; precipitation and temperature; soil quality, and topography.  Using this extensive data set, we analyze the impact of water infrastructure investments on crop mix and yields in affected counties relative to similarly-endowed counties that lack such infrastructure.  We find that water infrastructure smoothes agricultural crop production and increases the likelihood of a successful harvest, especially during times of severe drought or excessive precipitation"--National Bureau of Economic Research web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 12/22/2009.

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