Former Asian Development Bank Official to Discuss Economic Impact of Climate Change
Sept. 22, 2017
Dr. Vinod Thomas, who earned a master’s degree in economics from WMU in 1971 and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago in 1974, will speak beginning at 4 p.m. in 2028 Brown Hall. President Emeritus Dr. John Dunn will offer introductory marks. The event, which is free and open to the public, will conclude with a reception and light refreshments from 5 to 6 p.m. in 3025 Brown Hall.
The panel discussion will focus on the subject of Thomas’ most recent book, “Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Transforming Economies and Policies for a Sustainable Future.” WMU faculty and climate experts, including Dr. Paul Clements (political science), Dr. Lisa Dechano-Cook (geography), Dr. Duane Hampton (geosciences), and Dr. Carson Reeling (economics, environment and sustainability), will address the global increase in natural disasters as well as their impact on the economy.
VINOD THOMAS
Thomas is the former director general of independent evaluation at Asian Development Bank. He led the team that assesses ADB’s development effectiveness and was responsible for evaluating policies and thematic issues at the company’s regional, national and sector levels.
Prior to that, Thomas served in several capacities at the World Bank, retiring in 2011 as director general and senior vice president of the Independent Evaluation Group.
Thomas’ expertise includes knowledge sharing and training, trade policy, macroeconomic adjustment, macrosectoral links, environmental policy, agricultural policy, urban economics and poverty measures. He is the author of numerous books, articles and reports and has also served as a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore and Asian Institute of Management.
This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Economics and the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability. For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.