Tackling climate's impact on agriculture by studying history

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About the research

As climate change shortens crop seasons and increases weather extremes, our food systems will face a lot of pressure in the future. But what if the key to adapting lies in the past? Luigi, postdoctoral researcher at VUB, is exploring how agricultural communities across Southern Europe adapted to climate shifts over the last 4 centuries. By analyzing historical weather data, tax records, and even tree rings, he uncovers how people used farming innovations, flexible sowing schedules, and market regulations to protect crops and stabilize food supplies. Luigi's research shows that history not only tells stories, but also provides tools for modern agricultural policy.

Economy
History
Agriculture
Society
Luigi Oddo
VUB

Luigi Oddo is an economist with a passion for uncovering the history of humankind's development. His research at VUB explores historical climate conditions and their impact on food production, prices, and society, focusing on Europe and China from the early modern period to the beginning of the 20th century. Passionate about long-term economic development, He investigated how key economic factors shaping the evolution of societies can inform our understanding of growth, resilience, and sustainability today.

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