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The U.S. Economy in WWII as a Model for Coping with Climate Change

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  • Hugh Rockoff

    (Rutgers Department of Economics)

Abstract

During World War II the United States rapidly transformed its economy to cope with a wide range of scarcities, such as shortfalls in the amounts of ocean shipping, aluminum, rubber, and other raw materials needed for the war effort. This paper explores the mobilization to see whether it provides lessons about how the economy could be transformed to meet scarcities produced by climate change or other environmental challenges. It concludes that the success of the United States in overcoming scarcities during World War II without a major deterioration in living standards provides a basis for optimism that environmental challenges can be met, but that the unique political consensus that prevailed during the war limits the practical usefulness of the wartime model.

Suggested Citation

  • Hugh Rockoff, 2016. "The U.S. Economy in WWII as a Model for Coping with Climate Change," Departmental Working Papers 201609, Rutgers University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:rut:rutres:201609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vernon, J. R., 1994. "World War II Fiscal Policies and the End of the Great Depression," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 54(4), pages 850-868, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    World War II; Climate Change; Infrastructure;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N4 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation

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