The Persistent Pay Gap between Easterners and Westerners in Germany: A Quarter-Century after Reunification

Authors: Heather Dickey & Alessa M. Widmaier
Journal: Papers in Regional Science, 2021
Recognition: Winner of the Martin Beckmann RSAI Annual Award for Best Paper
Abstract: This paper provides an econometric analysis of persistent regional wage disparities in post-reunification Germany, exploring structural factors that sustain economic divides despite decades of integration.

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Out of the Woods? The Long-Term Costs of Biodiversity Loss for Brazil’s Agricultural Sector

Authors: Alessa Widmaier (submition-ready)
Summary:
Quantifies economic impacts of declining biodiversity on Brazil’s agriculture, providing policy and investment insights into sustainability risks and future productivity scenarios.

The Political Economy of Forest Loss

Authors: Toke Aidt, Tiago Cavalcanti, Christopher Rauh, Sergio Sakurai & Alessa Widmaier (in progress)
Summary:
Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, vital for biodiversity and climate regulation, has lost 17% of its area due to agriculture and logging. This deforestation fuels global emissions and harms local communities. The project investigates whether voters punish mayors for forest loss, using satellite and election data, surveys, and information treatments. It aims to inform policies that improve local accountability and forest conservation, aligning with the Keynes Fund’s focus on tackling market failures like climate change. 

Natural, Social, and Financial Capitals

Authors: O. Karakas, A. Tonetto, & Alessa Widmaier (in progress)
Summary:
Explores interdependencies between natural, social, and financial capital, offering insights into sustainable investment frameworks and resilience in face of environmental stressors.