Moshe Safdie is a master builder, a world leading architect who aims to address people’s social problems by designing buildings. I first met Moshe Safdie when we were recipients of the Wolf Prize. Safdie radiated the quiet authority of someone whose work speaks for itself, yet he was generous with his time and insights. He […]
“If Walls Could Speak” by Moshe Safdie -Architecture and Lessons for Economics Read More »
The circular bioeconomy aims to enhance the productivity of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries by optimizing the use of natural resources in these sectors. It emphasizes recycling residues and waste products to generate energy, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, while also enabling carbon sequestration. These efforts contribute significantly to the transition from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, to
Traveling Across Europe on the Road to a Circular Bioeconomy Read More »
Late August and early September are always good times to travel. This year, I am in Europe, where I participated in the European Agricultural Economics conference in Bonn and then travelled for two days to discover Lisbon. The Conference in Bonn The good news that I learned this summer is that agricultural economics is alive
Working at Bonn and Playing at Lisbon Read More »
Richard was arguably the leading Ag economist in the world in last quarter of the 20th to early 21st century until his retirement. He was my dissertation advisor, and a life-long friend and collaborator. On July 30th, 2025, several of his students and colleagues assembled with Richard and his family to celebrate his career. It was an emotional
In Appreciation of Richard Just Read More »
2024 was full of activity, both personal and professional. Family first. The highlight has always been meeting with our families, especially the grandchildren. Geo and Nava, our Seattle grandchildren (Shie and Leigh’s), are into sports and art. Geo is a soccer superstar who plays on multiple teams with older kids and has infinite energy and
My Annual Review 2024 Read More »
I enjoyed my recent visit to New Delhi and Jarfour in India so much that I was excited to accept an invitation to the third Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi in October 2024. I attended all three days of the Conclave and then visited Kerala in Southern India with my guide and friend Gajendra Nathgubey (+91
Learning About and Enjoying India’s Natural Resources Read More »
Our bioeconomy consortium (ICABR) returned to Ravello after five years of pandemic and meetings in Bologna and Argentina. Ravello is as charming as ever. I still enjoy climbing the steps and taking in the view, but I do it slower. Both the regulars and some new faces participated in this glorious meeting. There was a
Integrating Technology and Policy To Tackle Climate Change Under the Italian Sun Read More »
The year 2023 had a promising start. Gradually, we’ve removed the COVID-19 restrictions from the pandemic. We had a lot of rain in Berkeley, but no fires, ending the drought, and even the inflation rate declined. Yet, tragic events occurred toward the end of the year, and we are left to hope for the better.
My Annual Review 2023 Read More »
Students, friends, and colleagues have asked me about the war in Gaza. While none of my family members were hurt – people I know have been victims of the terrible attack of Hamas on October 7th. I am in a dark cloud of sorrow and helplessness. The loss of lives and the death and destruction
On Broken Dreams and The Need for Sanity in The Holyland Read More »
Last week, the first week of November 2023, I attended the 2023 World Laureate Association (WLA) meeting in Shanghai. This was the group’s first live meeting after the pandemic, and as usual, it was enjoyable and educational[1]. I enjoyed this meeting as an economist as I got exposed to the frontiers of science, where leading scholars thoroughly
The Strength of Science and the Vulnerability of Humanity Read More »