Lecture by Prof. Joan Costa-i-Font (London School of Economics) on 8 January

Prof. Joan Costa-i-Font from the London School of Economics will be the guest of the first seminar of the Warsaw Economic Seminars series in the new year. The event will be devoted to the topic „Well-being effects of light pollution: Sleep, mental health, and labour outcomes”. [The abstract of the presentation is provided below.]

Prof. Joan Costa-i-Font is a distinguished economist, recognized for his work at the intersection of health and behavioural economics and political economy. His research focuses on the economics of healthy ageing and health disadvantage, including its socio-economic and political roots, long-term care financing, and the economic and behavioural determinants of health and preventive behaviours. More information about his research can be found here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/people/joan-costa-i-font

The seminar will begin at 17:00 in room B104. Remote attendance is also available. To receive a link to the meeting, please contact us at: qxafG7y3}4IHn]wvp=!r&N]#[bkQT3udo=+4*wSo!Vyu{t7

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Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects over 80% of the global population, disrupting natural light-dark cycles and impacting human health and productivity. We study the causal effect of replacing sodium streetlights with LEDs on sleep, mental health, and labor market outcomes, including employment absenteeism. Using Canadian Community Health Survey data (2010–2024) and comparing LED conversions in Burnaby versus Vancouver, we implement a regression discontinuity design at the municipal border, difference-in-differences for average treatment effects, and an event study to capture pre- and post-treatment dynamics.