‘Policymakers Should Prioritise Investing in AI for Climate Adaptation’

Michael Appiah

Photo courtesy of Michael Appiah

Michael Appiah, from Ghana, is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Laboratory of Intangible-Driven Economy (IDLab) at HSE University–Perm. He recently spoke at the seminar ‘Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Climate Vulnerability: Evidence from Heterogeneous Panel Models’ about his research on ‘the interplay between artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and climate vulnerability.’ Michael told the HSE News Service about the academic journey that led him to HSE University, his early impressions of Perm, and how AI can be utilised to combat climate change.

— Tell us about yourself and your academic background.

— I am originally from Ghana, and my academic journey has been truly international, driven by a passion for understanding the forces shaping economic development.

I hold a PhD in Management Science and Engineering with a specialisation in Finance and Economics from Jiangsu University, China; an MBA in Marketing Management from the National Institute of Business Management, India; a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; and an HND in Marketing from Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana.

My dissertation and early research at Jiangsu University focused on the interplay between financial systems, technological innovation, and sustainable growth, primarily in emerging economies

This foundation led me to pursue postdoctoral positions that deepened my expertise in applied economic research; I worked at Jiangsu University's School of Management, focusing on energy economics and green finance, and I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at IDLab at HSE University–Perm.

Throughout this journey, I've built a strong record of peer-reviewed publications in journals such as the International Review of Financial Analysis and Technological Forecasting and Social Change, often examining how technologies such as AI affect financial and industrial systems. I am an applied economist who uses robust empirical methods to tackle policy-relevant questions.

— Why did you decide to join HSE University in Perm? How has the experience been?

— I joined HSE University–Perm for its strong academic reputation, supportive research environment, and unique position as a regional university with a global research outlook. The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary setting on applied economic topics was particularly compelling.

Photo courtesy of Michael Appiah

I have been working here since December 2025. My first impression was of a welcoming university with a strong research culture and a city that offers a focused, conducive environment for academic work, supported by a collaborative international community at HSE.

My current research examines the financial drivers of intangible assets, which are increasingly critical in modern, knowledge-based economies

I focus on the economics of innovation, financial development, and sustainable transitions, often with an applied policy perspective. In the coming years, I aim to deepen this work by focusing more on the macroeconomic and structural implications of the digital and green transitions, particularly in European and emerging-economy contexts.

— Tell us about the research underpinning your seminar on AI, digitalisation, and climate vulnerability.

— The research examined whether AI and digital technologies help countries mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather. This topic sits at a critical intersection: climate change is an urgent global challenge, digitalisation is spreading rapidly, and AI is emerging as a powerful tool. I wanted to investigate whether these technological trends are actually helping societies become more resilient, rather than just more connected.

We found that AI adoption clearly helps reduce climate vulnerability, especially in high-risk countries with good governance. In contrast, additional digital infrastructure (such as internet access) does not have the same direct protective effect. Digital tools provide connectivity, but AI provides intelligence—it can analyse data to predict disasters, optimise resource use during crises, and automate early-warning systems.

The shift from simply having data to actively using it for forecasting and adaptation is what makes AI uniquely impactful

The finding that digitalisation alone did not show a statistically significant direct effect suggests that building broadband and digital infrastructure, while important, is not enough on its own to reduce climate vulnerability without intelligent applications like AI to leverage that infrastructure.

Policymakers should prioritise investing in AI for climate adaptation—such as AI-powered early warning systems or smart agriculture—especially in highly vulnerable regions, rather than focusing only on expanding general digital access. Businesses, especially in sectors like insurance, agriculture, and energy, can integrate AI into their risk management and resilience planning.

Future work should examine which specific AI applications are most effective (eg predictive analytics vs. automation), study how to make AI tools accessible and affordable for low-income countries, and explore the environmental costs of AI itself to ensure a net positive impact.

— How is life in Perm?

I have found Perm to be a very calm, welcoming, and accommodating city. What I appreciate most is the peaceful environment and the strong sense of community. The only real adjustment has been the climate—coming from warmer regions, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of all four seasons, even the famously cold winters.

I’m looking forward to exploring more of Perm’s cultural landmarks and the beautiful natural landscapes of the Ural region. I haven’t visited the Opera or Ballet Theatre, but they’re on my list

In my free time, I enjoy watching films, following football matches—both live and on screen—and attending live music or entertainment shows. It’s a nice way to unwind and stay connected to global culture.

I do not yet speak Russian, but I’m in the early stages of learning. So far, I haven’t had any major miscommunications—thanks largely to the patience of colleagues and the widespread use of English at HSE.

— What are your plans for the future, both professionally and personally?

— At the moment, I am focused on publishing my ongoing work in high-impact journals, developing competitive research grant proposals, and building longer-term collaborations with international research institutions.

As for the longer term, professionally, I aim to deepen my research in the economics of innovation and sustainable transitions, with a focus on securing a long-term academic or research position where I can contribute to impactful, evidence-based economic policy. Personally, I look forward to continuing to explore new cultures, building lasting international connections, and perhaps picking up some new hobbies—maybe even learning to ski, given where I live!