Why are we waiting?
Subtitle: the logic, urgency, and promise of tackling climate change
By: Nicholas Stern
Series: The Lionel Robbins lectures; Lionel Robbins lectures
Publisher: The MIT Press; MIT Press
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 406
ISBN-13: 9780262029186; 9780262529983
Subjects: Economic aspects; Climatic changes; Government policy; Environmental policy
Description: "The risks of climate change are potentially immense. The benefits of taking action are also clear: we can see that economic development, reduced emissions, and creative adaptation go hand in hand. Why, then, are we waiting? Nicholas Stern explains why, notwithstanding the great attractions of a new path, it has been so difficult to tackle climate change effectively. He argues that the risks and costs of climate change are worse than estimated in the landmark Stern Review in 2006 -- and far worse than implied by standard economic models. He reminds us that we have a choice. We can rely on past technologies, methods, and institutions -- or we can embrace change, innovation, and international collaboration. The first might bring us some short-term growth but would lead eventually to chaos, conflict, and destruction. The second could bring about better lives for all and growth that is sustainable over the long term, and help win the battle against worldwide poverty."--Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: The science : how it shapes the economics, ethics, politics, and the possible prognoses --; title: Building a new energy-industrial revolution --; title: Policies for dynamic change and transition : lessons from economic history and economic theory --; title: How some economic analyses have distorted the issues --; title: The ethics of intertemporal values and valuations --; title: Broad approaches to moral and political philosophy : converging perspectives --; title: Developments in climate action around the world  --; title: Building national and international action --; title: Equity across peoples and nations -- -- Conclusion:; title: How ideas change over time.