Record CO2 Emissions but Tackling Carbon Can Drive Growth

[ALEO Admin]

Greenhouse gas emissions are on course to reach a record high of over 40 billion tonnes in 2014 - compared to 32 billion tonnes in 2010 - and global carbon emissions are following the course of the worst of four scenarios identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. However, a new study titled the 'New Climate Economy' from the 'Global Commission on the Economy & Climate' aims to show political leaders how tackling climate change can improve economic growth.

The report identifies 10 steps to improve economic growth and reduce carbon emissions together:
Step 1 - Integrate climate action and risk into strategic economic decision making.
Step 2 - Enter into a strong, lasting and equitable international climate agreement.
Step 3 - Phase out subsidies for fossil fuels and agricultural inputs and remove incentives for urban sprawl
Step 4 - Introduce strong predictable and rising carbon prices
Step 5 - Reduce capital costs for low-carbon infrastructure investments
Step 6 - Scale up innovation in key low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies
Step 7 - Make connected and compact cities the preferred form of urban development
Step 8 - Halt the destruction of natural forests by 2030
Step 9 - Restore at least 500 million hectares of lost or degraded forests and agricultural lands by 2030
Step 10 - Accelerate the shift away from coal-fired power generation

The International Energy Agency (IEA) also released a report on 9 September, titled Capturing the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency, which challenges the assumption that the broader benefits of energy efficiency cannot be quantified. It shows how it is possible to move beyond qualitative assessments, providing examples of how the value of energy efficiency to the economy and society can be measured, and even monetised, and how energy efficiency has the potential to support economic growth, enhance social development, advance environmental sustainability, ensure energy-system security and help build wealth.

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http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2 ... CrMqvldXp9