The Real Challenge of Climate Change

Abstract:     
Climate change is confirmed by a global scientific consensus. Although no serious disagreement about whether climate change exists, deep controversy remains about what should be done about its many harmful effects. These effects are wide-ranging and include, for example, the increasing threat to coastal wetlands from rising sea levels, the greater likelihood of droughts harming agricultural production, and the spread of tropical diseases (Pachauri and Reisinger 2008). One further effect is the increasing risk of triggering an environmental catastrophe, such as an ice age, that might result in major loss of human lives.

Keywords: cimate change, adaptation, mitigation, environmental justice, Polluter Pays, Environmental Footprint, sustainability

JEL Classification: K00, K10, K32, Q10 Q20

Accepted Paper Series