The document stresses that “we are far off course” and that “grim prospects” lie ahead if greener growth is not actively pursued.
It notes however that tackling climate change would only slow world GDP growth by 0.2%, which is lower than the cost of inaction.
24 November 2011: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a preview of the climate change messages found in the 2012 “OECD’s Environmental Outlook to 2050,” which prompted OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría to warn governments that negotiations must speed up to meet internationally-agreed climate goals.
The document, “Key Findings on Climate Change,” stresses that “we are far off course” and that “grim prospects” lie ahead if greener growth is not actively pursued. It notes, however, that tackling climate change would only slow world GDP growth by 0.2%, which is lower than the cost of inaction. The document first considers current trends and projections before moving into a conversation on how to avoid catastrophic climate change, followed by policy steps to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy including a sector by sector chart of adaptation policy instruments.
The complete Outlook report will be published in March 2012 and will include chapters on: socio-economic developments, climate change, biodiversity, water, and health and environment. [OECD Press Release] [Publication: OECD’s Environmental Outlook to 2050: Key Findings on Climate Change]