Discuss this article at First Drafts, Prospect’s blog
The Stern review on the economics of climate change irrevocably altered the climate debate when it came out in October 2006. For the first time, environmentalists who had shouted loudly about the dangers of climate change were joined by an apparently hard-headed economist, commissioned by a government and with a team of 15 economic analysts and modellers at his command.
Nicholas Stern, a former World Bank chief economist, was working at the treasury when he was asked to look at the economics of climate change. The conclusion of his 700-page report—that the world must act quickly or face devastating consequences—was not new, but the language it used was. Stern presented an economic argument that rapid and affordable action now would prevent huge losses later. That in turn made it easier for politicians and business leaders to back action on climate change.
If you are a subscriber, please log in »
This article is available to subscribers only
Subscribing to Prospect is the most reliable and convenient way to receive the magazine every month, and offers the best value.Subscription Types:
Online
An online subscription offers you complete and unlimited access to the entire website, including our searchable archive of every back issue of Prospect, and a PDF edition of each new issue: all this for just £20 per year. Purchase an online subscription »Renewal
Renew an existing subscription »Institutional access
If you are a library, business organisation or any other large institution that needs a multi-user licence, you can obtain institutional access.
Share
Subscribe to post comments
Print
