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ProClim introduces the latest scientific findings regarding climate change to political and public discussion. The forum provides a network for the scientific and political communities and society as a whole, thus contributing to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient Switzerland.more

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  • 2014
  • Report

Better Growth - Better Climate

The New Climate Economy Report of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate

The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate was set up to examine whether it is possible to achieve lasting economic growth while also tackling the risks of climate change. Its report seeks to inform economic decision-makers in both public and private sectors, many of whom recognise the serious risks caused by climate change, but also need to tackle more immediate concerns such as jobs, competitiveness and poverty. The report brings together evidence and analysis, learning from the practical experience of countries, cities and businesses across the world.

Executive Summary: Better Growth - Better Climate

The key findings of the report are:

  • Countries at all levels of income now have the opportunity to build lasting economic growth at the same time as reducing the immense risks of climate change.
  • The next 15 years will be critical, as the global economy undergoes a deep structural transformation.
  • The next 15 years of investment will also determine the future of the world’s climate system.
  • Future economic growth does not have to copy the high-carbon, unevenly distributed model of the past.
  • Well-designed policies can make growth and climate objectives mutually reinforcing in both the short and medium term.
  • Consistent, credible, long-term policy signals are crucial.
  • The quality of growth matters, as well as its rate.
  • Managed well, the additional investments in infrastructure needed to make the transition to a low- carbon economy will be modest.
The report proposes a 10-point Global Action Plan of key recommendations:
  1. Accelerate low-carbon transformation by integrating climate into core economic decision- making processes.
  2. Enter into a strong, lasting and equitable international climate agreement
  3. Phase out subsidies for fossil fuels and agricultural inputs, and incentives for urban sprawl
  4. Introduce strong, predictable carbon prices
  5. Substantially reduce capital costs for low-carbon infrastructure investments
  6. Scale up innovation in key low-carbon and climate- resilient technologies
  7. Make connected and compact cities the preferred form of urban development
  8. Stop deforestation of natural forests by 2030
  9. Restore at least 500 million hectares of lost or degraded forests and agricultural lands by 2030
  10. Accelerate the shift away from polluting coal-fired power generation

Categories

  • Mitigation
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