Articles tagged with Climate Policy
The report identifies eight categories of transition risk, including economic, financial, societal, environmental, technological, energy-related, geopolitical, and corporate. Policymakers and researchers need to grapple with the complex interconnections that tie these risks together.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the benefits to health if countries adopt climate plans consistent with the Paris Agreement. Adopting such policies could save up to 6.4 million lives due to better diet, cleaner air, and increased exercise per year across nine countries.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that carbon pricing is a more efficient way to address climate change than regulations and bans. The study highlights the economic benefits of Pigouvian taxation, which can help maximize welfare while minimizing negative externalities.
Former UNFCCC leaders call for effective implementation, ambitious targets, and concrete strategies to avoid dangerous climate change and meet the 1.5°C temperature increase threshold
Researchers assessed the impact of international border policy on migration flows and climate change exposure from 2015 to 2100. They found that most migrants move to areas experiencing less severe climate change impacts when allowed to migrate.
A new study by UC Davis researchers incorporates natural capital into climate change cost models, revealing large implications for climate policy. The authors found that the social cost of carbon is likely too low, and rapid mitigation of climate damage to natural systems is warranted.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that consumers across the US and Europe prefer a constant-cost plan to fund climate action, reducing opposition compared to ramp-up approaches. The constant-cost plan also encourages energy reduction over time, even with high average household costs.
Researchers report that RCP8.5 agrees with historical carbon dioxide emissions to within 1%, suggesting its continued use in climate assessments. The scenario is consistent with expected outcomes of current and announced policies through 2050, indicating its value for climate planning.
The RCP 8.5 scenario is the most appropriate for assessing climate change impacts by 2050 due to its close agreement with historical emissions and current policies. This scenario tracks within 1% of actual emissions, making it a useful tool for informing societal decisions on climate issues.
A USask-led partnership has been awarded $2.5 million to increase climate change education, training, and public awareness globally. The six-year Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education project will develop a standard set of quality education indicators and train students and policy makers.
Researchers propose sub-national climate clubs as an alternative to the UNFCCC, which has faced logistical limitations and voluntary action issues. The 'climate club' model offers exclusive trade benefits and penalties on imports from non-members to encourage participation.
A CMAJ editorial argues that Canada's government should adopt a holistic approach to address climate change, health, and taxes. The author suggests that framing these issues together can help people understand and support practical policies aimed at stalling climate change.
A new study finds that conservatives who report personal harm from extreme weather events, such as wildfires or floods, are more likely to support climate change mitigation policies. The study surveyed over 1,600 residents in communities affected by extreme weather events and found a significant link between reported harm and support f...
The UN Climate Action Summit emphasizes the need to address climate change's global health emergency. IDSA urges leaders to invest in monitoring and preparedness for infectious disease threats, including vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
A new study proposes a novel scenario framework for climate policy, focusing on capping global warming at a maximum level with either temperature stabilization or reversal. This approach addresses the limitations of current scenarios, which prioritize reaching specific climate goals in 2100 over long-term negative effects.
A new study reveals that households in Europe will increasingly rely on air conditioners to adapt to climate change, generating more greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows that household wealth, presence of elderly family members, and environmental awareness are crucial factors in deciding to install AC.
The G20 leaders should focus on increasing funding for low- and middle-income nations to address the impacts of climate change, wars, and nationalism. The authors argue that increased domestic funding is needed to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote universal health coverage.
A groundbreaking study quantifies the impact of lobbying on climate policy enactment, finding that firms expecting losses benefited from lobbying efforts and reduced the bill's chances by 13 percentage points.
A study by IIASA researchers and colleagues finds that stringent climate policies could negatively impact food security, threatening 130-280 million people with hunger in 2050. However, smart and inclusive policy designs can mitigate these risks at a modest cost of 0-0.46% GDP.
A new study published in Geosphere investigates how scientists perceive interactions with policy makers, revealing five distinct models: a beacon, collaborator, educator, outcast, and investigator. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding individual perspectives to effectively engage scientists in policy decisions.
A new European study suggests that individuals can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making voluntary lifestyle changes, such as eating less meat and using fewer cars. However, the authors argue that these changes alone are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C, highligh...
A new policy perspective published in Science warns that a ten-year delay in emissions reductions could negate natural climate solutions' benefits. Natural climate solutions like forest enhancement and carbon sequestration are not enough to meet the Paris Agreement's goals without rapid mitigation efforts.
A new study emphasizes the importance of behavioral policies in encouraging the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, citing consumer preferences and climate policies as key factors. The research suggests that a combination of policies can increase the market share of low-carbon vehicles to over 25% by 2050.
A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that urban water conservation policies are closely tied to a city's political leaning, with left-leaning cities adopting stronger water-saving measures. This finding suggests that water conservation may be more politicized than previously thought, and could have important implica...
A team of Cambridge researchers has identified four key challenges in communicating policy options, including the need to balance detail and comprehensibility. They found that existing materials often oversimplify or overcomplicate issues, making it difficult for policymakers and citizens to make informed decisions.
A new study suggests that the global economy is facing a potential $1-4 trillion loss in fossil fuel assets, regardless of climate policies. The 'carbon bubble' is expected to burst due to declining demand for fossil fuels and technological advancements in low-carbon technologies.
The Tyler Prize honors the groundbreaking research of Dr. Falkowski, which reveals the critical role of tiny phytoplankton in solving climate change. Dr. McCarthy's leadership in global policy initiatives has informed significant climate change policies.
A new analysis by George Washington University researchers finds that health concerns are cited in a minority of climate lawsuits but may have critical potential for protecting communities. The study suggests that including health benefits in climate litigation could catalyze effective policy-making.
A new MIT study estimates that China's climate policy would improve air quality and human health, saving $339 billion in health costs by 2030. The researchers used a new modeling approach to simulate the effects of different policy scenarios on provincial air quality and public health.
Policies such as ecological restoration and improved crop residue management have contributed to increased carbon sequestration in China. China's distribution and magnitude of carbon pools vary in response to climate change and human activities.
Researchers found that making faraway climate impacts feel closer to people does not necessarily translate into greater policy support. Participants who viewed a smaller map of the Maldives and the US judged the distance as shorter, but their policy support for climate change remained the same.
Oceanographers Paul Falkowski and James J. McCarthy have been awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for their decades-long efforts to understand and communicate the impacts of climate change. Their research, focusing on marine ecosystems and nutrient cycles, has significantly advanced our understanding of hu...
A new study finds that substantial carbon pricing can lead to substantial divestment from coal, resulting in reduced emissions. The 'green paradox' effect is overcome when investors anticipate strong future climate policies, suggesting a more effective strategy for reducing emissions.
A recent study reveals substantial differences in climate change views between Republican elites and their party members, with only a quarter of Republicans believing human-caused climate change. The research also finds that Republican support for climate policies varies by state, with Southern Florida showing strong backing for regula...
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Matto Mildenberger finds substantial differences in Republican and Democratic climate change views across different states and congressional districts. The research reveals varied opinions among Republicans on issues like climate policies, renewable energy, and carbon regulations, despite part...
The article examines how science influenced policy debates on climate change, highlighting the role of institutions in connecting scientists to decision makers. Climate change is one of humanity's greatest threats, with the scientific community playing a central role in understanding its nature and assessing options for addressing it.
A new study finds that reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect future generations from environmental destruction could save tens of billions of dollars annually, especially in wealthier countries. By valuing human population differently, policymakers can make more informed decisions about climate policy.
A Cornell University study reveals that labels matter in accepting climate science, with climate change being viewed as more real than global warming. Despite this, 65% of Republicans acknowledge global warming's existence.
A new study finds that Amazon River carbon dioxide emissions are nearly balanced by terrestrial uptake, with significant implications for global climate policy. The research reveals that the Amazon Basin emits almost 50% more CO2 than previously estimated.
Researchers argue that current measurements like global warming potential mask the effects of greenhouse gases over different timescales. A new approach recognizing both 20- and 100-year time scales could provide clarity to climate change policy analyses and avoid misleading debates.
Researchers developed a novel network-based climate stress-test methodology to assess climate risks in investments portfolios, considering policy scenarios. Combined exposures of financial investors' equity portfolios to climate-policy relevant sectors are large, amplifying risk through indirect exposures.
A new study proposes 'agrowth' as a middle ground between pro-growth and anti-growth policies, aiming to reduce resistance to climate policies. The research suggests that adaptation to climate change can be achieved through flexible economic strategies, rather than relying solely on growth.
A new study suggests that science curiosity can reduce polarization on contentious issues like climate change and fracking. Curious individuals are more willing to engage with surprising information that challenges their political predispositions, leading to a decrease in partisan divide.
A recent study warns that the Paris Agreement's long-term success depends on well-designed and functioning monitoring systems. Europe's experience with national climate policies offers valuable insights into the challenges of monitoring climate policies, including political concerns over costs and perceived usefulness of information.
New research reveals EU's transport sector faces significant challenges in achieving emission reduction targets. The study highlights a lack of ambition and internal disagreement over responsibility, as well as scarcity of data and bias towards industry interests.
Americans have divided views on climate change causes, cures, and scientist trust; liberal Democrats generally support science role in policy. Moderate views exist on individual actions to reduce climate change.
Researchers from NYU and Duke University found that 80% of Americans live in counties with more favorable weather conditions since the 1970s. However, future climate change projections suggest that nearly 90% of the US public will experience less pleasant weather by the end of the century due to rising temperatures.
Researchers found that a person's preconceived ideas, shaped by socialization and politics, influence their views on climate protection. Economic justifications and personal aspects like health do not sway skeptics, highlighting the need for comprehensive communication strategies.
A new study warns that stringent climate policies could limit the adoption of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, putting millions at risk. The study found that without targeted subsidies, increasing carbon prices would disproportionately harm energy access goals.
A new model predicts that climate change impacts will worsen income growth for the poor, leading to a more unequal distribution of wealth. The researchers recommend lenient or sharp increases in carbon prices to mitigate these effects and protect vulnerable populations.
The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) represent a 'bottom up' approach to climate management, with countries setting their own emissions reduction targets. Fawcett and colleagues found that INDCs can help reduce the probability of worst levels of temperature change until 2100 and limit global warming to 2?C.
The International Year of Global Understanding aims to foster smart policies by promoting better understanding of local impacts on the global. Activities include research projects, educational programmes, and information campaigns to translate scientific insight into sustainable lifestyles.
A study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel reveals an essential mechanism underlying the politics of climate change. The research shows that certain climate policies, like transportation fuel subsidies, contain asymmetries that benefit a smaller group at the expense of most people.
Targeted green industry policies offer concrete benefits to firms and households, spurring decarbonization trends. Effective sequence of policy implementation is key, with broad carbon taxes following initial targeted measures.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley suggest that promoting clean energy can help build key political coalitions. By providing benefits through green industrial policies, such as subsidies and tax rebates, policymakers can create stronger coalitions for decarbonizing energy systems.
Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs) are a policy framework that addresses the bind between climate science and political reality. By implementing a quantity-based energy quota system, TEQs offers an equitable and expeditious way to bridge the gulf between climate ambition and public support.
Researchers found that echo chambers in U.S. climate policy networks contribute to the persistence of climate change denial despite scientific consensus. The study suggests that individuals who rely on limited sources of information from like-minded viewpoints may be misled about the dominant perspective.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers suggests that setting a high carbon tax can help delay the likelihood of irreparable climate change damages and trigger future tipping points. By applying an insurance premium to carbon emissions, policymakers can mitigate the prospect of abrupt changes in the climate system.
A group of economists and lawyers recommend updating the Social Cost of Carbon estimate every five years to incorporate the latest research, ensuring its reliability. The authors argue that a single estimate should be maintained and shared by all government agencies to provide consistent climate policies.
A new study by the American Meteorological Society identifies four categories of climate change risk management: mitigation, adaptation, geoengineering, and knowledge-base expansion. The research provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to develop effective strategies for managing climate change risks.