Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Summary of Conclusions
- Part I Climate Change – Our Approach
- Part II Impacts of Climate Change on Growth and Development
- 3 How Climate Change will Affect People Around the World
- 4 Implications of Climate Change for Development
- 5 Costs of Climate Change in Developed Countries
- 6 Economic Modelling of Climate-Change Impacts
- Part III The Economics of Stabilisation
- Part IV Policy Responses for Mitigation
- Part V Policy Responses for Adaptation
- Part VI International Collective Action
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Postscript
- Technical Annex to Postscript
- Index
5 - Costs of Climate Change in Developed Countries
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2014
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Summary of Conclusions
- Part I Climate Change – Our Approach
- Part II Impacts of Climate Change on Growth and Development
- 3 How Climate Change will Affect People Around the World
- 4 Implications of Climate Change for Development
- 5 Costs of Climate Change in Developed Countries
- 6 Economic Modelling of Climate-Change Impacts
- Part III The Economics of Stabilisation
- Part IV Policy Responses for Mitigation
- Part V Policy Responses for Adaptation
- Part VI International Collective Action
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Postscript
- Technical Annex to Postscript
- Index
Summary
KEY MESSAGES
Climate change will have some positive effects for a few developed countries for moderate amounts of warming, but will become very damaging at the higher temperatures that threaten the world in the second half of this century.
In higher latitude regions, such as Canada, Russia and Scandinavia, climate change could bring net benefits up to 2 or 3°C through higher agricultural yields, lower winter mortality, lower heating requirements, and a potential boost to tourism. But these regions will also experience the most rapid rates of warming with serious consequences for biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Developed countries in lower latitudes will be more vulnerable. Regions where water is already scarce will face serious difficulties and rising costs. Recent studies suggest a 2°C rise in global temperatures may lead to a 20% reduction in water availability and crop yields in southern Europe and a more erratic water supply in California, as the mountain snowpack melts by 25 – 40%.
In the USA, one study predicts a mix of costs and benefits initially (±1% GDP), but then declines in GDP even in the most optimistic scenarios once global temperatures exceed 3°C.
The poorest will be the most vulnerable. People on lower incomes are more likely to live in poor-quality housing in higher-risk areas and have fewer financial resources to cope with climate change, including lack of comprehensive insurance cover.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Economics of Climate ChangeThe Stern Review, pp. 138 - 160Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007