The Economics of climate change prevention: Benefits, Costs and Policy Options

Recent times have produced a subtle yet profound shift in the policy deabte over climate change. The science is not, and probably never will be settled, but there is less doubt that climate change is real and problematic and more debate about what should be done about it. Economics is certainly not the only fitler used for identifying and choosing among policy options, moral imperative, precaution, equity and political feasibility all enter in the mix. Yet, understanding how these options could affec the economy is central to the lengths we take to pursue climate action, particularly with economic concerns as heightented as they are at this time.