Climate Change Policy: Facts, Issues and Analyses

by Catrinus J. Jepma , Mohan Munasinghe , Foreword by Bert Bolin , Robert Watson , James P. Bruce

• ISBN13: 9780521593144
• ISBN10: 052159314X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-11-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

There is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that humans are gradually but certainly changing the Earth's climate. In an effort to prevent further damage to the fragile atmosphere, and with the belief that action is required now, the scientific community has been prolific in its dissemination of information on climate change. Inspired by the results of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Second Assessment Report, Jepma and Munasinghe set out to create a concise, practical and compelling approach to climate change issues. They deftly explain the implications of global warming, and the risks involved in attempting to mitigate climate change. They look at how and where to start action, and what organization is needed to be able to implement the changes. This book represents a much needed synopsis of climate change and its real impacts on society. It will be an essential text for climate change researchers, policy analysts, university students studying the environment, and anyone with an interest in climate change issues.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi	(2)
Bert Bolin
Robert Watson
Foreword	xiii	(2)
James P. Bruce
Hoesung Lee
Acknowledgments	xv
1 SCOPE AND IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE	1	(52)
1.1 Overview of the Book	1	(6)
1.2 Causes of Climate Change and Present Status	7	(15)
1.3 Likely Future Changes in the Global Climate	22	(15)
1.4 Impact on Ecological and Social Systems	37	(12)
1.5 Summary and Rationale for Action	49	(1)
References	50	(3)
2 METHODOLOGICAL AND CONCEPTUAL ISSUES	53	(30)
2.1 Sustainable Development and Climate Change	53	(6)
2.2 Principal Complications	59	(2)
2.3 Uncertainty	61	(3)
2.4 Equity and Social Issues	64	(17)
2.5 Summary	81	(1)
References	81	(2)
3 DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK	83	(39)
3.1 Decision-Making Objectives and Issues	84	(4)
3.2 Framework for Decision Making	88	(31)
3.3 Summary	119	(1)
References	120	(2)
4 DECISION CRITERIA AND TOOLS	122	(38)
4.1 Choice Theory and Decision-Making Criteria	122	(5)
4.2 Cost-Benefit-Based Decision Tools	127	(9)
4.3 Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis	136	(1)
4.4 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Least-Cost Solution	137	(1)
4.5 Multicriteria Analysis	138	(8)
4.6 Decision Analysis	146	(7)
4.7 Integrated Assessment	153	(4)
4.8 Summary	157	(1)
References	158	(2)
5 GREENHOUSE DAMAGE AND ADAPTATION	160	(40)
5.1 Introduction	160	(3)
5.2 Greenhouse Damage: No Action	163	(8)
5.3 Greenhouse Damage and Adaptation: Methodology	171	(5)
5.4 Costs and Benefits of Adaptation	176	(7)
5.5 Costs and Benefits of Coastal Protection	183	(7)
5.6 Adaptation versus Mitigation	190	(3)
5.7 Secondary Benefits	193	(3)
5.8 Summary	196	(1)
References	197	(3)
6 ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS	200	(51)
6.1 A Conceptual Framework	201	(5)
6.2 Criteria for Assessment	206	(4)
6.3 Mitigation Options: Energy Conservation and Efficiency Improvement	210	(7)
6.4 Response Options and Some Remarks on Methodology	217	(26)
6.5 Summary	243	(1)
References	244	(7)
7 COSTS OF IMPLEMENTATION	251	(34)
7.1 The Optimal Blend of Response Options and the Scale of Application	251	(9)
7.2 The Optimal Blend of Response Options and the Place of Application	260	(8)
7.3 The Optimal Blend of Response Options and the Timing of Application	268	(10)
7.4 The Optimal Blend of Response Options and the Scale, Place, and Timing of Application	278	(2)
7.5 Summary	280	(1)
References	281	(4)
8 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS	285	(42)
8.1 Range of Climate Change Scenarios	285	(5)
8.2 Main Findings	290	(31)
8.3 Next Steps	321	(4)
References	325	(2)
Index	327