Climate Change

The impact of climate change on our environment, our economies and our security is one of the defining issues of our era. The OECD is at the forefront of climate change analysis, promoting environmentally and economically rational policies related to adaptation, mitigation, technology, financing and development. For a general overview of OECD work on climate change, download the booklet .

OECD work on climate change - listed by work area.

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OECD side events at Barcelona Climate Change Talks, 2-6 November

06-Nov-2009

The OECD hosted two side events at the Climate Change Talks in Barcelona -- the last UNFCCC sessions before COP15 Copenhagen. 1. "Financing for Enhanced Climate Change Action: Mitigation and Adaptation" was organised by climate change experts from the Environment and Development Co-operation directorates; 2. “Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Climate Change” was co-hosted by ITU, OECD and GeSI.

OECD’s Gurría welcomes UK government climate change map

22-Oct-2009

Widespread drought, falling agricultural production and rising sea levels are just some of the devastating effects of climate change graphically illustrated in a new map produced by UK government’s Meteorological Office.

Climate change: the biggest threat to economic recovery

15-Oct-2009

After a year of pain and pessimism, we are starting to see signs of an economic recovery. Green shoots are sprouting. Governments' bold economic and financial actions of over the past year are beginning to take effect.

How the energy sector can deliver on a climate agreement in Copenhagen

08-Oct-2009

This special excerpt of the World Energy Outlook 2009, released at the Bangkok UNFCCC meeting in advance of the COP15 summit in Copenhaguen, sets out the latest greenhouse-gas emissions trends, updated in light of the financial crisis, as well as detailing a pathway for the energy sector to achieve a transition to a low-carbon world.

Mitigation in developed countries

25-Sep-2009

In his remarks to the informal ministerial meeting on climate change, Mr. Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, underlined that the difficult part is working out what exactly is a “fair share” of GHG mitigation in order to reach a successful agreement in Copenhagen.

Climate change is the greatest collective challenge that we have ever faced says OECD’s Gurría

18-Sep-2009

Climate change is the greatest collective challenge that we have ever faced and the world needs a significant reduction in global emissions from current levels. Many developed countries have already committed to reduce GHG emissions in the near-term, but the targets must be more ambitious. At the COP15 Conference in Copenhagen, we have a unique opportunity to address this threat but many questions still remain without answers, according to the OECD Secretary-General.

Launch of the OECD publication "The Economics of Climate Change Mitigation: Policies and Options for Global Action Beyond 2012"

18-Sep-2009

Against the background of a projected doubling of world greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, this  book explores feasible ways to abate them at least cost. Through quantitative analysis, it addresses key policy issues to support countries in developing and implementing an ambitious, cost-effective, equitable and comprehensive approach to global climate change mitigation.

Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Co-operation

19-Aug-2009

This policy guidance provides essential information and advice on mainstreaming climate change adaptation into development. The objectives are to: i) promote understanding of the implications of climate change on development practice and the need to mainstream adaptation in development co-operation; ii) identify appropriate approaches for integrating adaptation into development policies at national, sectoral, project levels and at local contexts; and iii) identify practical ways for donors to support developing country partners in reducing their vulnerability to climate change.

Towards a Green Economy: Policies to Tackle Climate Change

25-Aug-2009

In his remarks, Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, to the National Forum on Energy, Environment and Climate Change Policy, affirmed that we need to start producing, transporting, consuming, regulating, governing, even thinking, differently; starting today. Climate change means cultural change.

G8 Summit discussed principles and standards for global business dealings

06-Jul-2009

One of the agenda items at the G8 Summit in L’Aquila was a discussion of a proposed new “Global Standard” for international business dealings (see www.oecd.org/globalstandard). An Italian-led working group has drawn up, with the assistance of the OECD, a list of 12 “common principles and standards” in support of this project. To promote discussion of the issues raised by the proposed Global Standard, the OECD has launched a blog to which comments are invited.

The economics of climate change mitigation: how to build the necessary global action in a cost-effective manner

05-Jun-2009

This paper outlines key steps towards the development of a single international carbon price -- including phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and expanding and linking regional carbon markets through direct linking of existing emission trading systems, scaled-up CDM, use of sectoral crediting mechanisms, and incorporation of the forest sector. It examines the incentives for action, including possible financing flows to support action in developing countries.

Recent OECD Work on Climate Change / Global Warming

20-Jan-2009

The OECD’s objective is to help its member countries prepare for the future by supporting them with sound policy analysis and options to achieve climate change goals in an environmentally-effective and economically-efficient manner. A number of projects are underway to implement this across several OECD Directorates and in the specialised agencies associated with the OECD, such as the IEA and the NEA. This document highlights this work.

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