Why Are We Waiting?

The Logic, Urgency, and Promise of Tackling Climate Change

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Nature
Cover of the book Why Are We Waiting? by Nicholas Stern, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nicholas Stern ISBN: 9780262329217
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: April 24, 2015
Imprint: The MIT Press Language: English
Author: Nicholas Stern
ISBN: 9780262329217
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: April 24, 2015
Imprint: The MIT Press
Language: English

An urgent case for climate change action that forcefully sets out, in economic, ethical, and political terms, the dangers of delay and the benefits of action.

The risks of climate change are potentially immense. The benefits of taking action are also clear: we can see that economic development, reduced emissions, and creative adaptation go hand in hand. A committed and strong low-carbon transition could trigger a new wave of economic and technological transformation and investment, a new era of global and sustainable prosperity. Why, then, are we waiting? In this book, Nicholas Stern explains why, notwithstanding the great attractions of a new path, it has been so difficult to tackle climate change effectively. He makes a compelling case for climate action now and sets out the forms that action should take.

Stern argues that the risks and costs of climate change are worse than estimated in the landmark Stern Review in 2006—and far worse than implied by standard economic models. He reminds us that we have a choice. We can rely on past technologies, methods, and institutions—or we can embrace change, innovation, and international collaboration. The first might bring us some short-term growth but would lead eventually to chaos, conflict, and destruction. The second could bring about better lives for all and growth that is sustainable over the long term, and help win the battle against worldwide poverty. The science warns of the dangers of neglect; the economics and technology show what we can do and the great benefits that will follow; an examination of the ethics points strongly to a moral imperative for action. Why are we waiting?

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An urgent case for climate change action that forcefully sets out, in economic, ethical, and political terms, the dangers of delay and the benefits of action.

The risks of climate change are potentially immense. The benefits of taking action are also clear: we can see that economic development, reduced emissions, and creative adaptation go hand in hand. A committed and strong low-carbon transition could trigger a new wave of economic and technological transformation and investment, a new era of global and sustainable prosperity. Why, then, are we waiting? In this book, Nicholas Stern explains why, notwithstanding the great attractions of a new path, it has been so difficult to tackle climate change effectively. He makes a compelling case for climate action now and sets out the forms that action should take.

Stern argues that the risks and costs of climate change are worse than estimated in the landmark Stern Review in 2006—and far worse than implied by standard economic models. He reminds us that we have a choice. We can rely on past technologies, methods, and institutions—or we can embrace change, innovation, and international collaboration. The first might bring us some short-term growth but would lead eventually to chaos, conflict, and destruction. The second could bring about better lives for all and growth that is sustainable over the long term, and help win the battle against worldwide poverty. The science warns of the dangers of neglect; the economics and technology show what we can do and the great benefits that will follow; an examination of the ethics points strongly to a moral imperative for action. Why are we waiting?

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book The Digital Plenitude by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Science and Technology in the Global Cold War by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book The Outsourcer by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Forms of Life by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Taxing Ourselves by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book In the Swarm by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Pirate Philosophy by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book The Primacy of Grammar by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Incontinence of the Void by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book The Eugenic Mind Project by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Debugging Game History by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Hallucination by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book The Mobile Workshop by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book Shifting Practices by Nicholas Stern
Cover of the book You'll see this message when it is too late by Nicholas Stern
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy