An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to New Mexico of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
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Date
2009-02-17
Authors
Climate Leadership Initiative
Niemi, Ernest G.
Buckley, Mark
Neculae, Cleo
Reich, Sarah
Journal Title
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Abstract
Extensive research shows that New Mexico and other western states already
have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change
will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have
negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized:
warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing fish populations,
prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect
populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities
are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this
activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken
because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without
first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing
climate change to continue unabated.
Description
vi, 46 p. "A Report from The Program on Climate Economics, Climate Leadership Initiative, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon."
Keywords
Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- New Mexico, Climate change