An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to Washington 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 Washington 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 salmon and trout 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

vii, 47 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 -- Washington (State), Climate change

Citation