Table of Contents
How does reducing carbon emissions help the economy?
One of the biggest benefits of reducing carbon emissions is that it would decrease the number of deaths related to air pollution and help to ease pressure on healthcare systems. To achieve growth in the economy while still prioritising the reduction of carbon emissions, a decoupling between the two is needed.
Recent literature illustrates the economic and social challenges facing cities around the world as a result of climate change including energy shortages, damaged infrastructure, increasing losses to industry, heat-related mortality and illness, and scarcity of food and water. These challenges are interrelated.
How does carbon pollution affect the economy?
These impacts can cost businesses, families, governments and taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars through rising health care costs, destruction of property, increased food prices, and more. The current central estimate of the social cost of carbon is over $50 per ton in today’s dollars.
Is there a relationship between economic growth and carbon dioxide emissions?
The correlation is positive, which suggests growing per capita GDP leads to increasing carbon dioxide emissions. Market economy mechanisms are according to the result not enough to lower the emissions and thus legal regulations are needed to avoid further environmental degradation.
As the climate continues to change, millions of poor people face greater challenges in terms of extreme events, health effects, food security, livelihood security, migration, water security, cultural identity, and other related risks.
How are societies affected by climate change?
Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. These changes are likely to increase losses to property and crops, and cause costly disruptions to society.