Upside of a downturn
Lord Nicholas Stern on why the world’s economic woes provide the perfect opportunity to create a low-carbon economy and how energy efficiency could stem unemployment
Climate Change Series
Resources
The global economic crisis is unquestionably the year’s defining business story. But what does the looming recession mean for the business of climate change? In the final issue of our three-part series on climate change, we examine the risks and opportunities for business.
VIDEO
ECONOMISTS’ ROUNDTABLE
EXCLUSIVE COMMENT
HIGHLIGHTS
INTERACTIVE
MORE FROM FT.COM
The heat is on
Even a severe recession would look small compared with the likely result if climate change is left unchecked. Urgent action is needed if the world is to avoid disaster and enjoy the benefits of a low-carbon economy, writes Fiona Harvey
Clarity is crucial
Business must play its part if the demands of climate change are to be met but the onus is on government to provide a clear and consistent policy framework, writes Martin Wolf
Insurers exposed
Claims for damages and the risk of litigation resulting from climate change could leave insurers facing hefty bills
The Redd planet
A scheme to curb deforestation has started to win private sector backing, but more is needed to prevent disaster
Futures at stake
Big venture capital players players are moving more of their portfolios into the clean-tech and energy efficiency sectors
Related content and features
INTERVIEW
ECONOMISTS’ ROUNDTABLE
The hot debate
Five economists with disparate views discuss the threat of climate change, how government and business should respond and the relative merits of various strategies
COMMENT
An unconventional success
Online exclusive: Achieving global sustainability goals to combat climate change will require the mobilisation and recasting of the world’s capital markets
Out of the malaise
Faced with the Great Depression, US president Franklin D. Roosevelt instigated the New Deal. A green version is needed to steer the world on to a sustainable path
REGULATION
Balance of power
While carbon trading helps to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions, some companies are wary of its effect on profits
Use of fiscal force
Consensus is growing that heavier green taxes or an extension of the sale of carbon trading permits will be unavoidable
OPPORTUNITIES
Frozen assets
Massive reserves of oil and gas in the arctic are becoming accessible – and northern countries are racing to stake their claims
Building on ideas
Design innovations that improve energy efficiency are making strides but uptake in the construction industry is proving slow
Feast and famine
Potential benefits for some northern regions are likely to be overshadowed by dramatic losses elsewhere
Best alternatives
Volatility of oil prices has made it hard to assess the long-term costs and benefits of different energy sources
Change of gear
The drive to develop greener motor vehicles continues, but consumers remain reluctant to pay the price premium
Green giants
Our guide to the world’s top companies that generate most or all of their revenue from clean technology
INTERACTIVE & VIDEO
China goes green
China is responding to the challenges of climate change by developing its own clean technologies. Is this green industry a mega-market in the making?
Natural catastrophe
From tropical cyclones in Madagascar to winter storms in Europe, our interactive graphic charts the 50 largest insurance claims from natural disaster
HIGHLIGHTS
Vicious cycles
Few doubt climate change will have a devastating effect on the world. The pressure is on to find a response to the problem
Unnatural state
As Indonesia continues to burn its rainforests, the country has become the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gas
Carbon is key
The message about climate change is unequivocal and urgent. If we do not act quickly, the impact could be catastrophic, writes Sir David King
Divided we stand
The US and China are showing willingness but new dissent from developing countries threatens to hamper negotiations
A pledge too far
Despite the country’s high standards of energy efficiency, Japan is still struggling to meet the commitments it made at Kyoto
Developed states must lead
To restore equity on global action, rich countries must take the lead on emissions, argues the president of Brazil
CLIMATE CHANGE: PART TWO - POLITICS
