​Sustainable Ecology

There is now clear scientific evidence that emissions from economic activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels for energy, are causing changes to the Earth´s climate. A sound understanding of the economics of climate change is needed in order to underpin an effective global response to this challenge. The Stern Review is an independent, rigourous and comprehensive analysis of the economic aspects of this crucial issue. It has been conducted by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the UK Government Economic Service, and a former Chief Economist of the World Bank. The Economics of Climate Change will be invaluable for all students of the economics and policy implications of climate change, and economists, scientists and policy makers involved in all aspects of climate change.

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'The Stern Review shows us, with utmost clarity, while allowing fully for all the uncertainties, what global warming is going to mean; and what can and should be done to reduce it. It provides numbers for the economic impact, and for the necessary economic policies. It deserves the widest circulation. I wish it the greatest possible impact. Governments have a clear and immediate duty to accept the challenge it represents.' Sir James Mirrlees, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics, 1996.

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'The stark prospects of climate change and its mounting economic and human costs are clearly brought out in this searching investigation. What is particularly striking is the identification of ways and means of sharply minimizing these penalties through acting right now, rather than waiting for our lives to be overrun by rapidly advancing adversities. The world would be foolish to neglect this strong but strictly time-bound practical message.' Amartya Sen, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics, 1998.

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'When the history of the world's response to climate change is written, The Stern Review will be recognized as a turning point. … Sir Nicholas and his team have provided important intellectual leadership as humanity engages with its greatest challenge. … While the details will be debated, the main thrust of the report is clear and compelling - the expected benefits of tackling climate change far outweigh the expected costs.' Cameron Hepburn, Oxford University.

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'Pay now to fix global warming or risk a worldwide economic depression later … The [Stern] report moves economic discussion of how humanity should deal with global warming to center stage …' USA Today.

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'The overwhelming message of … [the] Stern review on the economics of climate change is that it is now time to move on from arguing about statistics to taking drastic action at an international level. … Even if Stern is only half right then … the consequence of doing nothing is still so dreadful that it ought not to be contemplated.' Guardian