The Stern Review constitutes today the most complete and didactic synthesis of the economics of climate change. Despite appearances, it is not, however, a simple reference manual. Its most attractive feature is the author’s commitment to action in the face of climactic risk. The report’s...

In the wake of the Copenhagen Conference and the outstanding issue of shaping climate change mitigation for the period beyond that covered by the Kyoto protocol, this paper puts into context the various economic instruments available fot tackling climate change, and highlights the emergence, as...

China is now the world's biggest annual emitter of greenhouse gases with 7467 million tons (Mt) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2005, with agriculture accounting for 11% of this total. As elsewhere, agricultural emissions mitigation policy in China faces a range of challenges due to the...

To prepare for the first Kyoto Protocol commitment period (from 2008 to 2012) it decided to set up a European market for trading carbon dioxide by 2005. The volumes traded on this market and the solidity of its institutional foundation rapidly made it the epicentre of the global carbon market....

Adaptation has long been neglected in the debate and policies surrounding climate change. However, increasing awareness of climate change has led many stakeholders to look for the best way to limit its consequences and has resulted in a large number of initiatives related to adaptation,...

Since the publication of the Stern Review, economists have started to ask more normative questions about climate change. Should we act now or tomorrow ? What is the best theoretical carbon price to reach long-term abatement targets? How do we discount the long-term costs and benefits of climate...

This article describes the theoretical basis and real-life application of the two main types of instruments – regulatory and economic – used in environmental protection policy, and in particular, in climate change policy. It outlines the context and issues at stake in the choice of...

Le « grand débat sur la transition énergétique » lancé par le gouvernement à la suite de la conférence environnementale déploie beaucoup d’énergies et accapare l’attention des médias. Ce qui mobilise désormais, ce n’est plus l’action face au changement climatique, mais la...