The Economics of the Climate

Geoffrey Heal

Journal of Economic Literature, 2017, vol. 55, issue 3, 1046-63

Abstract: I review the economic characteristics of the climate problem, focusing on the choice of discount rates in the presence of a stock externality, risk and uncertainty/ambiguity, and the role of integrated assessment models (IAMs) in analyzing policy choices. I suggest that IAMs can play a role in providing qualitative understanding of how complex systems behave, but are not accurate enough to provide quantitative insights. Arguments in favor of action on climate issues have to be based on aversion to risk and ambiguity and the need to avoid a small but positive risk of a disastrous outcome.

JEL-codes: D61 H43 Q48 Q54 Q58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.20151335
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (29)

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