ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy

A new ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy will be launched on 27th January 09, with the mission to advance public and private action on climate change through rigorous, innovative research.

Human-induced climate change could have enormous impacts on economies and societies if we persist with 'business as usual'. This is the consensus view of climate scientists and one with which economists are increasingly finding agreement (e.g. the Stern Review).

It is much less certain, however, that our economic, social and political systems can respond to the challenge. Will public, private and civic actors take action to create low-carbon economies? What emission reduction strategies will be efficient, equitable and acceptable? How much should we invest, and when, on measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change? Who will bear the costs and enjoy the benefits? These types of questions inform the work of the new centre, chaired by Professor Lord Stern of Brentford and directed by Professor Judith Rees at the London School of Economics and Political Science and by Professor Andy Gouldson at the University of Leeds.