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INDCs are a vehicle for countries to define their goals/targets for mitigation. In case of developed countries these would most likely be in form of economy-wide reduction targets; developing countries with higher capabilities are expected to take economywide goals (reduction compared to BAU or GHG intensity reduction compared to base year); and, other developing countries as policy/sectoral…

The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate was set up to examine whether it is possible to achieve lasting economic growth while also tackling the risks of climate change. Its report seeks to inform economic decision-makers in both public and private sectors, many of whom recognise the serious risks caused by climate change, but also need to tackle more immediate concerns such as jobs,…

The 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes it unmistakeably clear: unacceptable climatic consequences, which are likely to escalate beyond the 2°C guard rail, can only be avoided if further increases in greenhouse-gas concentrations are halted as soon as possible. The WBGU therefore recommends reducing CO2 emissions from fossil fuels to zero by 2070 at…

In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 65 per cent of soils are degraded, and unable to nourish the crops the chronically food insecure continent requires. Poverty, climate change, population pressures and inadequate farming techniques are leading to a continuous decline in the health of African soils, whilst the economic loss is estimated at USD 68 billion per year. Conversely, better land…

It is no secret that the fight against desertification isn't going well. In the two decades since the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification came into force, desertification has worsened considerably. Many within the desertification community and beyond are calling for a fresh approach to the problem: the establishment of a global goal to achieve a "land -…

Without action, the overall costs of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global GDP each year. The estimated annual cost of achieving stabilisation between 500 and 550ppm CO2 equivalent, currently at just over 400ppm, is 2% of GDP. In a survey of 59 Sub-Saharan Africa countries, 33 were classified as highly or moderately highly vulnerable to climate change. All 59 were…