WRI Insights

This commentary explores how two critical elements of the Paris Agreement – nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategies (LTSs) – relate to one another, and how countries can allocate resources efficiently to develop both in a synergistic manner.

Investment in urban measures like efficient appliances, mass transit, walkable cities and more sustainable building materials could garner massive returns, some on relatively short payback periods. And the true scale of benefits goes beyond money: Low-carbon cities are essential to meeting the climate challenge.

In the global battle to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and prevent disasters, most economists agree that a carbon price is a key tool in the toolbox. But what’s less commonly discussed are what policies are needed *in addition* to a carbon price.

Hurricane Dorian left the Bahamas government scrambling to mobilize resources for disaster response and recovery. The Bahamas is insured, but government institutions were so damaged by the storm that they had trouble responding immediately.

The latest anti-climate proposal from the Trump administration would weaken regulations on methane from oil and natural gas. Colorado, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California offer innovative solutions for curbing this growing emissions source.

Scores of countries are expected to announce plans at next week's UN Climate Action Summit to accelerate and scale up global ambition to implement the Paris Agreement. Twelve have already shared their long-term strategies to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by midcentury. Climate Watch's new Long-term Strategy Tracker offers a look.

China's market for new buildings is booming. Constructing zero carbon buildings would enable China and other countries to keep up with demand without further fueling climate change.

World leaders are gathering New York City for a summit on an urgent challenge that affects every aspect of our lives, from the economy to jobs, security and migration and our health. It is, of course, the climate crisis. National leaders will have three main tasks to accomplish.

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Action Summit, Andrew Steer joins Brookings Senior Fellow David Dollar on *Dollar & Sense—The Brookings Trade Podcast* to discuss the steps countries are taking to address climate change and whether it’s enough. Dollar and Steer focus on the economic policies that can combat rising global temperatures, including financial reforms, carbon pricing, public and private investments, and technological innovation.

This Friday, young people in the United States are joining with the global youth climate movement to go on strike to demand that adults act responsibly to protect their future. They also want adults to join the strike in solidarity.