In the past, people often believed that climate action was simply too expensive, and growth and climate action were seen as trade-offs. Increasingly, government and business leaders recognize that the opposite is true: taking climate action can unlock powerful social and economic benefits. Despite this knowledge, the pace of change is still too slow, posing harm to the planet and future economic growth.

New Climate Economy (NCE) provides independent and authoritative evidence on the relationship between climate action and economic growth and development. Through economic modeling, policy analysis and strategic communications and engagement, NCE gives countries the evidence they need to protect their ecosystems, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and transform their energy systems, allowing them to create jobs, unlock equitable growth, and build stronger, more resilient economies.

NCE is the flagship project of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, comprised of former heads of government and finance ministers and leaders in the fields of economics and business. The Global Commission was launched in 2013 by seven countries: Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Norway, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Since 2013, NCE has built the evidence base to demonstrate that climate action is both complementary to and essential for economic development. Rigorous modeling and analysis clearly show that climate-smart development is the growth story of the 21st century. Moreover, countries that delay climate action risk missing opportunities for economic growth and development gains.

Building on this evidence base, the NCE is now focused on translating this compelling global narrative and analysis into specific and actionable plans for key emerging and developing countries to build back better from COVID-19

NCE released four major global reports, as well as a variety of country-focused reports, case studies and other research, including on cities, land use, finance and infrastructure. The project continues to disseminate the findings and messages of its research, thanks to the guidance and reach of the members of the Global Commission and NCE partners.

NCE also supports the work of aligned platforms--including Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), the Coalition for Urban Transitions (CUT), the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), and Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G)—to create impact that is greater than the sum of their parts.  

Flagship NCE Reports

2020: A New Economy for a New Era: Elements for Building a More Efficient and Resilient Economy in Brazil

2020: America's New Climate Economy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Economic Benefits of Climate Policy in the United States

2019: Low Carbon Development: A Paradigm Shift Towards a Green Economy in Indonesia

2018: Unlocking the Inclusive Growth Story of the 21st Century: Accelerating Climate Action in Urgent Times – Headline Finding: Bold action on climate could deliver US$26 trillion in economic benefits between now and 2030.

2014: Better Growth, Better Climate: The New Climate Economy Report – Headline Finding: Economic growth and action on climate change can now be achieved together

2015: Seizing the Global Opportunity: Partnerships for Better Growth and a Better Climate – Headline Finding: 10 key actions can drive economic growth and development and achieve as much as 96% of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to keep global warming under 2°C.

2016: The Sustainable Infrastructure Imperative: Financing for Better Growth and Development – Headline Finding: Concerted action in four, interlinked areas can together help us shift investment to the sustainable infrastructure of the 21st century.

 

Photo Credit: World Bank/Flickr