Presents climate adaptation and flood risk problems and solutions in coastal cities, including an independent investigation of adaptation paths and problems in Rotterdam, Hong Kong, New York and Jakarta. The comparison draws out lessons that each city can learn from the others. While the main focus is on coastal flooding, cities are also affected by climate change in other ways, including impacts that occur away from the coast. The NYC Water Supply System, for example, stretches as far as 120 miles upstate, and the NYC Dept of Environmental Protection has undertaken extensive climate assessment, not only for its coastal facilities, but also for its upstate facilities which will be affected by rising temperatures, droughts, inland flooding and water quality changes. Questions whether 1) current city plans are climate- proof or we need to finetune ongoing investments, 2) we can develop a flood-proof subway system, and 3) we can develop new infrastructure in a way that serves flood protection, housing and natural values. Topics include vulnerability of port infrastructure for the port of Rotterdam, storm surge modelling, flood risk modelling, climate resilient waterfronts, flood defenses in highly urbanized watercities, climate-resilient waterfront development and insurance in New York City, navigable storm surge barriers for coastal cities, etc.

(CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION * COASTAL CITIES * FLOOD RISK AND COASTAL CITIES)

At the moment, we don’t have a systematic politics of climate change. Politics as usual won’t allow us to deal with the problems we face, while the recipes of the main challenger to orthodox politics, the green movement, are flawed at source. Introduces a range of new concepts and proposals to fill in the gap.

(CLIMATE CHANGE * CLIMATE CHANGE: POLITICS OF)

On how to get the economics right for the challenges that face us this decade and beyond. Blends the ideas of ecological sustainability, economic justice, and human dignity into a balanced analysis of environmental problems and employs cost-benefit analysis to illuminate possible solutions. Strong emphasis on climate change, with a review of recent efforts for an international climate change agenda and guidelines for evaluating the Kyoto treaty and its aftermath. (also as e-book for $21.95)

(CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMICS * GREEN ECONOMICS)

On how to get the economics right for the challenges that face us this decade and beyond. Blends the ideas of ecological sustainability, economic justice, and human dignity into a balanced analysis of environmental problems and employs cost-benefit analysis to illuminate possible solutions. Strong emphasis on climate change, with a review of recent efforts for an international climate change agenda and guidelines for evaluating the Kyoto treaty and its aftermath. (also as e-book)

(CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMICS * GREEN ECONOMICS)

A smartly designed carbon tax is an indispensable instrument in the transition to a less carbon-dependent economy. Scholars from around the world cover subjects such as carbon related taxation in OECD countries, implications of environmental tax reforms, innovative environmental taxation and behavioral strategies, and other relevant topics.

(SUSTAINABILITY * CLIMATE CHANGE * ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION * CARBON TAX)

“Climate change is the defining development challenge of our time.” Climate change and variability threaten to reverse recent progress in poverty reduction and economic growth. Communities across Latin America and the Caribbean are already experiencing adverse consequences. Offers evidence of large variations in impacts of climate change across regions (poverty, inequality, water access, health, migration), with recommendations for governments, communities, and households to improve resilience and adaptability.

(CLIMATE CHANGE * LATIN AMERICA CLIMATE CHANGE * CARIBBEAN CLIMATE CHANGE)

Despite broad consensus that climate change presents the international community with a formidable challenge, progress in its prevention, mitigation, and adaptation has been slow. The divide between the developed and the developing countries explains reluctance and resistance to act. Developing countries claim that developed countries should provide resources and technology to address the issue, while developed countries seek firm commitments and action from the developing countries. Advocates a renewed environmental ethic that can bring together these disparate but interconnected perspectives.

(ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS * CLIMATE CHANGE)

Argues we now possess the technology to capture carbon emissions as they are released into the atmosphere, and to trap the gas within facilities hidden far underground. Explains the need of this technology (arguably an alternative to cheaper low-carbon technologies available) and details the components that make it work. Covers the specifics of carbon storage and accounts for the risks of carbon capture.

(CLIMATE CHANGE * CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY * ENERGY AND CARBON CAPTURE)

Climate change represents a “tragedy of the commons” on a global scale, requiring cooperation of nations that do not necessarily put the Earth’s well-being above national interests. Explains international action on climate change from the perspective of domestic policies (e.g. in the US, EU, Japan, Russia, China, and Canada). Shows that decisions about global change are often made locally, in the context of electoral and political incentives, normative commitments of politicians, and domestic political institutions.

(CLIMATE CHANGE * TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS)

We need to adapt to climate change by taking anticipatory action — from developing drought-resistant crops to building sea walls. Rejects the idea that either reactive, unplanned adaptation or “geo-engineering” schemes will manage to cool the planet. Emphasizes that smart adaptation will require a series of local and regional projects, many of them in the countries least able to pay for them and least responsible for the climate problem. Needs of these countries should be addressed for the sake of both fairness and effectiveness.

(CLIMATE CHANGE * ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE)