Brookings: Topics - Climate Change

Greenhouse Governance : Addressing Climate Change in America

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Greenhouse Governance features a number of America's preeminent public policy scholars, examining some aspect of governance and climate change.

China on the World Stage: Climate Change, Regional Blocs and Resource Investment

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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November 30, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The world and China’s place in it have transformed over the past year in response to pressure from the most severe global financial crisis in decades. While the economic crisis accelerated China’s emergence as a global superpower, it has yet to fully assess the consequences of its new position on the world stage. On November 30, Brookings and the Australian National University will co-host a discussion on China’s emerging position as a global power.

Can We Build Our Way to Reduced Carbon Emissions?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's climate change bill ignores the demand side of the equation which focuses on changing the built environment—the nations’ buildings and transportation systems, says Christopher Leinberger. He calls for policy that promotes demand mitigation measures so more Americans will use less energy and emit less greenhouse gases where they live, work and recreate.

The Senate's Climate Change Bill and the Outlook for Copenhagen

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:33:00 GMT

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a climate change bill last week despite a boycott from Republican committee members. Fellow Adele Morris examines the legislation and what policymakers will be able to offer at the climate change talks in Copenhagen next month.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama will make his first trip to China from November 15-18, where he will address a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to trade and the economy to military ties between the two nations. On November 4, Kenneth Lieberthal took questions in a live web chat with Politico senior editor Fred Barbash about President Obama's first trip to China.

The Scouting Report: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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November 04, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama made his first trip to China from November 15-18. Kenneth Lieberthal and Fred Barbash, Politico's senior editor, took questions about the president’s trip to China in this edition of the Scouting Report.

Designing a Cap-and-Trade System for the United States

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

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November 04, 2009, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

As attention to U.S. climate legislation has been increasing on Capitol Hill, Brookings hosted a discussion on a new series of papers on U.S. climate policy design. These papers acknowledge the complexity inherent in climate policy; explain the fundamental challenges involved in addressing a particular set of design features; and suggest a credible path forward, calling attention to tradeoffs where they exist.

Transferring Environmentally Sound Technologies in an Intellectual Property-Friendly Framework

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In December, the 15th Conference of Parties will attempt to reach an agreement on new international climate change and emissions regulations. Charles Ebinger and Govinda Avasarala note that any agreement is likely to use a plethora of technologies which many nations do not have access to, and they propose solutions to the intellectual property rights issues involved.

Cap-and-Trade Costs: Place Matters

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Much is in question today as Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman Barbara Boxer tries to push ahead with work on climate-change legislation, with Republicans threatening a boycott of the markup. Mark Muro and Jonathan Rothwell examine the costs of cap-and-trade regulations for the U.S. economy and families.

India and a Carbon Deal

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is an emerging consensus among governments that aggressive climate change mitigation would be desirable, though they remain divided about how the associated burden should be shared. Urjit Patel argues that a burden sharing criterion which involves emissions permit allocation to each developing country would be a fair deal and discusses how this would affect India.

The Role of the Military in Climate Change and Security

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT

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October 29, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM

On October 29, the Energy Security Initiative at Brookings, the Institute for Environmental Security, CNA, E3G and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars hosted a discussion on the real dangers for conflicts and disputes resulting from resource shortages, water rights and natural disasters.

U.S. Industry and Cap-and-Trade: Designing Provisions to Maintain Domestic Competitiveness and Mitigate Emissions Leakage

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A number of climate policy observers and U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns about the implications of climate policy for the U.S. industrial base. In this paper, Carolyn Fischer and Richard Morgenstern show that specific concerns about industrial competitiveness and emissions leakage could be realistically addressed in the context of a cap-and-trade system without unduly distorting the incentives that are essential to realizing an economically efficient outcome.

The Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged.

Equity and Efficiency in Cap-And-Trade: Effectively Managing the Emissions Allowance Supply

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A cap-and-trade system of the sort envisioned by the current generation of Congressional proposals would create a new market in carbon allowances worth potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. In this paper, Adele Morris discusses the likely distributional implications of a U.S. cap-and-trade system and how policymakers could manage these implications by altering the way in which allowances or allowance revenues are distributed throughout the broader economy.

Climate Change and Latin America: The Long Way to Copenhagen

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Only a few regions in the world are more affected by climate change than Latin America. However the region lacks a common perspective and will not be heard in the U.S. Congress or in international deliberations in Copenhagen unless it unifies as a strong voice. Mauricio Cárdenas proposes a formal subgroup of several Latin American countries for cooperation on climate change and points to specific commitments they should consider.

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tragic earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and the typhoon that hit the Philippines are just the latest in an increasing number of natural disasters. Last year alone natural disasters affected over 200 million people, killing 16,000 and displacing close to 50 million. Elizabeth Ferris evaluates the international capacity to respond to major disasters and argues that more should be done to reduce their impact.

Climate Change at the G-20 Summit

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:37:00 GMT

Crafting global policy to address climate change is a priority for leaders attending the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Nonresident Senior Fellow Warwick McKibbin previews the talks, noting the complexities the leaders face in finding the common ground necessary to tackle this consuming issue.

Emissions Targets in Cap-and-Trade: Choosing Reduction Goals Compatible with Global Climate Stabilization

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Binding greenhouse gas emissions targets are the backbone of any cap-and-trade system, but the appropriate stringency of domestic reductions remains an unresolved issue in US legislation. In this paper, Bryan Mignone shows how available scientific information could be coupled with a variety of judgments about climate risk and international burden-sharing to yield a plausible range of domestic cap-and-trade targets.

G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On September 24, President Obama will chair his first G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the world economy improving, leaders will now focus their attention on economic recovery and restoring financial stability. Experts from Brookings Global Economy and Development program analyze top issues to be addressed at the summit and provide recommendations on how to effectively overcome global economic and governance challenges to ensure recovery now and to prevent future crises.

Cost Containment for Cap-and-Trade: Designing Effective Compliance Flexibility Mechanisms

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Concerns about the economic costs of climate policy and the potential for volatility in the future carbon market have led to a proliferation of possible mechanisms to mitigate these concerns. Bryan Mignone shows how a coherent "cost containment" policy could be constructed by considering two key substantive objectives – price stability and cost viability – and then tailoring policy instruments to meet these objectives.

Market Oversight for Cap-and-Trade: Efficiently Regulating the Carbon Derivatives Market

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Craig Pirrong writes that current legislative attempts to regulate derivatives trading in the climate and energy context are severely misguided. While arguing that the ex post enforcement regime should be strengthened to deter price manipulation, he suggests that overly restrictive clearing and exchange requirements will dramatically increase the costs of managing carbon price risk.

Looking Ahead: Natural Disasters, Protection and Climate Change

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The effects of rapid climate change have led to an increase in natural disasters. The international system is seeking to strengthen and expand its approaches in responding to natural disasters, reflecting a sense of urgency and fresh perspectives. A more coordinated, adaptable and rights-based approach to sustainable development may offer vulnerable populations the ability to protect themselves from natural disasters.

Climate Change Policy: Recommendations to Reach Consensus

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the financial crisis continues to take its toll on the global economy, another serious challenge looms large: preventing the planet from warming more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Brookings experts and colleagues from the public and private sectors develop strategies and provide recommendations to policymakers who are now faced with the daunting task of stabilizing the climate without dampening economic recovery.

Global Warming and War Both Require Sacrifice

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are many differences between climate change and wars like the one in Afghanistan, Michael Fullilove considers the similarities and how each impacts Australia and the world. Fullilove argues that both require global cooperation and that the surest way to failure is for countries to stand on the sidelines instead of being involved.

A Copenhagen Collar: Achieving Comparable Effort Through Carbon Price Agreements

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The global financial crisis proves how unforeseen macroeconomic conditions can affect policies aimed at reducing and stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper outlines an example that shows that a price collar can have a negligible expected impact on the outcome that matters most for the climate—increasing emissions.

Fueling Our Security: The Need for a Defense Energy Strategy

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer believes the issue of energy security has too long been looked at through only the environmental lens. He argues that it is also a national security issue, noting the U.S. military spends roughly $20 billion a year for petroleum alone, that diverts funds which would be better served elsewhere.

Climate Change and India

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In response to Secretary Clinton's call for India to help combat global warming, India's environment minister said that India, with over 300 million impoverished people, was not in a position to assume legally binding emissions. Arvind Panagariya reviews the debate and argues for developed countries to substantially cut their emissions before asking developing countries to commit to mitigation.

Climate Change, Trade, and Competitiveness: Is a Collision Inevitable? : Brookings Trade Forum 2008/2009

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Brookings Trade Forum provides comprehensive analysis on current and emerging issues of international trade and macroeconomics. Practitioners and academics contribute to each volume, with papers that provide an in-depth look at a particular topic. The 2008/2009 edition focuses on climate policy and its impact on trade.

Climate Crisis, Credit Crisis: Overcoming Obstacles to Build a Climate Resilient World

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

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July 30, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
August 01, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Forty experts gathered for the Brookings Blum Roundtable to discuss the impact of climate change and the global financial crisis on the world's poor. The experts formed recommendations for global leaders as they prepare to meet in Copenhagen in December to address solutions to global climate change.

Consequences of Alternative U.S. Cap-and-Trade Policies: Controlling Both Emissions and Costs

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings experts Adele Morris, Peter Wilcoxen and Warwick McKibbin analyze the economic effects of a potential U.S. cap-and-trade program and offer insights to policy-makers on how to limit climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions with little risk to the economy.

Time for a Price Collar on Carbon

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Senate moves to consider the House approved cap-and-trade legislation, hurdles still remain. Brookings experts Adele Morris, Peter Wilcoxen and Warwick McKibbin argue that sponsors of the Senate cap-and-trade bill could strengthen its prospects by establishing a price collar as a way to make it more politically and economically attractive.

Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kemal Derviş testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on America’s critical role in supporting climate change adaptation in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Derviş stressed that although global economies are facing serious financial challenges, time is of the essence to protect those most affected. He provided recommendations to enact globally acceptable and enforceable policies to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Scouting Report: Can the World Stop Global Warming?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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July 22, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

Brookings Managing Director William Antholis, who served at the National Security Council during the Kyoto Protocol negotiations, and Fred Barbash, senior editor of Politico, took questions on the domestic and international implications of climate change and the outlook for international cooperation on addressing global warming in this edition of the Scouting Report.

India and Climate Change

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the world community gears up for another round of climate change talks, a central issue will be how to bring developing countries—especially rapidly growing India and China—into a climate-change pact. William Antholis examines the "per capita" emissions reduction standard favored by India's Manmohan Singh and argues that it is too simple a metric by which to achieve equity in global carbon reductions between the developed and developing worlds.

A Tough Message to India on Climate Change, Non-proliferation

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in the first visit to India by a top Obama administration official, engaged her hosts on two major issues facing the world: nuclear non-proliferation and climate change. Brookings President Strobe Talbott writes that Indians, like many Americans, still need to be persuaded to see the urgency of prompt action on these two issues.

Carbon Offsets, Reversal Risk and U.S. Climate Policy

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One controversial issue in the larger cap-and-trade debate is the proper use and certification of carbon offsets related to changes in land management. Bryan Mignone, Matthew Hurteau, Yihsu Chen and Brent Sohngen show how reversal risk associated with such instruments could be properly internalized in a crediting framework and how this framework itself could be used to manage prices in the future carbon market.

Carbon Offsets and the Emerging Climate Coalition

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Senate discusses the Waxman-Markey bill, Brian Mignone writes that architects of climate policy would do well to heed key lessons from the House debate. Mignone believes well-designed guidelines toward carbon offsets should enhance three key objectives, including political support for cap-and-trade, and preserve or enhance the environmental integrity of the broader policy.

G8: The Run-up to L'Aquila

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi explores topics of discussion in the lead-up to the G8 summit in Italy. Bindi points to high-level meetings prior to the summit as hopeful examples of participants speaking freely on issues of global concern like climate change and nuclear proliferation.

Energy Efficiency: Better Lightbulbs and Beyond

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moving beyond President Obama administration’s new lightbulb standards, Mark Muro and Jonathan Rothwell of the Metropolitan Policy Program note the need for broader policy interventions to shrink the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The Scouting Report: Climate Change Moves to the Senate

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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July 01, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

In the July 1 edition of The Scouting Report, Brookings expert Adele Morris and Senior Politico Editor Fred Barbash took questions on climate change legislation as it moves to the Senate.

Toward a Realistic G8 Energy Policy

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Major topics of discussion at the upcoming G8 summit will be energy and climate change policy. Charles Ebinger assesses where the United States currently stands on the issues and outlines what needs to be done to formulate sound policy for the future.

Next on Climate: Improve Waxman-Markey Innovation Provisions in Senate

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following a narrow House vote on Friday to pass climate change legislation, President Obama called on the Senate this weekend to follow suit. Mark Muro urges an even greater investment in energy innovation to catalyze a radically cleaner future.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Internal Displacement

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 50-200 million people may move by the middle of the century as a result of the negative effects of climate change, either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. While some of this movement may be voluntary, some of it will not. Walter Kälin points out that there are significant differences in both groups' situations and the responses to their migrations must also be different.

U.S.-European Union Cooperation on Climate Change

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a recent climate change gathering in Bonn, some Europeans criticized American positions as lacking sufficient ambition to address the climate crisis. Can the U.S. and Europe get past old disagreements and turn a new page? William Antholis—in Germany to address the conference of climate change experts—charted out a new course for transatlantic cooperation on climate issues.

The Economic Impact of Climate Change Reduction Strategies

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:30:00 GMT

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June 08, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On June 8, the Brookings Institution hosted a preview of a forthcoming report on the economic impact of climate change reduction strategies by Brookings experts Warwick McKibbin, Adele Morris and Peter Wilcoxen.

Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kenneth Lieberthal addressed the growing need for U.S.-China climate cooperation and how it is in the interest of both countries. Lieberthal testified that an important step is for the U.S. to have a realistic understanding of the reasons China's emissions are growing so rapidly, and he offered suggestions for the future of the relationship.

The Scouting Report: Clean Energy Innovation

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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June 03, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

In the June 3 edition of the Scouting Report live web chat, Brookings policy expert Mark Muro and Politico senior editor Fred Barbash discussed how "The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" is more than just a cap-and-trade bill. The bill has significant components dedicated to energy innovation and clean energy technology development and deployment.

Waxman-Markey: What About Innovation?

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The climate change bill now winding its way through the House of Representatives has significant components dedicated to energy innovation and clean energy technology development and deployment. However, Mark Muro argues, funding the Department of Energy’s budget request for innovation would more immediately establish American alternative energy leadership.

The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Beyond Northeast Asia

Fri, 08 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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May 08, 2009, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

A transformed alliance of the world’s two largest economies—Japan and the United States—could have far-reaching effects on issues such as trade, development, climate change and international security. On May 8, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings and the Slavic Research Center at Hokkaido University hosted a forum to examine the U.S.-Japan alliance and its potential for addressing issues beyond the Northeast Asia region.

Controlling Climate Change

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:27:10 GMT

Nearly 40 years ago, Earth Day was founded to increase awareness about our protecting the environment. Adele Morris says the call for action to control climate change is greater than ever and urges President Obama and other world leaders to work together on this critical issue.

The Scouting Report: Climate Change

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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April 22, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Earth Day is an opportunity to discuss global environmental issues including climate change, conservation and sustainable development. On April 22, Brookings expert Bryan Mignone and Fred Barbash, senior editor of Politico, took your questions in a live web chat.

Transportation and Climate Change: The Perfect Storm

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to Robert Puentes, transportation is an area that is crucial to both economic growth and environmental sustainability. The link between transportation and climate change is making it imperative that we find new ways to think about transportation policy, especially in our nation's metropolitan areas.

Humanitarian Perspectives on the International Law Commission's Report "Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All humanitarian work is, or should be, grounded in international human rights law.

An Address by the Hon. Shinzo Abe: A New Era Requires New Political Will

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

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April 17, 2009, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

On April 17, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan for an address on key issues facing Japan, the United States and the world.

Previewing the Summit of the Americas

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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April 14, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

The Obama administration faces a number of challenges in Latin America. The fifth Summit of the Americas offers leaders of the Western Hemisphere an opportunity to partner on a new and robust agenda that spans global economic, social, energy and climate change issues. On April 14, Brookings experts discussed the critical issues facing the leaders attending the summit and proposed recommendations for action.

Carbon Market Conundrum: How To Build a Better Safety Valve

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Of all the controversial elements of cap-and-trade policy, none has proven more difficult to resolve than the debate over “cost containment.” Bryan Mignone explores two key objectives for architects of climate policy to grapple with while framing the issue.

A Cap And Trade Calamity?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A strong cap-and-trade program seems unlikely to pass given the economic downturn, writes William Galston. Since a majority of Americans say economic growth should be given the priority and Midwestern states depend more heavily on coal-fired power plants, President Obama’s options for cap-and-trade legislation are limited.

Power and Responsibility: Building International Order in an Era of Transnational Threats

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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March 10, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On March 10, the Brookings Institution will host the launch of Power and Responsibility. The authors and distinguished members of the Managing Global Insecurity Project Advisory Group will discuss the importance of restoring American leadership and strengthening the international system in a time of crisis.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Climate Negotiations

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

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March 04, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

With President Barack Obama’s commitment to positioning the United States as a leader on climate change action, the expectations are high in the international community that a post-Kyoto climate agreement will be successfully negotiated in Copenhagen in December. On March 4, Brookings hosted a discussion with top officials and experts on the world’s ability to address climate change.

Climate Change and Global Poverty : A Billion Lives in the Balance?

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate Change and Global Poverty: A Billion Lives in the Balance? draws on expertise from the climate change and development communities to ask how the public and private sectors can help the world's poor manage the global climate crisis.

The Long and Winding Road: Automotive Fuel Economy and American Politics

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The United States has been largely unsuccessful in reducing its petroleum consumption by regulating the fuel economy of motor vehicles. Pietro Nivola proposes a move towards a comprehensive carbon tax, which could reduce gasoline consumption more effectively and curtail carbon emissions from other, more damaging sources.

Shifting Gears in the Global Dialogue on Energy Policy

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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February 13, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On February 13, the Brookings Institution hosted Nobuo Tanaka, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), for a discussion on the need for enhanced global dialogue on energy policy, with an emphasis on energy security and climate change.

Strengthening American Competitiveness: Regaining Our Competitive Edge

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As U.S. policy-makers focus on how to strengthen the U.S. economy in the midst of the financial crisis, Brookings competitiveness experts stress the need for a longer-term view with policy priorities focused on how to rebuild American competitiveness through investments in people, infrastructure, ideas and green transformation.

New Paradigms in Energy Research

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT

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February 09, 2009, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

With new national leadership committed to investing in clean energy technology, now is the time to explore new research paradigms in America. At this event, the Blueprint for American Prosperity released a new report that examines the role of expanded energy research in reinvigorating America’s metropolitan economies, tackling security challenges and responding to global climate change.

A New Start in Transatlantic Relations: The View from the Czech EU Presidency

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

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February 09, 2009, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

On February 9, the Center on the U.S. and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings and the Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg for a public address on the transatlantic relationship.

U.S.-China Climate Change Cooperation: Overcoming Obstacles

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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February 05, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM

The John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted a discussion on overcoming obstacles to U.S.-China cooperation on climate change, focusing on ways in which cooperation can gain sustained political support in both countries. Brookings experts Kenneth Lieberthal and David Sandalow present the findings of their recent report, which identifies key obstacles, provides information about each country for the leadership of the other and makes nine recommendations.

Fuel Efficiency Standards: A Detour from the Cheapest Climate Protection

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama recently announced his administration would consider California’s request for higher fuel efficiency standards as part of new efforts on climate change. Yet would improved standards really make a difference in the climate change challenge? Adele Morris examines the issues in-depth, and considers how increased regulatory standards would stack up against the other proposals being considered by the new administration and Congress.

Energy Discovery-Innovation Institutes and the American Economy

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:53:06 GMT

Describing a proposed national network of regionally based Energy Discovery-Innovation Institutes, Mark Muro highlights how these institutes would be aimed at creating jobs of the future and at transforming our metropolitan economies.

Double Jeopardy: What the Climate Crisis Means for the Poor

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change and global development are two of the most critical challenges facing global policymakers. In a new report, "Double Jeopardy: What the Climate Crisis Means for the Poor" Brookings experts detail these interrelated issues based on discussions at the most recent Brookings Blum Roundtable on Poverty, featuring Dr. Steven Chu and former Vice President Al Gore, among others.

Plug-In Electric Vehicles : What Role for Washington?

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This important book examines the role that the U.S. government can and should play in promoting the widespread use of plug-in electric vehicles.

The Case for a Climate Protection Authority

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the economic crisis deepens, pressures grow on President Obama to defer campaign pledges like addressing energy security and climate change. Yet, according to William Antholis and Nigel Purvis, postponing major action would be a major mistake. They say Obama should move forward now by working with Congress to create a new Climate Protection Authority.

Overcoming Obstacles to U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opportunities for collaboration in fighting climate change are plentiful, including during Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent trip to China, but moving forward at the scale needed will require high-level political support. Kenneth Lieberthal and David Sandalow analyze the U.S.-China relationship and offer recommendations on how both countries can move forward to cooperate on the issue.

Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:30:00 GMT

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January 15, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

A new American president must model leadership for a global era, partnering with other powers to build an international security system for the 21st Century. On January 15, Carlos Pascual presented his recommendations to President Obama on how to restore credible American leadership; galvanize cooperative action against major global challenges; and revitalize key international institutions.

A U.S. Innovation Strategy for Climate Change Mitigation

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Richard G. Newell discusses innovation strategy to outline how a well-targeted set of climate policies, including those targeted directly at science and innovation that could help lower the overall costs of climate change mitigation.

Remaking the Suburbs in a Carbon-Constrained World: A Case Study of Maryland’s Purple Line

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:30:00 GMT

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December 03, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On December 3, Brookings will host a discussion exploring the key questions of our national support for transit projects by examining the construction of the Purple Line, a proposed 16-mile rapid transit line in the Maryland suburbs. Panelists will discuss the federal evaluation process, the role of the state in funding and the challenges in securing support from local communities.

How Obama Should Confront Climate Change

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Writing as the UN Conference on Climate Change occured in Poland, William Antholis and Bryan Mignone argued that over the past decade, the evidence for human-induced climate change has become one of the most widely accepted scientific findings of our time. They offer four recommendations for President Barack Obama to carry out a comprehensive and economically sensible approach to the issue.

Expecting the Unexpected: Macroeconomic Volatility and Climate Policy

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The global financial crisis underscores the importance of developing global climate change policies that can withstand major economic disruptions. In a new working paper, Warwick McKibbin, Adele Morris, and Peter Wilcoxen examine the effects of unexpected economic shocks on three potential climate change policy regimes.

Towards a Realistic Global Climate Agreement

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Warwick McKibbin and Peter Wilcoxen write that as a mechanism for controlling climate change, the Kyoto Protocol has not been a success. They offer an alternative framework for international climate policy, the McKibbin-Wilcoxen Hybrid3 as an approach that focuses on coordinated actions rather than mandated, inflexible outcomes.

Technological Scarcity, Compliance Flexibility and the Optimal Time Path of Emissions Abatement

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The economic costs of a cap-and-trade system will depend on the extent to which the program facilitates compliance flexibility. Bryan Mignone compares the costs of different cap-and-trade policy architectures and estimates the economic value of realizing flexibility with respect to the timing of emissions abatement.

Prices in Emissions Permit Markets

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Establishment of a mandatory cap-and-trade system in the United States remains an essential element of a comprehensive response to the global climate problem. Bryan Mignone considers the expected evolution of allowance prices in the future carbon market and what this implies for the design of provisions to limit the economic costs of such a program.

Re-Thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the opportunity of a new U.S. administration and Congress, Brookings’s Partnership for the Americas Commission released its final report noting the need for a new hemispheric partnership to address key transnational challenges and providing specific policy recommendations on five key areas: energy and climate change, migration, trade, organized crime and drug trafficking and U.S.-Cuban relations.

Re-Thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations: A Hemispheric Partnership for a Turbulent World

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:30:00 GMT

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November 24, 2008, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On November 24, the Brookings Institution hosted the Partnership for the Americas Commission for the release of their report, “Re-thinking U.S.-Latin American Relations: A Hemispheric Partnership for a Turbulent World," which offers a set of policy recommendations to the next U.S. administration to meet the challenges facing the U.S. and Latin America, from economic and poverty policies to security, foreign policy and energy.

Checkpoint Poznan: Transatlantic Climate Relationship Post-Election

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 24, 2008 the Brookings Institution and the Heinrich Boell Foundation convened a panel of US and European climate experts to discuss the outlook for the upcoming climate negotiations and the potential new relationship between the United States and Europe on the issue of climate change. The panel examined two aspects of the relationship – the domestic situations on both sides of the Atlantic and how the realities on the ground will play into the international negotiating positions at Copenhagen.

Pay Attention to Latin America

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new op-ed outlining the recommendations by Brookings’s Partnership for the Americas Commission, co-chairs Ernesto Zedillo and Thomas Pickering detail the need for stronger hemispheric relations and outline five areas for potential policy partnerships for the next administration.

A Plan for Action: Renewed American Leadership and International Cooperation for the 21st Century

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 20, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

To face the daunting problems of the global financial crisis to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and transnational threats such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism and global climate change, the new Obama administration will need to forge global partnerships and usher in a new era of international cooperation. On November 20, the Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) Project released "A Plan for Action,” a comprehensive set of foreign policy recommendations for the next U.S. president—and other world leaders—to address the most critical challenges facing the world today.

Memo to President-elect Barack Obama: Building a Secure Energy Future

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Building a secure energy future for the United States would be a fine cornerstone of a first term in the White House, William Antholis and Charles Ebinger write. Barack Obama's campaign pledge to reduce our dependence on oil and to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 is an exciting new approach to energy security and climate change, but a more detailed work plan is needed.

The Scouting Report: Build Energy Security

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 12, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Energy security and climate change are top priorities for the next president—second only perhaps to addressing the economic crisis. The Scouting Report continued its weekly web chat with Brookings Managing Director William Antholis, who discussed the energy security and climate change issues facing President-elect Obama. Politico Senior Editor Fred Barbash moderated.

Managing Global Insecurity: A Plan for Action

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

American and global leaders face a choice: they can either use this moment to help shape an international, rule-based order that will protect their global interests, or resign themselves to an ad hoc international system where they are increasingly powerless to shape the course of international affairs. The longer the delay in new approaches and new cooperation against today’s threats, the more difficult the challenges will become. Global leaders must chart a shared path forward that marries power and responsibility to achieve together what cannot be achieved apart: peace and security in a transnational world.

Build a Secure Energy Future

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 11, 2008, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

On November 11, Brookings held the second of 12 events to provide policy recommendations and political advice to the incoming president. William Antholis and Charles Ebinger presented their recommendations to President-elect Obama, including “cap-and-trade” legislation, a reshuffling of the federal bureaucracy, cooperation with state and local governments and diplomacy with a range of nations.

America's Next President Must Master the Tyranny of the Urgent

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change, nuclear proliferation, global trade and poverty, pandemics and terrorism will top the next president's agenda. The biggest job for the new U.S. administration, says Strobe Talbott, is to find better methods of governing an interdependent world. That is the only way to ensure the upside of globalization prevails over the downside.

Disaster Risk Mitigation – Why Human Rights Matter

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Existing human rights obligations, according to Walter Kälin and Claudine Haenni Dale, already require states to take measures to mitigate the risks of natural or man-made disasters — including those due to climate change — and thus to prevent displacement.

Gaps in the Protection of Those Displaced by Climate Change

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gaps in protection still remain for those people displaced by climate change within their own countries.

Australian and International Climate Change Policy

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2008, 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM

On October 30, the Brookings Institution, in conjunction with the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the International Food Policy Research Institute, will host Professor Ross Garnaut for a discussion on climate change policy. The occasion will also mark the launch of The Garnaut Climate Change Review in the United States.

Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the course of the past year, over 400 natural disasters took 16,000 lives, affected close to 250 million people and displaced many millions. But many humanitarian actors continue to see natural disasters and those displaced by them as marginal to the central thrust of humanitarian action: responding to those affected by conflict.

Displacement Caused by the Effects of Climate Change

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most causes of displacement triggered by climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, desertification or even the "sinking" of stretches of land, are not new. However, their frequency and magnitude are likely to increase. The challenge is to better analyze these causes of displacement, to identify the areas where the effects of climate change are most likely to occur and to examine the character of forced displacement and other population movemetns they could trigger.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

The Complexities of Carbon Cap-and-Trade Policies: Early Lessons from the States

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Trading of emissions under a cap-and-trade regime has received prominent attention as a possible approach to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. On September 25, one regional cap-and-trade program, involving ten Northeastern states, has already begun operation through an initial auctioning of carbon allowances. This poses many important issues of federalism, writes Barry Rabe, as the federal government begins to play catchup with states and will have to give thought to sorting out federal and state responsibilities.

China’s Balancing Act: Economic Growth, Climate Change and the Environment

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:45:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 18, 2008, 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM

On September 18, experts from the Brookings Institution, the Earth Institute of Columbia University and the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission of China discussed China’s economic outlook within the context of climate change, the potential for alternative energy use in China and the specifics of China’s greenhouse gas emissions challenges and water crisis.

The Climate of Opinion: State Views on Climate Change and Policy Options

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The 2008 presidential race may be the first in which the candidates’ positions on climate change have some influence on electoral outcome. Barry Rabe and Christopher Borick examine public attitudes toward climate change, with particular emphasis on policy options, including how to design and implement policies with states that have very different levels of capacity and patterns of emissions growth.

Insuring the Climate

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With cleanup from Hurricane Ike now underway across Texas and the upper Gulf coast, Bryan Mignone argues it is time to work to mitigate the costs of climate change. He writes that reducing carbon dioxide concentrations will help counter threats posed by extreme conditions such as drought and sea-level rises, in addition to lowering the growing risk of large hurricanes.