Recent Findings from Climate Science and their Implications for Policy

Informal Thematic Debate of the General Assembly, United Nations, N.Y.

Overview

Professor Holdren summarizes the science and explains the implications of the science for adaptation and mitigation, both of which are essential. He concludes that:

1. Far more serious mitigation efforts than seen so far must be started at once in industrial nations and soon in developing ones.
2. Even assuming great success in mitigation efforts, an immediate and large increase in adaptation efforts is required in North and South alike.
3. Increased international cooperation in both domains, including an expanded role for the United Nations, will be crucial.