Does the World Bank support a specific climate change “target”?
Scientists and policy makers are discussing emissions targets to maintain levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to, for example, “450 ppm” (parts per million) or other levels. The Bank sees its role as providing data-based evidence and assessments of what the economic and social consequences would be of various targets for developing countries in various sectors. For example, research supported by the Bank demonstrates that carbon dioxide concentrations that exceed 450 ppm may cause irreparable damage to coral reefs upon which 100 million people living along the coasts of tropical developing countries depend for their livelihoods. What we know for sure is that the less mitigation (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) we achieve, the more countries and communities around the world will have to adapt to the effects of climate change – such as rising sea levels, more severe weather events, and reduced water availability – and the more expensive it will be
