A conference organised by Sciences Po and the French Development Agency (AFD), moderated by Sébastien Treyer, IDDRI, with Gaël Giraud, Chief Economist of the French Development Agency, Member of the Stern-Stiglitz Commission, Director of the Energy and Prosperity Chair.
Almost two years after the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement (COP 21), everything remains to be done to combat climate change.
The national contributions of most UN member countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 are notoriously insufficient: if everyone simply keeps their promises, the planet is expected to warm by more than +3°C.
Biodiversity will be severely affected, with dramatic consequences for agriculture and health. The African continent, particularly vulnerable to climate change, will be severely affected.
There is an urgent need: all countries must take climate policy measures. There is no shortage of solutions, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation.
One of the courses of action is to set up a carbon pricing system. The Stern-Stiglitz report, published last May, shows that this is an essential element for effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also for promoting economic development and poverty reduction.
What public policies can be put in place to fight climate change in Africa? What role should carbon pricing play in relation to other existing tools?
