Global Warming and Policy Making : Observations presented to the NTNF Seminar on Energy and Environment at Sundvollen Hotel, September 17, 1990

Abstract

This paper outlines some of the major policy issues raised by the prospect of global warming. Scientific uncertainty create political disputes concerning risks and costs, about the trade-off between short-term welfare considerations and long term conditions. Furthermore, they involve key issues of global distribution between developing countries and developed countries. The scientific uncertainties and issues are outlined with a view to identifying the policy dilemmas involved in energy policy. The paper concludes by making a plea for a global outlook and prudent action.