Highlights of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report

The following statements were made with both high agreement and much evidence. tGlobal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have grown since preindustrial times, with an increase of 70 percent between 1970 and 2004. tWith current climate change mitigation policies, global GHG emissions will continue to grow. tStudies indicate that there is substantial economic potential for the reduction of global GHG. tHealth benefits from reduced air pollution as a result of reduced GHG may offset a substantial fraction of the costs. tEnergy investments in developing countries can create opportunities to achieve GHG reductions and may include benefits to energy services and employment. tEnergy efficiency options for buildings could considerably reduce emissions with economic benefits, but barriers exist. tFull use of available mitigation options is not being made in industry. t Forest-related mitigation can considerably lower emissions and increase reduction of GHG already present. tWaste is a small contributor to GHG and waste management can contribute to mitigation at a low cost. t In order to stabilize the concentration of GHGs, emissions need to peak and then decline. This can be achieved through greater energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, using low-carbon energy sources (such as renewable and nuclear energy) and improved forestry. tGovernment support and incentives will play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. tSustainable development, while costly, can make a major contribution to climate change mitigation.