Exploring the economic case for early investment in climate change mitigation in middle-income countries: a case study of Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Abstract

The assumption that climate mitigation can only be afforded at a particular level of income is implicit in global climate negotiations. This suggests that middle-income countries may reach a tipping point in their development process where low-carbon investment becomes more viable. In order to avoid dangerous levels of climate change, this tipping point needs to be brought forward in time: upper-middle-income countries are already responsible for 37.8% of global CO2 emissions. We explore the scope for large-scale investment in climate mitigation in Johor Bahru, a fast-growing industrial city in Malaysia.

Description

Keywords

energy, climate policy, cities, carbon Kuznets curve, low-carbon investment

Citation

Colenbrander, S., Gouldson, A., Sudmant, A. H., Papargyropoulou, E., Chau, L. W., & Ho, C. S. (2016). Exploring the economic case for early investment in climate change mitigation in middle-income countries: a case study of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Climate and Development, 8(4), 351-364.

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