Strategies for Climate Mitigation

“This publication underscores the vital importance of national mitigation strategies. Ambitious, 1.5°C-aligned national climate plans – covering all sectors and all greenhouse gases – are more critical than ever. Robust tracking of progress through Biennial Transparency Reports is also vital, to guide stronger policy-making, and to identify financing needs and investment opportunities – including through carbon markets under Article 6. Whole-of-government approaches, with meaningful engagement with sector leaders and other key stakeholders, are key to unlocking whole-of-society benefits: among them stronger growth and productivity, more jobs, less pollution and much lower health costs, and more secure and affordable energy. Helping all countries to seize these huge benefits is crucial. This new volume from the IMF is a valuable and timely contribution.” — Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

“This volume offers practitioners and scientists a clear framework for designing effective climate mitigation strategies. It shows how carbon pricing, reinforced by targeted sectoral policies, can align emission goals with economic efficiency, fairness, and political realism. For those advancing climate policy, this handbook provides an essential toolkit - to manage competitiveness, navigate distributional challenges, and foster international coordination towards global climate objectives.” — Ottmar Edenhofer, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Technical University of Berlin, and Mercator Research Institute of Global Commons and Climate Change

“Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have been intricately woven into the fabric of economic activity for more than a century. Successfully addressing climate change requires pulling them out of this intricate weave while recognizing the fragilities of the fabric. No single policy is likely to be successful. The IMF has produced a much-needed guide for policymakers and stakeholders that helps balance the competing interests of cost-effectiveness, fairness, and feasibility. It highlights policy options across the economy, analytical tools to answer key questions, the importance of action, and the value of international cooperation. This book will be a valuable reference for anyone piecing together (or trying to understand) practical and effective national climate policy regimes.” — Billy Pizer, President and CEO, Resources for the Future