Computer screen with line graphs monitoring stock market activity.

Credit: Pixabay

Climate change could cut global GDP in half by late 21st century

Without urgent action to curb emissions and restore ecosystems, the global economy could shrink by 50% between 2070 and 2090 due to climate-driven disasters, according to a report by actuaries and scientists.

Sandra Laville reports for The Guardian.

In short:

A study by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries warns climate impacts like extreme weather and ecosystem collapse could devastate the global economy.
Current economic models underestimate risks by ignoring tipping points and systemic failures caused by global heating.
The report calls for policymakers to adopt a "planetary solvency" approach to protect the Earth's systems essential for human survival.

Key quote:

“You can’t have an economy without a society, and a society needs somewhere to live.”

— Sandy Trust, lead author of the report

Why this matters:

Climate-related shocks could disrupt food, water and energy systems, threatening billions of lives and global stability. Ignoring these risks perpetuates inadequate policies, leaving humanity unprepared for worsening crises.

www.theguardian.com

Climate change could cut global GDP in half by late 21st century

NASA budget cuts threaten public health research tied to climate data

New surge in space launches raises concerns over upper-atmosphere pollution

Shell may sell $14 billion plastic plant in Pennsylvania after record tax deal fails to deliver

Arizona cities form alliance to defend Colorado River water amid deepening drought

Wildfire smoke and disruptions tied to spike in deaths

Europe faces worst wildfire year on record as smoke and heat choke the region

Colorado’s alpine wetlands are quietly contaminating drinking water with toxic mercury

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.