| Abstract |
Spatial energy balance models are used by climate scientists to help understand climate dynamics and to
assist in construction of more complex general circulation models. In this paper we present the first, to
our knowledge, coupled spatial energy balance and economic growth model. This leads to new insights
regarding: (i) The contentious issue of whether a gradualist approach to mitigation, is preferable to an
initially more aggressive approach, (ii) The effect of polar ice melting on optimal policy, (iii) Robustness of
optimal climate policy to spatial damage uncertainty, and (iv) Economic justice considerations raised by
variation in latitude specific damages. |
