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Why should Finance Ministers worry about climate change?

While political will is necessary to tackle climate change, financial measures are needed to keep down the cost of action. According to Angel Gurría, "Ministers of Finance share a common responsibility to help shape cost-effective policies to respond to climate change."

OECD preparing two-pillar action plan in response to crisis, says Gurría

OECD is preparing a two-pillar action plan for governments, as part of a global response to the world financial crisis, calling for tighter regulation and oversight of financial markets and improved national policies to promote economic growth.

Costs of Inaction on Key Environmental Challenges (2008)

Countries today face numerous environmental challenges, such as climate change, air and water pollution, natural resource management, natural disasters and industrial accidents.

OECD Roundtable on Urban Strategy of Mayors and Ministers on “Competitive Cities and Climate Change”: Remarks by Angel Gurría

Given that the majority of the world’s population lives in cities accounting for 60 to 80 percent of emissions, cities are key actors in our efforts to achieve long-term sustainable solutions to the global climate change challenge, according to Mr. Gurría.

OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Hungary 2008

The Conclusions and Recommendations of the OECD Environmental Performance Review

In the lead-up to joining the European Union, Hungary made significant progress in reducing air and water pollution and protecting its nature and biodiversity, according to Mr. Gurría. However, he recommended that Hungary redouble its efforts, in order to further reduce pollution and use energy and raw materials more efficiently.

OECD High-level Parliamentary Seminar on Climate Change

Climate change is confronting us with the fierce urgency of “now”. It concerns the environment as well as the global economy. Global temperatures will continue to rise unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced significantly. Impacts will include more intense heat waves, droughts, storms and floods, which in turn will cause damage to key infrastructure and crops, and increase risks to human health and life. Action is urgent and

Energy, Environment, Climate Change: Unlocking the Potential for Innovation

According to A. Gurría, climate change is a global challenge demanding a global solution. The will to implement the policies that will bring us to a low-carbon future is gaining momentum. Now is the time to reach a climate agreement. Doing so will require the commitment of all stakeholders.

Water for All: A Matter of Good Governance - The OECD Perspective

In his remarks at the 13th World Water Congress, Mr. Gurría underlined that managing and securing access to water and sanitation for all is one of the world’s biggest challenges and needs a global response.

OECD Global Forum on Sustainable Development

The OECD Global Forum on Sustainable Development - Financing and Pricing Water: The Role of Government Policies, the Private Sector and Civil Society was held at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris on 1-2 December 2008.