By highlighting the social, political and technological progress already made, this open access book presents an optimistic outlook for a transition to a climate-neutral world and successful adaptation to climate change. With a focus on economics and policy, it covers a wide range of cases where climate action is heading in the right direction. Short digestible chapters highlight, among other things, growing awareness among the general population and the willingness to act, and present technologies and policy measures that have already led to emission reductions. Particular attention is given to the economic opportunities of green technologies, the rapid spread of renewable energy and storage technologies, the decarbonization of industry, net-zero targets, climate legislation adopted in many countries, and carbon pricing.

Michael Jakob is an independent climate economist conducting research for Climate Transition Economics.