Climate action is economic engine

Taking steps to curtail greenhouse-gas emissions could amp the world economy by as much as 5 percent by 2050, according to a new report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, of which the US is a member. The organization is known for its support of free-market and free-trade policies.

The 309-page study draws its conclusions from economic data from member countries, and recommends investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure and low-carbon technologies.

The study argues that if the world’s top 20 economies aggressively pursue these strategies, the countries could add 1 percent to their average economic production by 2021. Continuing those policies and strategies will grow these economies 5 percent by 2050, the report concludes.