Lord Nicholas Stern, author of the Stern Review into the Economics of Climate Change, visited Hong Kong from 26 to 29 October 2008. During his visit he led two major climate change events; the Regional Economics of Climate Change Study (RECCS) workshop, held with 'mini-Stern' study groups from around the world and the Pre-Symposium meeting for international experts. The Pre-Symposium meetings were aimed at developing a framework for a global deal which could be considered at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 15th Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen in December 2009.

During his visit to the territory, Lord Stern met the Secretary for Environment, Edward Yau, and held a number of events with HSBC, where he is a Special Advisor for Economic Development and Climate Change. He also spoke at The Climate Group's conference on 'Making Business Sense of the Low Carbon Economy'  and to students at Hong Kong University where he spoke the 'Key Elements of a Global Deal on Climate Change'.

Lord Stern is the author of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, the most comprehensive review ever carried out on the economic impacts of climate change. The Review concludes that climate change is a serious global threat demanding an urgent global response and that the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic cost of not acting. The Review, led by Lord Stern, the then Head of the UK’s Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist, reported to the Prime Minister and Chancellor on the nature of the economic challenges of climate change and how they can be met, both in the UK and globally.

The Stern team, based at the UK’s Office of Climate Change, works closely with Lord Stern to develop further analysis on the economics of climate change, disseminate the Review's analysis and findings and provide advice to other countries and regions that are planning similar work.

The Office of Climate Change works across the UK Government to support analytical work on climate change and the development of climate change policy and strategy. Many government departments are involved in tackling climate change, or in helping the UK and other countries adapt to its possible future impacts.

Photo captions:

Lord Stern speaks at The Climate Group's conference on 'Making Business Sense of the Low Carbon. (Picture courtesy of The Climate Group)

Lord Stern gives a public lecture at HKU on 27 October on 'Key Elements of a Global Deal on Climate Change', moderated by George Leung, Advisor, Strategy and Economics Asia Pacific from HSBC. (Picture courtesy of HKU)