Story perspectives

Experts Urge Clarity Amid Polarized Climate Damage Debate

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Economists warn that estimates of long-term climate damages often overstate the discipline's capabilities.
This leads to polarized debates on climate policy, with some urging urgent action based on catastrophic projections and others downplaying the threat.
Nobel laureate William Nordhaus's work, which suggests modest damages, has been misused by opponents of climate action.
Experts emphasize the need for clearer communication about uncertainties in climate damage estimates to foster constructive policy discussions.

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Story summary

Economists warn that estimates of long-term climate damages often overstate the discipline's capabilities.
This leads to polarized debates on climate policy, with some urging urgent action based on catastrophic projections and others downplaying the threat.
Nobel laureate William Nordhaus's work, which suggests modest damages, has been misused by opponents of climate action.
Experts emphasize the need for clearer communication about uncertainties in climate damage estimates to foster constructive policy discussions.