The EU Negotiating Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change, by definition, is an international issue.¹ It is also a priority issue of the European Union’s (EU) external relations. Like many other environmental issues, regulating greenhouse gas emissions is a policy problem that crosses national borders. Its public good character implies a need for interstate cooperation; otherwise self-interested states may opt to let other states invest in greenhouse gas emission reductions, whilst benefiting from the result. Even though scientists indicate swift action to avoid dangerous climate change is required, international agreement on an international climate deal should not be taken for granted.² National governments may focus on short-term interests, may consider the costs of climate policies burdensome, may argue that other states have to carry more of the burden or have other reasons not to agree to take action. In other words, there is a high risk for ‘moral hazard’. This makes international climate negotiations a challenging endeavour and also at time jeopardises the ability of EU Member States to agree to an ambitious climate policy.