International Climate Negotiation Factors

Design, Process, Tactics

verfasst von: Wytze van der Gaast

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

Providing a detailed examination of climate negotiations records since the 1990s, this book shows that, in addition to agreeing on climate policy frameworks, the negotiations process is of crucial importance to success. Shedding light on the dynamics of international climate policymaking, its respective chapters explore key milestones such as the Kyoto Protocol, Marrakech Accords, Cancun Agreement and Doha Framework.

The book identifies a minimum of three conditions that need to be fulfilled for successful climate negotiations: the negotiations need to reflect the fact that climate change calls for global solutions; the negotiation process must be flexible, including multiple trajectories and several small steps; and decisive tactical maneuvers need to be made, as much can depend on, for example, personalities and the negotiating atmosphere. With regard to the design of an international climate policy regime, the main challenge presented has been the inability to agree on globally supported greenhouse gas emission reduction measures.

The book offers an excellent source of information for researchers, policymakers and advisors alike.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

International climate negotiations are complex as they address a global environmental problem which affects and requires collaboration between all countries. At the same time, countries may have different interests and abilities to contribute climate policy solutions. This chapters identifies three factors for achieving climate negotiation success: design of the climate agreement, the flexibility of the negotiation process and decisive tactics and facilitative negotiation support to enable changes in the course and/or direction of negotiations.

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Chapter 2. Climate Negotiation Factors: Design, Process and Tactics

Abstract

International climate negotiations take place in absence of an overarching authority to enforce compliance with the agreed objectives. As a consequence, negotiations need to motivate countries to join a climate coalition, both from an international climate and national socio-economic perspective. In order to arrive at an effective climate coalition, the process of negotiations needs to be flexible and focussed on win-win solutions. Tactical manoeuvres are needed to change the course of negotiations when needed. These tactics can take various forms such as new scientific insights or personalities of key negotiators.

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Chapter 3. The First Phase—Negotiating the UN Climate Convention

Abstract

The adoption of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 was the result of a two-year negotiation process. The UNFCCC was globally supported but only contained (not legally-binding) objectives by developed countries to stabilise their greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2000. In terms of process, negotiators managed to accelerate the negotiations in order to be ready by the Earth Summit of June 1992. Important tactics for global support for the Convention were the inclusion of the precautionary principle and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

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Chapter 4. The Negotiation Process Leading to the Kyoto Protocol

Abstract

In the Kyoto Protocol developed countries committed to emission reductions in return for considerable flexibility to achieve these, including carbon credit trading. Negotiations took place with several small steps, thereby allowing negotiation tactics to lead towards a final agreement. Important tactical aspects of the negotiations were: personalities of key negotiators, growing scientific knowledge of climate change impacts, handling the ‘Kyoto crisis’ after the US withdrawal, and linking Russia’s support to the Kyoto Protocol with its desire to become WTO member.

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Chapter 5. Towards a Future Climate Policy—From the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement

Abstract

This chapter describes the three main climate negotiation phases between 2005 and 2015 when the Paris Agreement was adopted. During 2005–2009, negotiations aimed at extending the Kyoto Protocol structure. Between 2009 and 2012, the main focus was on restoring confidence in the UN-led climate negotiations after the failure to reach a long-term climate agreement in Copenhagen. The third stage of negotiations resulted in the Paris Agreement and aimed at embedding climate actions in countries’ national socio-economic plans.

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Chapter 6. Dealing with the Climate Negotiations Paradox

Abstract

After the adoption of the Paris Agreement the next focus of climate negotiations will be on its implementation. These negotiations are likely to be more technical to support countries in formulating national climate plans (NDCs), implementing these and reviewing progress. Past negotiations on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol have shown that such technical negotiations may also require lengthy processes for a successful negotiation result. However, there is little time left to address climate change challenges. This paradox can be broken as many building blocks for implementation of the Paris Agreement already exist, so that negotiations can remain on pace.

Wytze van der Gaast

Titel: International Climate Negotiation Factors
verfasst von: Wytze van der Gaast
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-46798-6
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-46797-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46798-6