Politics of International Climate Negotiations

Summary

In this insightful presentation, Professor Elizabeth Bomberg from the University of Edinburgh discusses the complexities of international climate negotiations. She outlines the challenges posed by state sovereignty, justice issues between the global North and South, and the numerous stakeholders involved. Despite these obstacles, she explains how international agreements, although lacking a central governing body, are still achievable through reciprocity and trust-building. Bomberg highlights key agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the importance of cooperation at all levels, from local to global, in addressing the climate crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global context for international climate negotiations is challenging, with countries facing both shared interests and competing priorities.
• 🌍 Climate change cannot be solved by one country alone; international cooperation is essential, but the concept of state sovereignty complicates this process.
• ⚖️ The issue of justice is central to climate negotiations, as industrialized nations historically contributed more to emissions while developing nations bear the brunt of the effects.
• 🌎 Different countries have varying interests and positions on climate change due to factors like vulnerability, energy sources, economic development, and trade roles.
• 🔄 Climate negotiations involve multiple stakeholders beyond states, including economic firms, NGOs, climate movements, experts, and the media.
• ⚖️ The lack of a global government means there is no authority to enforce compliance in international climate negotiations.
• 🤝 Pressure from NGOs and climate movements can encourage states to cooperate, even if it might not be in their immediate self-interest.
• 🌐 International agreements on climate change are possible, despite the absence of a global government, through norms, practices, and reciprocal cooperation.
• 📝 International agreements evolve over time, starting with modest frameworks like the 1992 Framework Convention, which can lead to more binding commitments, as seen with the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
• ⏳ Climate change negotiations take time, and progress is often slow and non-linear. Trust-building and long-term cooperation are key to achieving success.
• 💡 While international negotiations are important, they are just one part of a broader effort that includes national, regional, and sub-national actions, as well as involvement from various non-state actors.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Elizabeth Bomberg's lecture?

The primary focus of Elizabeth Bomberg's lecture is the politics of international climate negotiations, including the challenges, key stakeholders, and the potential for international cooperation despite the absence of a global government.

What is one of the major challenges in international climate negotiations?

One of the major challenges in international climate negotiations is the concept of state sovereignty, where countries assert their right to pursue national interests without external interference, which complicates cooperation on global issues like climate change.

How does the issue of justice affect international climate negotiations?

The issue of justice in climate negotiations is driven by the North-South divide, where industrialized nations of the Global North are historically responsible for emissions, while the Global South faces the most immediate and severe effects of climate change. This raises questions about who should bear the primary responsibility for addressing climate change.

What role do stakeholders like NGOs, experts, and the media play in climate negotiations?

Stakeholders such as NGOs, climate movements, experts, and the media play a crucial role in shaping the dialogue around climate change, influencing public opinion, pushing governments to act, and providing knowledge and analysis that informs the negotiations.

What makes the international context of climate change negotiations particularly complex?

The international context is complex due to competing national interests, differences in economic development, climate vulnerability, and energy sources, all of which make reaching a consensus difficult. Additionally, the lack of a global government further complicates efforts to enforce binding agreements.

What is meant by the term 'regimes' in international relations?

In international relations, 'regimes' refer to a set of norms, practices, and agreements that foster cooperation and build trust among states. These regimes can shape state behavior over time, even in the absence of a central governing authority.

How does reciprocity contribute to international climate cooperation?

Reciprocity in climate cooperation is based on the principle that states agree to help each other not out of altruism, but because it aligns with their long-term self-interest. This mutual benefit builds trust and encourages more cooperative actions over time.

What was the purpose of the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change?

The 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change was a modest agreement that established shared norms and goals for addressing climate change but did not impose binding obligations or targets. It laid the groundwork for future, more ambitious agreements.

What was the significance of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997?

The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, was a more ambitious agreement than the 1992 Framework Convention, as it set binding emissions reduction targets for certain states. It represented a step forward in global efforts to address climate change.

How did the 2015 Paris Agreement differ from previous climate agreements?

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a breakthrough because it significantly expanded the number of countries committing to climate targets. Unlike previous agreements, the targets were not imposed from above but were voluntarily pledged by the countries themselves, reflecting a more inclusive and flexible approach.