The role of great powers in international politics of climate change | Coffee break research at LSE

Summary

Dr. Robert Faulkner discusses his recent edited volume, *Great Powers, Climate Change, and Global Environmental Responsibilities*, which explores the role of major powers in addressing the climate crisis. The book examines the environmental power of nations like the U.S., China, the EU, and emerging economies such as India and Brazil, and questions whether these powers should shoulder special responsibilities. Faulkner highlights the challenges of power inequality in global environmental politics, the potential for climate change to be securitized, and the dilemmas faced by developing nations striving for growth while confronting their environmental impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Great powers like the U.S. and China play a pivotal role in global environmental governance and climate change negotiations.
• 🌍 Environmental power is not just about material resources but also about social legitimacy and shaping international cooperation.
• 🔴 Power inequality between developed and developing nations remains a significant challenge in addressing climate change globally.
• 🚨 The securitization of climate change can increase international cooperation but may not provide adequate tools for tackling systemic issues like the transition to net-zero economies.
• 🔧 Dr. Faulkner critiques the current lack of a formalized 'great power management system' in global environmental governance.
• 🌱 Emerging powers, like Brazil and India, are navigating the tension between development and the environmental responsibilities they must now shoulder.
• 💡 Climate change policy should include creative solutions that give vulnerable, smaller states a voice in decision-making processes.
• ⚖️ There is a growing need to balance environmental responsibility between developed countries and emerging economies with large populations and carbon footprints.
• 🌐 International relations and climate change diplomacy are deeply intertwined, with global power structures affecting how countries respond to environmental crises.
• 🌎 Dr. Faulkner emphasizes that while states like India and Brazil advocate for development space, they must not follow the same unsustainable developmental paths that the West has taken.
• 🛑 Securitization, while fostering urgency, has yet to provide effective solutions for the structural changes required to phase out fossil fuels and transition to sustainable energy systems.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Dr. Robert Faulkner's book discussed in the event?

The central theme of Dr. Faulkner's book, *Great Powers, Climate Change, and Global Environmental Responsibilities*, is to explore the role and responsibility of great powers in tackling the climate crisis, particularly how environmental power influences global politics and how emerging powers like China and India are becoming more significant in this area.

How does Dr. Faulkner define the concept of 'environmental power'?

Dr. Faulkner defines 'environmental power' as the ability of states to shape global environmental outcomes, either positively by contributing to solutions or negatively by exacerbating environmental harm. Great powers are often environmental powers, as they have the capacity to influence global environmental policy.

Why are emerging powers like China and India increasingly significant in global environmental politics?

Emerging powers like China and India are becoming more significant in global environmental politics because they are major contributors to global emissions, have large and growing populations, and their development trajectories will determine whether global climate goals can be met. Their policies will heavily influence the future of global environmental governance.

What does Dr. Faulkner mean by the 'negative' and 'positive' environmental power of great powers?

Negative environmental power refers to the ability of great powers to harm the environment, such as through pollution and resource depletion, while positive environmental power is the ability to drive constructive environmental solutions, such as leading international agreements or developing sustainable technologies.

What role does securitization of climate change play in global environmental governance?

Securitization of climate change refers to framing climate change as a security threat that requires urgent and immediate action. While this discourse may help foster international cooperation and generate urgency, Dr. Faulkner questions whether securitization can actually provide the tools needed for deep systemic changes in industrial and energy systems.

How do great powers' domestic politics influence their environmental policies?

Great powers' domestic politics play a significant role in shaping their environmental policies, as leaders need domestic support to pursue international climate action. Political ideologies, public opinion, and economic interests at home often dictate how a country approaches global environmental challenges, as seen with different administrations in the U.S. (Obama, Trump, Biden).

What is the dilemma faced by developing nations like Brazil and India regarding climate change?

Developing nations like Brazil and India face the dilemma of needing to continue their economic development while also addressing their growing environmental footprints. These countries often seek exemptions from emission reduction commitments due to their developmental needs, but they are under pressure to contribute to global climate goals due to their rising emissions.

How does Dr. Faulkner propose addressing power imbalances between great powers and weaker states in climate negotiations?

Dr. Faulkner suggests creating mechanisms that allow weaker states, which are more vulnerable to climate change, to have a voice in global decision-making processes. One possible solution is granting them shared seats or representation in important bodies like the UN Security Council to ensure their perspectives are considered in international climate agreements.

What is the relationship between the right to development and environmental responsibility for countries like India?

The relationship between the right to development and environmental responsibility is complex for countries like India. While these countries have the right to continue developing economically, their large ecological footprints put pressure on global environmental systems. A balance must be struck between allowing them to develop and ensuring they contribute to reducing global emissions.

What solutions does Dr. Faulkner propose for reconciling the development needs of emerging powers with the need to limit global emissions?

Dr. Faulkner advocates for a better distribution of developmental opportunities, where developed countries take on greater responsibility for cutting emissions, allowing developing countries like India and Brazil more 'emission space' for growth. This would enable a compromise that accommodates both their developmental needs and the urgent need to reduce global emissions.