Of many sources of suspected contention in the upcoming COP15 conference in Copenhagen, the issue of “common but differentiated responsibilities” is a major obstacle. As Whalley and Walsh indicate in their study “Bringing the Copenhagen Global Climate Change Negotiations to Conclusion,” this issue impacts participant economies of all sizes and strengths, particularly India, China, and […]
Continue reading about History and Relevancy of “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities”
When negotiations over the post-Kyoto climate change regime resume in December, the issue of ‘common yet differentiated responsibilities’ is certain to generate some intense debate. Beyond the conflicts caused by the deferring interpretations of the actual wording – repeated so often that it has become the mantra of international climate change discourse – ‘common yet differentiated responsibilities’ is a problematic approach to negotiations on several other levels.
Despite never formally being a party of the UNFCCC proceedings, the United States has tremendous influence on the post-Kyoto negotiations leading up to COP-15 in Copenhagen this December. Many countries are looking to the U.S. to see if the change in administration can foster a greater involvement with new climate change mitigation after 2012 (the […]
Continue reading about Wanted: Greater Participation From China/U.S.
Within the political process, power usually rest in the hands of those with power – often in the form of wealth. Thus far in global climate negotiations, we have focused primarily on Annex I (developed nations) and used them as a measurement of what other nations should do. Unfortunately, developed nations often have the least […]
We need to remember that the economic and behavioral changes required under the current climate change management plans are not going to be willed into being, they have to be consciously produced. This will only happen if commitment and compliance can be obtained from all communities in the world.
Continue reading about The commitment issue: how flexible can you be?
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