The international politics of the climate change negotiations
As part of the focus on environmental diplomacy, the IGD’s research considers the impact of changing geo-political realities in shaping the future climate change regime. This includes a focus on multilateral diplomacy and the role of emerging powers as well as the development of an African common position and the role of this negotiating coalition in the achievement of a ‘better Africa, better world’.
About the Programme
Environmental degradation and the frequency with which the effects of climate change are being felt are increasingly evident. Yet, while attention has been given to the science and economics of climate change, there has been limited engagement on the diplomacy...
Read more...Aims
- consider Africa’s strategic position in the international environmental regime;
- contribute to knowledge development and capacity...
News Roundup
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In The News 12-05-2013South Africa: Steele - 'South Africa Should Do More to Curb Carbon Emissions'
A conference on climate change is underway in Berlin to discuss the need to cut on carbon emissions by developed countries. Despite Africa contributing little carbon emissions, it has suffered the consequences.
Carbon emissions could rise to 58 gigatonnes by 2020 if no drastic action is taken without delay, the United Nations environmental agency (UNEP) said in its Emissions Gap Report 2012. This figure is far above the level scientists say and it is in line with keeping global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit). DW spoke to Melita Steele, Climate Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa.
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In The News 12-05-2013East Africa: Make-Believe Environmental Standards
Tanzania and some East African countries have established environmental standards. It is a good step towards creating a health environment in the East African Region. But it is difficult to believe that Tanzania implements any of the standards.
For example, who monitors the Air Quality Standards for Tanzania in Arusha? In particular, who monitors the presence of the poisonous metal called Lead? Does anybody monitors the presence of harmful quantities of sulfur oxides, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, suspended particulate matters or black smoke based on the limits of pollutant levels specified in the Air Quality Standards for Tanzania? Where are official reports on the status of the substances in the environment? You may ask.
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In The News 12-05-20133 Encouraging Signs of Progress from the Bonn Climate Talks
A slight breath of fresh air entered the UNFCCC climate negotiations this week in Bonn, Germany. Held in the old German parliament—which was designed to demonstrate transparency and light—the meeting took on a more open feel than the past several COPs and intersessionals.
Instead of arguing over the agenda, negotiators got down to work, discussing ways to ramp up countries’ emissions-reduction commitments now and move toward a 2015 international climate action agreement. Reaching these two goals is imperative. It was encouraging to hear delegates make progress across three key issues involved in achieving them:
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