Description
Several issues are currently discussed around the structure of the negotiations and the structure of the international treaties. On the negotiation structure, some suggested that in addition to the all-encompassing forum of the UNFCCC, a group of countries (the coalition of the willing) should discuss further action. Alternatively, it was suggested that only the major emitters should strike a deal.
With regard to the structure of the treaties it was suggested that possibly an Adaptation Protocol should be added to the Kyoto Protocol, which addresses emission reductions. Going even further an "Orchestra of Treaties" was proposed structuring future negotiations around various themes to streamline and facilitate international agreements related to climate change. Such Treaties could be a Science Treaty, a Technology Treaty, Specific Gas Treaties such as a F-Gas Treaty, a Binding Cap Treaty, and a Climate Wise Development Treaty that are established, discussed and negotiated by a group of countries that have an interest in working towards agreements for these specific Treaties. Specific issues therefore will be de-linked and binding targets under each treaty agreed upon. The range of several treaties and activities could be discussed and implemented in- or outside the UNFCCC.
An advantage of negotiating treaties outside the UNFCCC process would be that like-minded countries work together on specific topics, which in general can speed up international agreements. However, the political message might be weakened when a treaty is not supported by a majority of countries. In addition, the UNFCCC process as a whole would be weakened.
Further Research by:
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI)
Fridtjof Nansen Institute
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