GWSP Archive: Hot Off the Press: New book on Climate Governance

The History of Global Climate Governance

by Joyeeta Gupta

What has happened globally on the climate change issue? How have countries’ positions differed over time, and why? How are problems and politics developing on an increasingly globalised planet, and can we find a solution? This book explores these questions and more, explaining the key underlying issues of the conflicts between international blocs. The negotiation history is systematically presented in five phases, demonstrating the evolution of decision-making. The book discusses the coalitions, actors and potential role of the judiciary, as well as human rights issues in addressing the climate change problem. It argues for a methodical solution through global law and constitutionalism, which could provide the quantum jump needed in addressing the problem of climate governance. This fascinating and accessible account will be a key resource for policymakers and NGOs, and also for researchers and graduate students in climate policy, geopolitics, climate change, environmental policy and law, and international relations.

The content of the book is outlined in the sections below.

 Part I. Introduction

  1. Grasping the essentials of the climate change problem;
  2. Mitigation, adaptation and geoengineering;

Part II. The History of the Negotiations

  1. Setting the stage: defining the climate problem (until 1990);
  2. Institutionalising key issues: the Framework Convention on Climate Change (1991–1996);
  3. Progress despite challenges: towards the Kyoto Protocol and beyond (1997–2001);
  4. The regime under challenge: leadership competition sets in (2001–2007);
  5. Enlarging the negotiating pie;

Part III. Issues in Global Climate Governance

  1. Countries, coalitions, other actors and negotiation challenges;
  2. Litigation and human rights;

Part IV. Towards the Future

  1. Climate governance: a steep learning curve!

 

Further Information