How can international action on climate change be effectively developed after 2012?
Introduction
The research provides insights into the theoretical and empirical concerns associated with the involvement of non-nation state actors and key developing countries in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and post-2012 climate regime. On the theoretical front, we seek to understand the ways in which the explosion in parallel initiatives seeking to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases – in cities, in key developing countries, at the regional level, through corporations, carbon offset organisations, and so on – challenge traditional concepts and approaches to international co-operation. On the empirical front, we aim to appraise the significant initiatives being undertaken by non-state actors and developing countries in order to understand how these actors are attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the institutional factors that might facilitate greater benefit to the atmosphere.
Aims and objectives
The overall objective of the project is twofold: to conceptualise and assess current carbon commitments from non-nation state actors and key developing countries, and to examine how these actors are engaging with post-2012 international climate change policy. The project runs for three years, from June 2006 to March 2009.
More specific aims include:
- To develop ways of conceptualising climate governance beyond the international regime;
- To investigate the link between commitments and actual reductions being undertaken by a range of actors in initiatives which run parallel to the international regime;
- To examine the implications of these activities for a post-2012 climate regime and future climate governance.
Research method
The project combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, as follows:
- Development of a comprehensive database of climate commitments and achievements by non-nation state actors (cities, regions, corporations, voluntary offset retailers, schools, events). The project database currently contains over 3,000 entries, with carbon reductions by non-state actors estimated at approximately 2 billion tonnes CO2e by 2012;
- In-depth case studies of non-state actors and key developing countries (2-4 per sector), primarily through interviews and documentary analysis.