København: Klimalederskab i en foranderlig verden

This seminar will explore the changing actor dynamics in climate negotiations in the lead up to the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 23). 

The seminar will outline emerging constellations of actor interests and discuss the core issues for debate as parties work on finalizing the implementation plan for the Paris Agreement. It will also discuss Denmark’s priorities in this year’s negotiations and the prospects for promoting Danish positions on climate questions.

In November, government representatives will meet in Bonn, Germany to continue negotiations on how to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. The negotiations take place against the backdrop of the US government’s spring 2017 decision to withdraw from the accord, drawing attention to the role of many other state and non-state actors in sustaining its momentum. In this changing context, this seminar asks:

• What old and new coalitions are driving climate negotiations forward?
• How is the traditional divide between North and South developing?
• What are the key topics on the agenda in the negotiations, and what are Denmark’s particular interests?
• Where can Denmark look for climate allies within and beyond the EU?

International negotiations, to address the causes and consequences of climate change, have long provided an arena of contention between industrialized countries with a large historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions on one side, and developing countries that have contributed less to climate change but are more vulnerable to its negative effects on the other. 

In recent years, however, the diversity of national experiences, interests, and political initiatives related to climate change has become increasingly clear. New coalitions and actor groupings are contributing to reshaping climate negotiations. This shift presents an opportunity for navigating away from political stalemates, but also creates a more complicated picture of where the key areas for agreement and disagreement among negotiating parties lie.

Speakers

• Lau Øfjord Blaxekjær, Assistant Professor and Programme Director, University of the Faroe Islands
• Anette Ejersted, Chief Negotiator, International Office, Danish Ministry of Energy, Utilities, and Climate
• Mikkel Funder, Senior Researcher, DIIS
• Erik Lundsgaarde, Senior Researcher, DIIS

Programme

15.00-15.05: Welcome and introduction – Erik Lundsgaarde

15.05-15.45: New narratives and practices of global climate governance – Lau Øfjord Blaxekjær

15.45-15.55: Danish priorities and outlook toward COP 23 – Anette Ejersted

15.55-16.10: Coffee break

16.10-16.15: Reflections from discussant – Mikkel Funder

16.15-17.00: Audience questions and open discussion – moderator: Mikkel Funder

Practical information

The seminar will be in English and livestreamed on diis.dk.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please use our online registration form no later than Wednesday 13 September 2017 at 12.00 noon. Livestream does not require registration.

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