Advancing Comparative Climate Change Politics: Theory and Method

Central to this special issue is the notion that the methods and conceptual tools of comparative politics can improve our understanding of global climate change politics. Building on recent advancements in the field of comparative environmental politics, the special issues offers a more comprehensive treatment of climate change politics in developed countries, emerging economies and least developed countries. In this introduction, I distil the key features of comparative politics, advocate for the more rigorous application of comparative methods in climate politics scholarship and highlight three groups of political factors—institutions, interests and ideas—that hold considerable promise in explaining climate change politics at the domestic level. The introduction concludes with an appeal to (re)think how international and domestic politics interact. Examples drawn from the articles assembled for this special issue are used to substantiate the claims made.

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Sino-Indian Cooperation at the Climate Change Negotiations: The Past, the Present and the Future

Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies ◽

10.1142/s2345748114500109 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 02 (01) ◽

pp. 1450010

Author(s):

Dhanasree JAYARAM

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Global Climate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Climate Change Negotiations ◽

The Road ◽

The North ◽

The Common ◽

India And China ◽

Change Mitigation

India and China have been cooperating with each other at the climate change negotiations since the inception of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. The paper makes a case that although the road has not been very smooth and has not been free of differences, the two powers have been at the forefront of decision-making in global climate governance and in this exercise, and cooperation has been more prominent than competition or rivalry. The paper analyzes the goals and positions of India at the negotiations within the larger framework of the North–South conflict and South–South cooperation. Whether it is the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) or the bottom-up approach toward climate change mitigation, concerns expressed by both countries have largely been similar, especially since they have championed the cause of equity and climate justice for safeguarding the developing countries' right to develop. The paper explains the manner in which India and China have played an influential role in shaping the technicalities and modalities of various climate mechanisms in the context of their relations with the other developing and least developed countries (LDCs). The paper argues that by building more South–South cooperation mechanisms related to climate change issues, India and China can bring about a just and equitable global climate order that assists developing and LDCs in tackling climate change that affects them most.

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Influencing Factors and Future Trends of Global Climate Governance Pattern and China’s Responsive Measures

Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies ◽

10.1142/s2345748121500081 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 2150008

Author(s):

Hongbo CHEN ◽

Ying ZHANG

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Low Income ◽

Carbon Emissions ◽

Technological Progress ◽

Global Climate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Small Island ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Climate Governance

Since the 1990s, the global climate governance pattern has kept evolving from the initial two camps of developed and developing countries to the current pattern of multi-polarity, featuring the withdrawal and return of Paris Agreement by the United States, the declining leadership of the EU, the coalition of BASIC countries, and the rise of the least developed countries and small island developing states as newly emerging forces. This evolution mainly results from the combined effects of three factors: (i) The changes in the carbon emission pattern driven by population, economic growth, and technological progress; (ii) the stronger influences and power of discourse of the least developed countries and small island developing states as derived from the impacts of and vulnerability to climate change; and (iii) the impacts brought about by uncertain factors such as the uncertainties in terms of science, politics, and technological progress. These factors will still affect the trend of global climate governance in the future. The carbon emissions of developed countries will continue to take a less share in the world’s total, while the proportion of India and the least developed countries in this respect will rise rapidly, which will make global climate governance face a dilemma. Technological progress and the positive actions of non-state entities indicate that the international climate system needs reform and innovation. The rapid development of China over the past three decades has been synchronized with the evolution of the global governance structure, and has naturally become one of the internal factors driving the evolution of climate governance pattern. In the face of various pressure and challenges, China has been pushed to the forefront of global climate governance. China should observe the general trends within and outside the country, and respond to them rationally: (i) Set the proper role of China in the new pattern of global climate governance, i.e. a cooperation leader who should make positive contributions and avoid premature advance; (ii) innovate the concept and institutional system of global climate governance, and study and put forward the Chinese approach that is positive, pragmatic, and operable; (iii) help low-income countries cope with climate change by virtue of renewable energy technology and industrial cooperation, and achieve a win–win situation by encouraging Chinese enterprises to “go out” and helping low-income countries effectively control carbon emissions; and (iv) strengthen the climate cooperation with non-state actors, give play to their special role, and promote China’s comprehensive reform and opening-up.

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Financing Climate Change Adaptation: International Initiatives

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126515 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6515

Author(s):

Govinda R. Timilsina

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Private Sector ◽

Climate Change Adaptation ◽

Global Climate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Financial Resources ◽

Small Island ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Island States ◽

Small Island States

Climate change adaptation is one of the main strategies to address global climate change. The least developed countries and the small island states that lack financial resources to adapt to climate change are the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Although it would be more economical to adapt to climate change compared to the anticipated damage of not doing so, the demand for capital is estimated to range to hundreds of billions. The crucial question is how to manage investments to adapt to climate change globally. This study provides an overview of existing international provisions on climate finance for adaptation. It includes provisions through international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, bilateral and multilateral channels, and the private sector. It also explores how private sector finance can be further attracted to invest in climate change adaptation.

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A room with a view: a special issue with a special perspective

Environment and Development Economics ◽

10.1017/s1355770x21000103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 205-210

Author(s):

Simone Borghesi

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Developing Countries ◽

Climate Policy ◽

Present Article ◽

Emerging Economies ◽

Emissions Trading ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Special Issue ◽

Climate Policies

AbstractThe present article describes the main insights deriving from the papers collected in this special issue which jointly provide a ‘room with a view’ on some of the most relevant issues in climate policy such as: the role of uncertainty, the distributional implications of climate change, the drivers and applications of decarbonizing innovation, the role of emissions trading and its interactions with companion policies. While looking at different issues and from different angles, all papers share a similar attention to policy aspects and implications, especially in developing countries. This is particularly important to evaluate whether and to what extent the climate policies adopted thus far in developed countries can be replicated in emerging economies.

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International Governance on Carbon Tariff and Its Vacuum in International Regime

Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies ◽

10.1142/s2345748113500085 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 01 (01) ◽

pp. 1350008 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mou WANG

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Developing Countries ◽

International Trade ◽

Global Climate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

International Governance ◽

International Consensus ◽

Climate Governance ◽

Emission Quota ◽

Carbon Tariff

Drawing on the idea that countries are eligible to implement differentiated emission reduction policies based on their respective capabilities, some parties of UNFCCC attempt to weaken the principle of “Common but differentiated responsibilities(CBDR)” and impose carbon tariff on international trade. This initiative is in fact another camouflage to burden developing countries with emission cut obligation, which has no doubt undermined the development rights of developing countries. This paper defines Carbon Tariff as border measures that target import goods with embodied carbon emission. It can be import tariffs or other domestic tax measures that adjust border tax, which includes plain import tariffs and export rebates, border tax adjustment, emission quota and permit etc. For some developed countries, carbon tariffs mean to sever trade protectionism and to build trade barriers. Its theoretical arguments like “loss of comparative advantage”, “carbon leakage decreases environmental effectiveness” and “theoretical model bases” are pseudo-propositions without international consensus. Carbon tariff has become an intensively debated issue due to its duality of climate change and trade, but neither UNFCCC nor WTO has clarified this issue or has indicated a clear statement in this regard. As a result, it allows some parties to take advantage of this loophole and escape its international climate change obligation. Carbon tariff is an issue arising from global climate governance. To promote the cooperation of global climate governance and safeguard the social and economic development of developing countries, a fair and justified climate change regime and international trade institution should be established, and the settlement of the carbon tariff issue should be addressed within these frameworks. This paper argues that the international governance of carbon tariff should in cooperation with other international agreements; however, principles and guidelines regarding this issue should be developed under the UNFCCC. Based on these principles and guidelines, WTO can develop related technical operation provisions.

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Global environmental change and vulnerability of Least Developed Countries to extreme events: Editorial on the special issue

Weather and Climate Extremes ◽

10.1016/j.wace.2015.03.003 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 2-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Opha Pauline Dube ◽

Mannava Sivakumar

Keyword(s):

Environmental Change ◽

Extreme Events ◽

Global Environmental Change ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Special Issue ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Global Environmental

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Towards a More Gender-Inclusive Climate Change Policy

Handbook of Research on Women's Issues and Rights in the Developing World - Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-3018-3.ch022 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 354-369

Author(s):

Farah Kabir

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Gender Equality ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Point Of View ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Humanitarian Response ◽

Change Policy ◽

And Gender

Climate change is a reality, and poses a serious long term threat to society and to the environment. Much has been written on the negative effects of climate change across the globe focusing on the greater vulnerability of least developed countries and developing countries. Numerous studies back up the argument that “countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change tend to be poorer with a wider gender gap. In contrast, countries that rank high in environmental performance and gender equality, are among the richest nations of the world” (Samy, 2011, p. 100). Women are often denied of their basic rights due to discriminatory social practices and gender blind policies. Impacts of climate change affect life and livelihood of women, and diverse work responsibilities of women augment their exposure to climate hazards. Due to less access or rights to financial and productive resources, information and services that may help them cope with impacts of stresses and shocks, are not present as a result of the gaps in policies, development agendas, thus leaving women in a greater vulnerable condition. Primarily, these are the reasons slowing the progress on achieving overall gender equality. The objective of this paper is to look at the Post 2015 Arrangements. These are numerous international frameworks and agreements ie SFDRR, SDG and the Paris Agreement, that will determine sustainable development for humanitarian response and climate politics as well as policies for the next fifteen years. They focus on development from a climate change and gender equality point of view, in particular how the policies are enabling ‘gender equality', taking common but differentiated responsibilities, and equity, justice and fairness as principles.

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Towards a More Gender-Inclusive Climate Change Policy

Gender and Diversity ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-6912-1.ch043 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 855-870

Author(s):

Farah Kabir

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Gender Equality ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Point Of View ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Humanitarian Response ◽

Change Policy ◽

And Gender

Climate change is a reality, and poses a serious long term threat to society and to the environment. Much has been written on the negative effects of climate change across the globe focusing on the greater vulnerability of least developed countries and developing countries. Numerous studies back up the argument that “countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change tend to be poorer with a wider gender gap. In contrast, countries that rank high in environmental performance and gender equality, are among the richest nations of the world” (Samy, 2011, p. 100). Women are often denied of their basic rights due to discriminatory social practices and gender blind policies. Impacts of climate change affect life and livelihood of women, and diverse work responsibilities of women augment their exposure to climate hazards. Due to less access or rights to financial and productive resources, information and services that may help them cope with impacts of stresses and shocks, are not present as a result of the gaps in policies, development agendas, thus leaving women in a greater vulnerable condition. Primarily, these are the reasons slowing the progress on achieving overall gender equality. The objective of this paper is to look at the Post 2015 Arrangements. These are numerous international frameworks and agreements i.e. SFDRR, SDG and the Paris Agreement, that will determine sustainable development for humanitarian response and climate politics as well as policies for the next fifteen years. They focus on development from a climate change and gender equality point of view, in particular how the policies are enabling ‘gender equality', taking common but differentiated responsibilities, and equity, justice and fairness as principles.

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The risk of carbon leakage in global climate agreements

International Environmental Agreements Politics Law and Economics ◽

10.1007/s10784-020-09507-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tobias Nielsen ◽

Nicolai Baumert ◽

Astrid Kander ◽

Magnus Jiborn ◽

Viktoras Kulionis

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Kyoto Protocol ◽

Global Climate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Carbon Leakage ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Climate Agreements ◽

Climate Action ◽

The Usa ◽

Nationally Determined Contributions

Abstract Although climate change and international trade are interdependent, policy-makers often address the two topics separately. This may inhibit progress at the intersection of climate change and trade and could present a serious constraint for global climate action. One key risk is carbon leakage through emission outsourcing, i.e. reductions in emissions in countries with rigorous climate policies being offset by increased emissions in countries with less stringent policies. We first analyze the Paris Agreement’s nationally determined contributions (NDC) and investigate how carbon leakage is addressed. We find that the risk of carbon leakage is insufficiently accounted for in these documents. Then, we apply a novel quantitative approach (Jiborn et al., 2018; Baumert et al., 2019) to analyze trends in carbon outsourcing related to a previous international climate regime—the Kyoto Protocol—in order to assess whether reported emission reductions were offset by carbon outsourcing in the past. Our results for 2000–2014 show a more nuanced picture of carbon leakage during the Kyoto Protocol than previous studies have reported. Carbon outsourcing from developed to developing countries was dominated by the USA outsourcing to China, while the evidence for other developed countries was mixed. Against conventional wisdom, we find that, in general, countries that stayed committed to their Kyoto Protocol emission targets were either only minor carbon outsourcers or actually even insourcers—although the trend was slightly negative—indicating that binding emissions targets do not necessarily lead to carbon outsourcing. We argue that multiple carbon monitoring approaches are needed to reduce the risk of carbon leakage.

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