ENGO Influence in International Climate Change Negotiations - Case Study of the Issue of Post-2012 during COP 11 and COP/MOP 1

Research Paper (undergraduate) , 2007 , 89 Pages , Grade: pass

Law - Miscellaneous

States and international organisations are formal actors in drawing up international environmental agreements. As mentioned, nongovernmental organisations also has a key role to play. From the time of the adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1945, which provided for accreditation of NGOs (Art. 71), the NGO world experienced exponential growth. Some scholars believe that a critical mass has been reached making NGOs the new “fifth state” on the field of global governance (Fitzduff et.al., 2004:2) . NGOs have, in many places, become significant political actors, and this heterogeneous group has made its presence felt at the local, national, and international levels.

However, the growing numbers of NGOs do not entail a similar transition of their official status under the UN system. As provided in the UN Charter (Art. 4), only states can be members of the organisation. Hence, only voting states have formal powers to determine the outcome of international treaty negotiations. NGOs are subject to rules established by states, if any, for their limited participation in negotiation meetings. Although NGOs are cannot vote during international negotiations, they have devised ways to have an effect on the results of the process. However, the degree of NGO influence in international policymaking varies from one negotiation to another and this is becoming a major subject of interest for legal and NGO scholars.

This study aims to bring the debate on NGO influence to the current stage of international climate change negotiations. This thesis shall explore the influence of key ENGO’s within the legal framework of participation in climate change policymaking with particular focus on the issue of process for negotiation of post-2012 climate policy during the Eleventh Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC and first Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP11 and COP/MOP1) as well as the events leading to and following the said meeting, as may be relevant.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction
• 1. Subject of the Thesis
• 2. Research Questions
• 3. Limitations of the Study
• 4. Review of Literature
• 5. Theoretical Approach and Methodology
• 5.1. Regime Theory
• 5.2. Stages of Regime Formation
• 5.3. Power, Interests and Knowledge in Regime Formation
• 5.4. Case Study Approach
• 5.5. Analytical Framework
• II. Climate Change: Science, Policy and ENGOS
• 1. The Science of Climate Change
• 2. Key Bodies and Relevant Actors in Post-2012 Negotiations during COP 11 and COP/MOP 1
• 3.1. The Global Policy Forum
• 3.2. States/Policy-Makers
• 3.3. Environmental NGOs: Climate Action Network
• 4. Stages of International Policy Formation
• 4.1. Agenda Setting: Issue of Post-2012 in the Negotiating Table
• 4.2. Negotiation Phase: COP 11 and COP/MOP 1
• 4.3. Operationalization: 2006 Implementation of COP 11 and COP/MOP 1 Decision
• 5. Analysis of Evidence of NGO Influence on post-2012 negotiations at COP 11 and COP/MOP 1
• 5.1. Evidence of CAN Participation
• 6. Evidence of goal attainment
• 7. Effects on Negotiation Outcome
• 8. Effects on Negotiation Process
• 9. Indicators of NGO Influence
• 10. Tracing Causal Mechanisms
• III. Case Study Analysis
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Beyond Kyoto: Post-2012 climate policy

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to assess the influence of environmental NGOs (ENGOs) on international climate change negotiations, specifically focusing on the post-2012 climate policy discussions that took place during COP 11 and COP/MOP 1. The research utilizes a case study approach to examine the role of the Climate Action Network (CAN) in these negotiations. Key themes explored in the thesis include:

• The evolving role of ENGOs in international climate change negotiations
• The influence of ENGOs on the development of post-2012 climate policies
• The dynamics of power, interests, and knowledge in international climate change negotiations
• The impact of ENGO participation on negotiation processes and outcomes
• The challenges and opportunities faced by ENGOs in advocating for climate action

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

I. Introduction

This introductory chapter establishes the subject of the thesis, which is the influence of ENGOs on international climate change negotiations. It sets out the research questions, limitations of the study, and provides a brief overview of the relevant literature. The chapter also discusses the theoretical approach and methodology, including regime theory, stages of regime formation, and the case study approach.

II. Climate Change: Science, Policy and ENGOS

This chapter provides background information on the science of climate change and its policy implications. It discusses key bodies and actors involved in post-2012 climate negotiations, with a focus on the role of the Climate Action Network (CAN). This chapter also analyzes the different stages of international policy formation, including agenda setting, negotiation, and operationalization.

III. Case Study Analysis

This chapter examines the evidence of NGO influence on post-2012 negotiations at COP 11 and COP/MOP 1. It explores the participation of CAN, including access, resources, and activities. The chapter analyzes the effects of CAN's participation on negotiation outcomes and processes, and examines indicators of NGO influence.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the influence of environmental NGOs on international climate change negotiations, particularly regarding post-2012 climate policies. It examines the role of the Climate Action Network (CAN) in COP 11 and COP/MOP 1, analyzing themes such as power, interests, and knowledge in regime formation. The study investigates the impact of CAN's participation on negotiation processes and outcomes, exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by NGOs in advocating for climate action.

• College: University of the West of England, Bristol (School of Law)
• Course: Masters of Law paper
• Grade: pass
• Author: MSc Rabbi Deloso (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 89
• Catalog Number: V118449
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640220489
• ISBN (Book): 9783640222803
• Language: English
• Tags: ENGO, Influence, International, Climate, Change, Negotiations, Case, Study, Issue, Post-2012, COP/MOP, Masters