Analysis of Processesto Meet FutureClimate Commitments

• Format: Report
• Language: Swedish
• Published: Stockholm 2005
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Miljövetenskap; Arctic; Pew; Arctic Council; Climate change
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:naturvardsverket:diva-10041

The purpose of this investigation was to analyse processes to achieve future climate commitments. Focus has been on other processes than UN processes. The first task was to make an overall survey of ongoing climate initiatives, both climate initiatives in a broad perspective and those with particular focus on post-Kyoto commitments. A second task was to survey networks/forums that may – but need not – have environmental issues on their agendas. It has been of particular importance to survey forums in which developing countries, NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and/or the private sector are participants. The third task was to analyse Sweden's prospects of influencing climate debate and whether there are any existing networks/forums in which Sweden has a comparative advantage in participation. During the survey work, it has been pointed out on several occasions and by several different actors that far from all initiatives move the overall issue forwards. The initiatives mentioned by most people as the most promising ones are the Centre for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Annex 1 Expert Group (OECD – AIXG) and the work done at the Pew Center for Global Climate Change. What these three initiatives/forums have in common is that all are working on both the development of analysis tools and as a forum for discussions. The Pew Center has also proved its ability to influence American thinking. Many interviews point to Sweden not having a particularly prominent role in international processes. Sweden's membership of the EU means that Sweden cannot deviate significantly from the EU position (irrespective of networks/forums). The EU is also a negotiating party in the climate negotiations. On the other hand, Sweden can work to further improve its role/position in the climate field and use its credibility to influence the EU negotiating position. The fact that Sweden has a high degree of credibility is, then, something that can be regarded as a comparative advantage for Sweden. Sweden can also strengthen its profile, for example by ensuring that knowledge generated by research projects and NGO initiatives is put to use, and by being active in climate issues in other forums in which Sweden is active as a country. Sweden can also take supporting initiatives designed to increase understanding in other negotiating parties. Apart from Sweden's general credibility in climate-related issues, Sweden has also developed specialist competence in issues of particular interest, such as flexible mechanisms, Arctic issues and carbon sinks. This means that Sweden can actually be said to have a comparative advantage in acting in certain forums. The forums that seem most relevant for Sweden are the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Arctic Council and the Barents Council, and the Council of Baltic Sea States.