The UN climate change negotiations and the role of the United States: assessing American leadership from Copenhagen to Paris |
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Authors: | Charles F Parker Christer Karlsson |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Government, Center for Natural Hazards and Disaster Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden;2. Department of Government, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden |
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Abstract: | The role of American leadership in the UN climate negotiations that produced the 2015 Paris Agreement is examined. First, United States (US) climate goals are identified. Then, utilizing unique survey data collected at eight UN climate summits between 2008 and 2015, the extent to which the US was recognized as a leader by potential followers is investigated. Finally, the extent to which US goals are reflected in negotiation outcomes is evaluated. Recognition of the US as a leader varied over time, peaking at the UN climate meetings in Copenhagen and Paris, reflecting US leadership in shaping the outcomes of both meetings. Although the results reveal a divided leadership landscape in which the US must compete for leadership with other actors, such as the European Union and China, US leadership was crucial to the successful adoption of the Paris Agreement. |
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Keywords: | American leadership UNFCCC climate change negotiations COP21 Paris summit Paris Agreement COP 15 Copenhagen summit United States |
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