Climate Diplomacy
Global Issues
Noah Gordon, adelphi

The best resource for all of our 21st Century Diplomacy: Foreign Policy Is Climate Policy content is the official website, hosted by the Wilson Center and adelphi. But the ECC editors are also collecting the topics here for eager readers.

 

                       

 

Discover the essays:

The actions of the United States, China, and India will largely determine climate’s impact on the globe. At the same time, climate change is already influencing today’s era of great power competition and redefining the landscape of global leadership.

        

The climate crisis lays bare issues of inequity and injustice. Those least responsible for climate change are most vulnerable to its impacts. How can the foreign policy community accelerate and align efforts to address climate change with the global rallying cry for a more equitable and just world?

 

The Paris Agreement and UNFCCC process remains the primary avenue for current climate efforts and nation-state-to-nation-state diplomacy. This traditional mode of diplomacy is indispensable, but neglects the transformative power of sub- and non-state actors that are teaming up to take progressive action and form new leadership coalitions. What do these new modes of multilateralism mean for 21st century diplomacy?

 

Storm surges leave people stranded in their homes. Climate change can leave billion-dollar assets and entire sectors stranded, their value eroded by the changing economic landscape. Central banks, insurers, and financial regulators need to account for climate risk, including in international negotiations.

 

Decarbonizing the global energy system could spare every country from the most damaging climate impacts. However, universal benefits are not equal benefits, and the balance of power and relations between states will inevitably shift. What will the new geopolitical landscape look like?

 

Climate change is already a key driver in people’s decisions to move. The current foreign policy narrative on climate-affected migration focuses on security threats, border controls, and refugee management. But to empower those who are at the climate and mobility crossroads to enjoy meaningful choices, the diplomatic community will need to facilitate the protection of life and dignity, whether individuals and communities are on the move or choosing to stay in place.

 

Geoengineering is deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to combat climate change. Solar radiation management (SRM) is arguably the most likely technology to be deployed. An appealing technology option for some and risky endeavor for many, the lack of international norms or regulations on SRM research and deployment is a pressing diplomatic priority.

Download the full report here

 


German Federal Foreign Office

“It is time to do more than just talk about sustainability. It is time to act sustainably,” said Heiko Maas during his speech at the General Debate of the 74th United Nations General Assembly.  Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the need for multilateral cooperation to achieve worldwide sustainability, as well as Germany's focus on climate-security, women, and disarmament and arms control as part of its agenda in the UN Security Council.

Climate Diplomacy
Global Issues
adelphi

Strengthening multilateralism is a prominent task of foreign policy and central to achieving sustainable development and securing a peaceful future. Here you can watch, hear and read innovative ideas on how diplomats can drive sustainable change by gearing-up international cooperation to shape a truly sustainable foreign policy.

Climate Change
Climate Diplomacy
Global Issues
Raquel Munayer, adelphi

Ahead of the most important climate action event of the year, the international expert community releases key reports with the latest scientific information on climate impacts, national targets and climate action progress over the last 25 years. Now climate diplomats have only one thing to focus on: stepping-up implementation.

Land & Food
Security
South America
Sebastian Lema (Climate Focus) and Johanna Kleffmann (adelphi)

Colombia’s long-standing internal conflict and the country’s contribution to climate change share one common root cause: land concentration. Policies to strengthen access to land and to ensure sustainable land use might therefore hold the key to promoting peacebuilding in Colombia, while simultaneously reducing emissions.