The 7 Planks of 21st Century Diplomacy
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.
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Wilson Center
“Ignore Washington” - Why climate action is a Republican issue
The Global Climate Action Summit has created a subtle, yet resonating effect on international climate diplomacy. Arguably, its biggest contribution lies in reaffirming the active role of the US in climate action – a refreshing sign of political maturity and environmental responsibility in Trumpian times.
Bolsonaro names climate denier as Brazil’s foreign minister
Brazil’s president-elect Jair Bolsonaro has named an anti-globalist diplomat to lead foreign affairs and his country’s relationship with the Paris Agreement. Ernesto Araújo, a relatively junior diplomat, accuses the left of using the environmental cause ‘to serve their political project of total domination’
Polluting investments? Why we need a new era of development cooperation
As opposed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, India could lead a campaign for climate-responsible international development cooperation, shifting from coal to renewables domestically and promoting the values of the International Solar Alliance globally.
A new mega railway across Latin America
Linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Latin American landmass has often been presented as one of the holy grails of development for the region. While China’s idea of a ‘Nicaraguan Canal’ has made headlines globally, another major infrastructure project is in the works further south: the Bi-Oceanic Railway. The idea has already spurred transboundary environmental cooperation, but the public is still in the dark.