In its third conclusions on climate diplomacy, published on 20 July 2015, the Council of the European Union reinforces its commitment to addressing climate change as a key foreign policy and security matter.
As underlined by the latest IPCC findings, climate change is linked to multiple environmental, social, political and economic risks. Climate diplomacy initiatives and responses at a global and EU level are, thus, central in addressing climate change related threats, with the aim of pursuing a “safe, sustainable and climate resilient low-carbon development path”. Underscoring the security dimension of climate change, the Council welcomes the latest G7 report "A New Climate for Peace" and is committed to building up its climate diplomacy component as an inherent part of its foreign policy. Furthermore, the Council’s conclusions recall the need for a legally binding agreement at the COP21 in Paris and stress the importance of accelerating multilateral and joint EU climate diplomacy efforts. The High Representative and the Commission are invited to report back in early 2016 with regards to the outcome of the COP21 and its implications for climate diplomacy and future actions.
Scientists across the globe are developing live dashboards to study the natural world in unprecedented detail - ushering in a new age of opportunities and ethical dilemmas.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brasil’s current de facto presidential frontrunner, says he would withdraw Brazil from the Paris Agreement if he wins the October election. The withdrawal of such an important developing country, home to the world’s largest rainforest, would deal a blow to international climate cooperation. Bolsorano’s opposition to the international pact has drawn criticism from the UN’s environment chief.
Until now, no one had seriously doubted that relations between the US and Europe, for all the difficulties and conflicts they have gone through, would continue safe and sound. Since Trump was elected as US President however, the atmosphere has changed. The re-nationalisation of the world order has gained speed and is making clear how far advanced global interdependencies have become. With global multilateralism in crisis, climate diplomacy could act as a new driving force.
There are only a few weeks to go before international and local leaders from states, regions, cities, businesses, investors and civil society travel to the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco to create a new wave of mobilization. As Earth is at risk of entering a situation of extreme conditions, those going must bring along more than just flowers in their hair.