Author Description

"In 1979, global scientists concluded that climate change is a serious threat to humankind, and in 1992 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted. However, more than 20 years later, although considerable progress has been made and the scientific community continues to provide evidence of climate change, we are still struggling to provide effective global governance to mitigate emissions and address its impacts. What has happened globally on the climate change issue? How have countries' positions differed over time, and why? How are problems and politics developing on an increasingly globalized planet, and can we find a solution? In this book, leading expert Joyeeta Gupta explores these questions and more, explaining the key underlying issues of the conflicts between international blocs. The negotiation history is systematically presented in five phases, which demonstrate the evolution of decision-making. The book discusses the coalitions, actors and potential role of the judiciary, as well as human rights issues in addressing the climate change problem. It explains that the process demonstrates progress, but demands learning from past issues, and argues for a methodical solution through global law and constitutionalism, which could provide the quantum jump needed in addressing the problem of climate governance. This fascinating and accessible account will be a key resource for policymakers and NGOs, and also for researchers and graduate students in climate policy, geo-politics, climate change, environmental policy and law, and international relations"--Unedited summary from book cover.