About the Publication

10/11/2023

Report ,

Linköping University Mistra Geopolitics Swedish Institute of International Affairs

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The future of the UNFCCC

Summary

The world is far from keeping global warming well below 2 °C. With the Paris Agreement’s long-term objectives in place, efforts must now shift towards implementation.

In this report, authors from the Swedish Institute of Foreign Affairs and Linköping University summarize key insights from their research on the future of UN  diplomacy and international climate cooperation. The authors Alexandra Buylova, Björn-Ola Linnér and Naghmeh Nasiritous find that many actors have a desire to see changes within the UNFCCC process to be able to accelerate climate action.

We need to protect our planet. Photo: Stefan Keller / Pixabay.

Key messages

The report identifies several themes and proposals for re­form that stakeholders have emphasized and that need to be explored further. Specific issues highlighted by respondents in the report include:

    • The role of the UNFCCC in coordinating global climate governance,
    • Other functions of the UNFCCC and COPs in the era of implementation,
    • and whether and how the UNFCCC processes should be reformed.

Conclusion

Many actors have a desire to see changes within the UNFCCC process to be able to accelerate climate action. How the process needs to change or adapt is an open question, but there is a demand to have these conversations, inside and outside of the institution.

Some respondents hold the view that the UNFCCC does not necessarily need to be reformed. They rather draw attention to correcting the course or managing expectations, continuing to set goals, and keeping the momentum up on climate action. Others cite the urgency of the climate crisis that necessitates deeper reforms.

Authors of this publication

Alexandra Buylova , Björn-Ola Linnér , Naghmeh Nasiritou ,

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