The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness

The 2015 Paris Agreement was widely greeted with enthusiasm. We assess the short-term and long-term potential effectiveness of Paris. Concerning short-term effectiveness, we contend that while Paris scores high on participation, and reasonably high on the depth of the parties’ commitments (ambition)...

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Main Authors: Guri Bang, Jon Hovi, Tora Skodvin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cogitatio 2016-09-01
Series:Politics and Governance
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.cogitatiopress.com/politicsandgovernance/article/view/640
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author Guri Bang
Jon Hovi
Tora Skodvin
author_facet Guri Bang
Jon Hovi
Tora Skodvin
author_sort Guri Bang
collection DOAJ
description The 2015 Paris Agreement was widely greeted with enthusiasm. We assess the short-term and long-term potential effectiveness of Paris. Concerning short-term effectiveness, we contend that while Paris scores high on participation, and reasonably high on the depth of the parties’ commitments (ambition), its Achilles’ heel will likely be compliance. Concerning long-term effectiveness, we argue that Paris does little to restructure states’ incentives so as to avoid free riding. At worst, it might end up as a failure, much like Kyoto did. On the other hand, domestic and international norms could continue to develop in a direction that makes it more and more difficult for individuals, firms, and states alike to ignore the plea to limit and reduce their carbon footprints. Technological progress that gradually reduces abatement costs, combined with leadership by major emitters such as the United States, might further strengthen climate cooperation and enhance other countries’ willingness to follow through. However, deep political polarization continues to represent a significant barrier to U.S. leadership on climate change.
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spelling doaj.art-94e9515f13a34c7faf098c8a3816d7f52022-12-22T00:54:01ZengCogitatioPolitics and Governance2183-24632016-09-014320921810.17645/pag.v4i3.640379The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term EffectivenessGuri Bang0Jon Hovi1Tora Skodvin2Center for International Climate and Environmental Research, NorwayDepartment of Political Science, University of Oslo, NorwayDepartment of Political Science, University of Oslo, NorwayThe 2015 Paris Agreement was widely greeted with enthusiasm. We assess the short-term and long-term potential effectiveness of Paris. Concerning short-term effectiveness, we contend that while Paris scores high on participation, and reasonably high on the depth of the parties’ commitments (ambition), its Achilles’ heel will likely be compliance. Concerning long-term effectiveness, we argue that Paris does little to restructure states’ incentives so as to avoid free riding. At worst, it might end up as a failure, much like Kyoto did. On the other hand, domestic and international norms could continue to develop in a direction that makes it more and more difficult for individuals, firms, and states alike to ignore the plea to limit and reduce their carbon footprints. Technological progress that gradually reduces abatement costs, combined with leadership by major emitters such as the United States, might further strengthen climate cooperation and enhance other countries’ willingness to follow through. However, deep political polarization continues to represent a significant barrier to U.S. leadership on climate change.https://www.cogitatiopress.com/politicsandgovernance/article/view/640climate change mitigationclimate cooperationeffectiveness, international leadershipParis AgreementU.S.
spellingShingle Guri Bang
Jon Hovi
Tora Skodvin
The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
Politics and Governance
climate change mitigation
climate cooperation
effectiveness, international leadership
Paris Agreement
U.S.
title The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
title_full The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
title_fullStr The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
title_full_unstemmed The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
title_short The Paris Agreement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness
title_sort paris agreement short term and long term effectiveness
topic climate change mitigation
climate cooperation
effectiveness, international leadership
Paris Agreement
U.S.
url https://www.cogitatiopress.com/politicsandgovernance/article/view/640
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