Copenhagen Accord

Definition

The Copenhagen Accord is a non-binding international agreement reached during the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, aimed at combating climate change. This accord established goals for greenhouse gas emission reductions and emphasized the need for countries to limit global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius, connecting it to the broader framework of international climate negotiations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Copenhagen Accord was not legally binding, but it marked a significant moment in global climate discussions by recognizing the need for collective action against climate change.
2. One of the main outcomes of the accord was the commitment by developed nations to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change.
3. The accord set out a process for countries to submit their individual emission reduction targets, known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
4. Despite its shortcomings, the Copenhagen Accord laid the groundwork for subsequent climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, which built upon its principles.
5. The accord was criticized for its lack of enforceability and clarity on how commitments would be monitored and verified, highlighting ongoing challenges in international climate negotiations.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the Copenhagen Accord, and how did it aim to address global climate change?
  • The Copenhagen Accord aimed to combat climate change by establishing non-binding targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and recognizing the necessity of limiting global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius. It emphasized collaborative action among nations and aimed to secure financial support for developing countries facing challenges due to climate change. The accord represented a pivotal moment in international climate negotiations, pushing countries to publicly declare their commitments and fostering a spirit of cooperation.
• Critically assess the effectiveness of the Copenhagen Accord in advancing international climate policy compared to previous agreements.
  • The Copenhagen Accord had mixed effectiveness in advancing international climate policy. While it acknowledged critical issues like financing for developing nations and emission reduction targets, it lacked binding commitments and clear enforcement mechanisms. This led to criticisms regarding its actual impact on global emissions. Nonetheless, it set a precedent for transparency in national commitments and laid important groundwork for future agreements like the Paris Agreement that sought stronger frameworks for collective action against climate change.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Copenhagen Accord on subsequent international climate agreements and efforts to mitigate climate change.
  • The long-term implications of the Copenhagen Accord have been significant in shaping subsequent international climate agreements. Although it was criticized for its lack of binding targets, it introduced concepts like Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) that became central to future negotiations. The accord also highlighted financial responsibilities, leading to the establishment of funding mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund. These developments ultimately paved the way for more structured agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive and participatory approach in addressing global climate challenges.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are central to discussions on climate change and global warming.

UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, established in 1992, provides the foundation for international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement and the Copenhagen Accord.

Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted in 2015 that builds on the framework of the UNFCCC, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and strengthen the global response to climate change.