The Evolution of International Regimes: Implications for Climate Change
Pew Center on Global Climate Change Report, December 2010
36 Pages Posted: 4 Mar 2011
Date Written: December 1, 2010
Abstract
International regimes often develop through an evolutionary process, rather than through dramatic step-changes. The paper examines why and how international regimes evolve, and assesses the implications for the climate change regime. It traces the evolution of the climate regime to date and outlines several lines along which it might evolve in the future. Within the UNFCCC, an evolutionary path would prioritize institutional development that help set the stage for a later legal agreement. Complementing evolution within the UNFCCC process, the broader climate change regime could also develop through forums such as the Montreal Protocol, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. By helping to diversity the portfolio of international climate change efforts, non-UNFCCC actions would help to reduce the risk of policy failure.
Keywords: climate change, international regimes, Kyoto Protocol, global warming
JEL Classification: K22, K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation