Copenhagen Accord

Definition

The Copenhagen Accord is a non-binding agreement reached during the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, aimed at addressing climate change and reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. It represents a significant moment in international climate negotiations, as it marked the first time that nations collectively acknowledged the need to limit global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while also recognizing the importance of financial support for developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Copenhagen Accord was endorsed by over 140 countries, highlighting a broad recognition of the need for collective action against climate change.
2. Despite its significance, the Accord faced criticism for lacking binding commitments and specific targets for emission reductions from participating countries.
3. Developed nations pledged to provide $30 billion in fast-start financing to assist developing countries in addressing climate change between 2010 and 2012.
4. The Accord established a framework for future climate negotiations, paving the way for the Paris Agreement that followed in 2015.
5. The outcomes of the Copenhagen Conference highlighted the complexities of reaching a comprehensive international agreement on climate action due to differing national interests and economic considerations.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the Copenhagen Accord, and how did it shape future climate negotiations?
  • The main objectives of the Copenhagen Accord were to acknowledge the urgent need to address climate change, limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, and provide financial support for developing countries. The Accord shaped future negotiations by establishing a basis for international cooperation and highlighting the importance of commitments from both developed and developing nations. It also laid groundwork for subsequent agreements, particularly the Paris Agreement, emphasizing ongoing dialogue around emission reduction targets.
• Discuss the criticisms surrounding the Copenhagen Accord's effectiveness in combating climate change.
  • The Copenhagen Accord faced several criticisms regarding its effectiveness. Critics pointed out that it was a non-binding agreement lacking specific emission reduction targets, which limited accountability among nations. Additionally, there was concern over insufficient financial commitments for developing countries and inadequate measures to ensure compliance. These shortcomings led many observers to question whether the Accord would lead to meaningful progress in global efforts to address climate change.
• Evaluate the impact of financial commitments made under the Copenhagen Accord on developing countries' climate strategies and policies.
  • The financial commitments made under the Copenhagen Accord were intended to bolster developing countries' capacities to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation strategies. However, while the pledge of $30 billion in fast-start financing represented significant support, the actual implementation and distribution of these funds were often slow and bureaucratic. The effectiveness of this funding depended on its ability to align with national policies and priorities, ultimately influencing how these countries approached their own climate action plans. Despite some successes, challenges remained regarding transparency and accountability in how these funds were utilized.

Related terms

Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

Paris Agreement: A landmark international accord adopted in 2015 that sets out a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international environmental treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts.