Copenhagen Accord

Definition

The Copenhagen Accord is a political agreement reached at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, aimed at addressing global climate change. It recognizes the need to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing financial assistance to developing countries to combat climate impacts and transition to low-carbon economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Copenhagen Accord was not legally binding but served as a framework for future negotiations on climate change, highlighting key commitments from both developed and developing nations.
2. Countries were encouraged to submit their voluntary emission reduction targets under the Accord, which led to a wide range of commitments varying by nation.
3. The agreement acknowledged that developed countries should take the lead in combating climate change and provided financial mechanisms to assist developing nations in their efforts.
4. Despite criticism for its lack of binding targets and accountability measures, the Copenhagen Accord marked a significant step toward international recognition of climate issues on a global scale.
5. The Accord's goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius has been a central tenet of subsequent climate negotiations, influencing later agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

Review Questions

• How did the Copenhagen Accord influence international climate negotiations following its establishment?
  • The Copenhagen Accord set a precedent for international climate negotiations by emphasizing the importance of voluntary emission reduction targets and financial support for developing nations. While it was not legally binding, it inspired subsequent agreements to incorporate similar principles, including a focus on national commitments and the necessity of limiting global temperature rise. The dialogue initiated by the Accord paved the way for more structured frameworks in future conferences, notably leading up to the Paris Agreement.
• Evaluate the criticisms faced by the Copenhagen Accord regarding its effectiveness in combating climate change.
  • Critics of the Copenhagen Accord pointed out its lack of legally binding commitments and clear accountability mechanisms for countries' emission reductions, arguing that this undermined its effectiveness. Additionally, many felt that it did not adequately address the concerns of developing nations who required substantial support for mitigation and adaptation strategies. This gap in commitments raised questions about equity and fairness in how responsibilities were shared between developed and developing countries, making it difficult to gauge progress in achieving its goals.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the Copenhagen Accord shaped subsequent international climate policies and agreements.
  • The outcomes of the Copenhagen Accord had a profound impact on shaping subsequent international climate policies, particularly with its focus on voluntary national commitments and financing for developing countries. This approach laid the groundwork for the Paris Agreement, which aimed to create a more inclusive framework that incorporated binding commitments from all nations. The emphasis on limiting global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius became a crucial benchmark for future negotiations. Additionally, lessons learned from the Copenhagen process regarding transparency and accountability were integrated into later agreements, promoting a more structured approach to addressing climate change.

Related terms

UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, which provides the foundation for subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Green Climate Fund:

A fund established to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change, primarily through financing projects that promote sustainable development.

Emission Reduction Targets: Quantifiable goals set by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over a specific timeframe, often outlined in international climate agreements like the Copenhagen Accord.