Climate Change and the Copenhagen Legacy: Where to from Here?

Abstract

This paper reviews the outcomes of the United Nations ('UN') climate negotiations in Copenhagen 2009. By way of background, Part II of this paper commences with an overview of climate change, energy markets, and the international legal framework underpinning the ongoing annual climate change discussions by State Parties to the UNFCCC. Key aspects of the international climate change debate and outcomes of the COPI5/CMP5 are examined in Part III, including the Copenhagen Accord and other relevant decisions of State Parties to the COPI5/CMP5. While it is not possible to canvass all aspects of the ongoing climate change contretemps between State Parties, the major points of contention between developed and developing nations are set out in this part. The final part of this paper reviews Australia's position vis-a-vis climate change and rising national greenhouse gas emissions.