2016 Reports

Comma but Differentiated Responsibilities: Punctuation and 30 Other Ways Negotiators Have Resolved Issues in the International Climate Change Regime

Biniaz, Susan

International climate change negotiations have a long history of being contentious, and much has been written about the grand trade-offs that have allowed countries to reach agreement. Issues have often involved, for example, the level of ambition, differentiated treatment of Parties, and various forms of financial assistance to developing countries. This compendium of textual examples focuses on smaller, language-based tools negotiators have used to resolve differences. Presented in roughly chronological order, these examples are drawn from my personal involvement in international climate negotiations -- and are by no means exhaustive. It is hoped that the examples may be of interest to those who follow climate change in particular, as well as of potential use to those who work in other international fields.