Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 08/2009

Hang Together or Separately? How global co-operation is key to a fair and adequate climate deal at Copenhagen

Antonio Hill, Julie-Anne Richards, Richard King

June 2009

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

Climate change offers humanity no second chances. An agreement struck at the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 could pave the way for a post-2012 climate regime that staves off catastrophic climate change. Delay or failure will certainly multiply the costs of responding to its negative impacts - costs that are already being borne by poor people.