Overcoming the Deadlock: Climate Policy after Copenhagen

The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) concluded with results which fell far behind the expectations of many. The international community has postponed key decisions despite the fact that the fast growth of greenhouse gas emissions must peak soon to limit the serious negative impacts of climate change. During COP15 political leaders did not manage to overcome the deadlock of international climate talks. The European Union has been a leader in ambitious and binding emission reduction targets. However, international climate protection can only be successful if ambitious reduction targets can be fulfilled domestically.

The seminar will discuss how international climate negotiations should move forward after Copenhagen and what role the transatlantic partnership could play. Moreover, the seminar will focus on the impacts of COP15 on EU wide and domestic Czech policy. Necessary changes in the industrial and power sector of EU member states will be addressed. The EU is a global frontrunner in ecological innovations. The question is whether this position can be sustained in view of massive modernization efforts and high investments in renewable and energy efficiency technologies in the US, China and other countries. The expansion of renewable energies, modernization of power grids, and investments in energy efficiency will positively influence future economic growth and job creation in Europe.