The EU and the progressive alliance negotiating in Durban: saving the climate?
This paper applies theory from the field of international relations to try and understand the role of the European Union (EU) in the Durban climate talks. In particular, it analyses the role of the EU’s alliance with groups of developing countries in facilitating an agreement on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. The climate change negotiations bring together parties with different approaches and interests, related to the science of climate change; objectives of international agreement; measures needed; burden sharing; and mechanisms to ensure compliance. It is important to understand the drivers of collective action on these topics, on which there are two schools of thought.