The Copenhagen Accord: Drafted on December 16, 2009

The Copenhagen Accord was a significant outcome of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP15, which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from December 7 to December 18, 2009. This conference was a pivotal moment in international climate negotiations, as it brought together representatives from 192 countries to discuss global strategies for combating climate change.

Context Leading Up to the Accord

The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with the aim of creating a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which was set to expire in 2012. The urgency of the conference was underscored by growing scientific consensus on the impacts of climate change and increasing public and political pressure for decisive action.

Key Elements of the Copenhagen Accord

The Copenhagen Accord, drafted on December 16, 2009, was a non-binding agreement that outlined several key points:

1. Temperature Goal: The Accord recognized the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be kept below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

2. Emission Reduction Pledges: It called for developed countries to commit to specific emission reduction targets and for developing countries to implement mitigation actions.

3. Financial Support: The Accord proposed the establishment of a “Copenhagen Green Climate Fund” to provide financial assistance to developing countries, with a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020.

4. Monitoring and Verification: It included provisions for the monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions reductions and financial commitments.

5. Adaptation: The Accord emphasized the need for enhanced action on adaptation to climate change impacts, particularly for vulnerable countries.

Aftermath and Significance

While the Copenhagen Accord was a step forward in international climate negotiations, it was met with mixed reactions. Some praised it for bringing major emitters like the United States and China into the fold, while others criticized it for lacking legally binding commitments and specific targets.

The Accord’s non-binding nature and the absence of a formal adoption process led to disappointment among many environmental groups and smaller nations, who had hoped for a more robust and enforceable agreement. However, it laid the groundwork for future negotiations and was a precursor to the more comprehensive Paris Agreement reached in 2015.

In summary, the Copenhagen Accord marked an important, albeit imperfect, milestone in the global effort to address climate change, highlighting the complexities and challenges of achieving consensus among diverse nations with varying priorities and capabilities.