31 January 2011
NTS Insight (Jan 2011) | Visible Value? ENGOs and the UNFCCC Process
Abstract
Since the 1980s, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been increasingly visible on environmental issues. However, increased NGO participation does not necessarily enhance the effectiveness, or the democratic character, of international cooperation, as seen in the failure of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen. This NTS Insight examines the effectiveness of environmental NGOs (ENGOs), by comparing their roles in the lead-up to two significant milestones in climate change negotiations – the 1997 Kyoto Protocol agreement and a post-Kyoto Protocol framework in 2012. It suggests that ENGOs have been more effective in influencing processes within climate negotiations rather than actual outcomes (policy formulations). It also highlights the challenges facing ENGOs – the structural challenges and the varying degrees of internal weaknesses – and suggests ways forward.
Abstract
Since the 1980s, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been increasingly visible on environmental issues. However, increased NGO participation does not necessarily enhance the effectiveness, or the democratic character, of international cooperation, as seen in the failure of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen. This NTS Insight examines the effectiveness of environmental NGOs (ENGOs), by comparing their roles in the lead-up to two significant milestones in climate change negotiations – the 1997 Kyoto Protocol agreement and a post-Kyoto Protocol framework in 2012. It suggests that ENGOs have been more effective in influencing processes within climate negotiations rather than actual outcomes (policy formulations). It also highlights the challenges facing ENGOs – the structural challenges and the varying degrees of internal weaknesses – and suggests ways forward.
