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Unanimity or standing aside? Reinterpreting consensus in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations

Author

Listed:
  • Katharina Rietig

    (Newcastle University)

  • Christine Peringer

    (Mediators Beyond Borders International)

  • Sarina Theys

    (The University of the South Pacific)

  • Jecel Censoro

    (Newcastle University)

Abstract

What is the meaning of ‘consensus’ within and beyond the UNFCCC? What alternative interpretations of consensus are available based on consensus facilitation practice and related literature? This article assesses the mismatch between how the UNFCCC interprets consensus and its broader interpretation in the facilitation practice literature, and proposes a way forward using the concept of ‘standing aside’ more prominently. The restrictive consensus interpretation has far-reaching implications for the ability of the world’s central climate regime to be fit for purpose, i.e., facilitating multilateral climate action. The analysis of consensus in the UNFCCC points to the central problems of unpredictability and ambiguity in the determination that consensus exists. Many negotiators and chairs acknowledge the problem of predominantly interpreting consensus as unanimity and have subsequently sought ways to address the damage it does through ad hoc rulings that consensus exists sometimes by ignoring the expressions of objection; however, this comes at the expense of a good predictable process.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Rietig & Christine Peringer & Sarina Theys & Jecel Censoro, 2023. "Unanimity or standing aside? Reinterpreting consensus in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 221-234, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ieaple:v:23:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10784-023-09593-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10784-023-09593-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katharina Michaelowa & Axel Michaelowa, 2012. "Negotiating climate change," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(5), pages 527-533, September.
    2. Paula Castro, 2020. "Past and future of burden sharing in the climate regime: positions and ambition from a top-down to a bottom-up governance system," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 41-60, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Arnold J. Bomans & Peter Roessingh, 2024. "Decision Change: The First Step to System Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-22, March.

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