The Co-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) have just issued a revised document. It contains sections on mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity building. The new ‘Draft Agreement’ comprises 26 articles on 9 pages that cover all the areas under negotiations. However, many …

Is there any way to hook countries, such as the USA, who will only agree to take on voluntary emission reductions commitments in the new climate agreement currently being negotiated, to somehow commit to legally binding obligations in the future through something like a ‘dormant commitment clause’ or another provision/approach? Advice: If …

Could you draft different text options for declarations and reservations that would allow developing country parties to sign, ratify or accept a new 2015 climate treaty without giving up rights under the UNFCCC and general international law? Advice: (1) Declarations and reservations There are important differences between declarations and reservations. …

In the Bonn ADP session (June 2015) Parties are working on the basis of the “Geneva text” but – in addition – have also created a working document to capture the ongoing discussions (see http://unfccc.int/meetings/bonn_jun_2015/session/8857.php).  As a result, there will be two ADP documents – the Geneva text and the …

Could you provide a broad overview of the constitutional structure governing the President’s ability to enter into and execute international agreements?  Could you then examine the proposed core elements of the new climate treaty/agreement/protocol – mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity-building …