Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Is The International Order Too Weak To Stop Climate Change? Ep188: James Cameron

Dec 4, 2024

James Cameron, an esteemed international climate lawyer, delves into the recent COP29 outcomes and the pressing question of securing the promised $300 billion for climate initiatives. He highlights the vital role of small island states in negotiations and the need for reforms to enhance the COP process's impact. Cameron critiques the inconsistencies of fossil fuel nations and advocates for equitable climate finance to address historical emissions responsibilities. The conversation culminates in a hopeful outlook for future climate conferences, stressing the urgent need for effective action.

01:06:58

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Episode guests

James Cameron

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Small island states play a pivotal role in climate negotiations, advocating for meaningful action through their unique legal and moral positioning in discussions.

The actions of major economies significantly influence global climate negotiations, with complex dynamics emerging from their historical commitments and current political stances.

Addressing climate finance tensions between developed and developing nations is crucial, as discrepancies in funding pledges reveal the need for innovative financial mechanisms.

Deep dives

The Role of Small Island States

Small island states have been integral to climate negotiations, serving as both moral authorities and solution-oriented participants in discussions about climate change. Their existential threats from rising sea levels compel them to advocate for meaningful action in international forums. The contributions from delegates representing these nations, such as Vanuatu, have gone beyond mere complaints about the situation and instead focus on crafting sophisticated legal arguments for meaningful climate agreements. This unique position enables them to exert influence even when they are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Intro

2min

Navigating Climate Negotiations

14min

Navigating Article 6: Carbon Trading and Climate Finance

16min

Navigating Climate Finance: Loss and Damage in the Global Dialogue

4min

Understanding Climate Change Responsibilities and Solutions

2min

Navigating Climate Finance Challenges

26min

Reflections on Hope and Future Climate Conferences

3min

What was achieved at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan? Where will the promised $300 billion come from, and how will it be spent? And what reforms are needed to make the COP process more effective and impactful?

This week, host Michael Liebreich sits down with James Cameron, an international climate lawyer who has been involved with the COP process since before COPs were COPs. James shares his insights into the challenges and dynamics of these high-stakes global talks, from the crucial role of small island states to the difficulties of bridging the divide between developed and developing nations. James and Michael explore the inner workings of the COP process - its successes, failures and the urgent need for reform. James provides a clear-eyed assessment of where the negotiations have fallen short, and outlines concrete ideas for how to make the COP a more effective forum for driving real-world climate action.

Leadership Circle:

Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.

Links:

Ya Basta: Stop the UN Climate Charade - https://www.liebreich.com/214-2/
James' previous appearance on Cleaning Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn7GKiW5E4k
Christiana Figueres on CU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YSzUJ_nMV0
Catherine McKenna on CU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEP1SGL-DcA
Amber Rudd on CU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZOokwqLaRc
Laurence Tubiana on CU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpVmECce7R8

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