Best of: 2C or not 2C? That is the question. Climate summits as Shakespeare would see them.
Oct 31, 2024
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Stephen Kunken, an actor known for his role as Don Pearlman in the play "Kyoto," discusses the intricate relationship between theater and climate negotiations. He shares insights on portraying a fossil fuel lobbyist and the dramatic stakes involved in climate summits. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy in understanding climate challenges and the emotional power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Kunken also reflects on the significant historical context of agreements like Kyoto and their relevance to today’s climate discourse.
The Kyoto Protocol marked a historic moment in climate agreements by establishing legally binding emissions reduction targets for industrialized nations.
A theatrical depiction of climate negotiations reveals the emotional dynamics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering essential for achieving international consensus on climate action.
Deep dives
The Role of Advanced Climate Technologies
Advanced climate technologies are highlighted as crucial in the fight against climate change, yet many of them struggle to move from early deployment to broader application. A significant issue is termed the 'scale gap,' which refers to the challenges that climate technologies face in gaining capital, community acceptance, and proven demand. Addressing this gap could lead to substantial global benefits, as efforts in one country, such as reducing CO2 emissions in the U.S., can have cascading positive impacts worldwide. Collaborative efforts are necessary to bridge this gap and facilitate the large-scale deployment of innovative solutions.
The Legacy of the Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is examined as a significant milestone in global climate agreements, marking the first time legally binding emissions reduction targets were set for industrialized nations. While it was a historic breakthrough, the effectiveness and commitment of participating countries, especially the U.S., have been subjects of ongoing debate. Despite its limited immediate success, it laid foundational elements for future agreements, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement. The dynamics of the Kyoto negotiations, including the formation of country blocs and the role of lobbyists, reflect the complexities of international consensus on climate action.
Dramatizing Climate Negotiations Through Theater
A play centered around the Kyoto climate summit serves as a unique lens to explore the high-stakes negotiations involved in global climate agreements. The theatrical production engages audiences by situating them around a conference table, simulating the chaotic atmosphere of international talks. Notably, the character of Don Perlman, a controversial lobbyist, adds depth to the narrative by revealing the tensions and maneuvering behind the scenes during these negotiations. This artistic interpretation emphasizes the emotional dynamics of climate diplomacy, suggesting that belief and commitment can drive meaningful change despite overwhelming challenges.
In fractured times, what does it take to reach agreement? That’s the question writers Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson set out to explore in a play about the drama of climate negotiations. Kyoto, which ran at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer, tells the story of the 1997 Kyoto Summit as seen through the eyes of Don Pearlman, a notorious fossil fuel lobbyist and chain-smoking lawyer dubbed “the high priest of the Carbon Club” by der Speigel. Actor Stephen Kunken, who plays Pearlman, tells Akshat Rathi why he was drawn to the character, and what Kyoto can teach us about how agreement is achieved. This episode first ran in July 2024.
Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Mythili Rao. Special thanks this week to Kira Bindrim, Alicia Clanton, Anna Mazarakis, and Jessica Beck. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.