Fiona Harvey on International Climate Change Negotiations Post-Copenhagen

Perspectives from France and the UK About the Event: Copenhagen for some did not live up to expectations, for others it achieved all that could reasonably be expected. One thing is sure: the Copenhagen Accord has introduced a great deal of uncertainty into international climate negotiations. Many, from politicians, academics, investors and environmentalists are trying to figure out what will happen next. Our two speakers, both close observers of international negotiations, will offer contrasting perspectives on the outcome of the conference and future direction of international negotiations on the path to Mexico in December 2010. Mr. Lalonde will take a French and an individual perspective on international climate change negotiations and will consider the outcomes from Copenhagen, the likely consequences, identifying measures which need to be taken in light of the conference. Fiona Harvey will explain why, from her perspective, the widespread coverage of Copenhagen calling it a failure was mistaken, and argues that actually the summit achieved most of what it was meant to. About the Speakers: Brice Lalonde is chair of the Sustainable Development Roundtable for the OECD, and is the former French Minister for the Environment (1988 to 1992). Mr. Lalonde now also serves as a senior advisor for state environment agencies, as well as consulting to major companies and local governments in the fields of environment, energy, and development. He is also the chairman of the Expert …

Perspectives from France and the UK About the Event: Copenhagen for some did not live up to expectations, for others it achieved all that could reasonably be expected. One thing is sure: the Copenhagen Accord has introduced a great deal of uncertainty into international climate negotiations. Many, from politicians, academics, investors and environmentalists are trying to figure out what will happen next. Our two speakers, both close observers of international negotiations, will offer contrasting perspectives on the outcome of the conference and future direction of international negotiations on the path to Mexico in December 2010. Mr. Lalonde will take a French and an individual perspective on international climate change negotiations and will consider the outcomes from Copenhagen, the likely consequences, identifying measures which need to be taken in light of the conference. Fiona Harvey will explain why, from her perspective, the widespread coverage of Copenhagen calling it a failure was mistaken, and argues that actually the summit achieved most of what it was meant to. About the Speakers: Brice Lalonde is chair of the Sustainable Development Roundtable for the OECD, and is the former French Minister for the Environment (1988 to 1992). Mr. Lalonde now also serves as a senior advisor for state environment agencies, as well as consulting to major companies and local governments in the fields of environment, energy, and development. He is also the chairman of the Expert …