Climate Finance: Key Concepts and Ways Forward

Policy Brief, HARVARD PROJECT ON INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE AGREEMENTS, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, 2009

NYU School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 09-69

11 Pages Posted: 6 Dec 2009 Last revised: 15 Dec 2009

See all articles by Richard B. Stewart

Richard B. Stewart

New York University School of Law

Benedict Kingsbury

New York University School of Law

Bryce Rudyk

New York University (NYU) - Guarini Center on Environmental and Land Use Law

Date Written: December 2, 2009

Abstract

Climate finance is fundamental to curbing anthropogenic climate change. Compared, however, to the negotiations over emissions reduction timetables, commitments, and architectures, climate finance issues have received only limited and belated attention. Assuring delivery and appropriate use of the financial resources needed to achieve emissions reductions and secure adaptation to climate change, particularly in developing countries, is as vital as agreement on emission caps. Yet, a comprehensive framework on financing for mitigation and adaptation is not in sight. Developed and developing countries cannot agree on even the fundamentals of what should be included (e.g. should private finance through carbon markets be included?), let alone the level and terms of financing commitments, regulatory and other mechanisms, or governance structures.

This impasse, which reflects a lack of trust between developed and developing countries, has manifested itself in basic disagreements over three main issues relating primarily to mitigation finance: first, the necessity of credible and substantial developed country commitments on public funding; second, the role of private finance; and third, the institutions and governance structures to ensure equity and environmental effectiveness.

Keywords: climate change, climate finance, official development assistance, registry, carbon markets, Copenhagen process

Suggested Citation

Stewart, Richard B. and Kingsbury, Benedict and Rudyk, Bryce, Climate Finance: Key Concepts and Ways Forward (December 2, 2009). Policy Brief, HARVARD PROJECT ON INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE AGREEMENTS, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, 2009, NYU School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 09-69, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1517973

Richard B. Stewart

New York University School of Law ( email )

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Benedict Kingsbury

New York University School of Law ( email )

40 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012-1099
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212-998-6278 (Phone)

Bryce Rudyk (Contact Author)

New York University (NYU) - Guarini Center on Environmental and Land Use Law ( email )

139 MacDougal St.
Wilf Hall 312
New York, NY 10012
United States
(212) 992-8105 (Phone)

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