Climate Change: A Failure of Politics?

As tensions continue nationally and internationally about access to energy, land, water, and "carbon space," John Ashton, in conversation with David Steven, discusses the politics of climate change. How do domestic constraints shape international policy making? And how do global shifts in economic growth or energy supply set the context for what is possible at a national level? While world leaders once again attempt to reach a new climate agreement through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015, the political foundations for agreement remain shaky. Will domestic political conditions in the major emitting countries support a new global deal? What other cooperative approaches merit closer evaluation? And how can the role of private sector and non-governmental actors be deepened, and new coalitions built?

Simultaneous Arabic translation will be provided

In conversation with

• David Steven, Nonresident Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution; Senior Fellow, Center on International Cooperation, New York University Abu Dhabi