Dawn of a New Climate Order: Analysis of USA + BASIC Collaborative Frameworks

Abstract

A new climate order was confirmed at the end of the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December 2009. The new climate order ushered in collaborative frameworks among the USA and the BASIC Group made up of Brazil, South Africa, India and China. Collaboration among the identified countries resulted in three sets of partnerships, namely: the USA-India-China (UIC Group); the BASIC Group; and IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum). The UIC partnership presents a triangle bringing together top global greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters committing to address climate change. As of 2007, the UIC Group accounted for about 47% of total global GHG emissions. The USA + BASIC Group crafted the Copenhagen Accord architecture. Although not binding, the Copenhagen Accord was the major outcome from COP15. The IBSA collaboration brings further insights to the new climate order as it draws India into the centre of proceedings from the three sets of collaborative frameworks under deliberation. This paper focuses on what this new climate order means for climate leadership in general and the climate negotiation road leading to Mexico in December 2010.

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Exxaro Resources Limited for sponsoring the Chair in Business and Climate Change run under Unisa's Centre for Corporate Citizenship.

Notes

This group is made up of countries that include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Emphasis added.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Godwell Nhamo

Institute for Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa, South Africa.