Negotiation Assessment

Reconciling Global and National Interests

Initially, Russia had a few goals in mind before entering into any binding treaty. First, Russia did not want legally binding emission reduction targets until 2020. Additionally, Russia wanted to come up with a coordinated system to provide aid to developing countries. In promoting technology, Russia wanted to create a more open tech transfer system globally, encouraging countries to license various technologies to other countries and facilitate a sharing of ideas and a promoting of innovation. Finally, Russia would oppose the REDD program and any legally binding global environmental standards on multi-national corporations (MNCs).  

In negotiating this treaty, the group faced many choices in keeping course with national interests and promoting a global initiative. In order to maximize Russia’s incentives to join this treaty, we sought to negotiate with the European Union and the United States. We concluded that it would be in the best interests of all entities to be in a global cap and trade program. Specifically, each country will enter into domestic cap and trade programs, and all countries participating in the programs are considered “preferred trade partners.” 

For Russia’s benefit, we concluded that the country would serve as a testing site for new technologies dedicated to promoting alternative energies. Additionally, Russia will work to keep the price of natural gas steady throughout the winter months. This provides a financial incentive for Russia while providing relief for other countries- seeking a global common ground. The tech transfer idea discussed above was embraced by all countries involved in the negotiation. 

The EU, the United States, and Russia also concluded that the IMF would run aid to various developed countries in the amount of $200 billion. This “green fund” would take effect immediately and be supported by Brazil, India, Russia, the United States, the European Union, and Brazil. Only Japan opposed the funding. Additionally, Russia opposed any legally binding Copenhagen standards and was the only country to do so. Finally, Russia attempted to oppose the UN’s REDD program, but all other nations supported it. 

Overall Russia was able to secure most of its goals. As in all negotiations, some ground must be given. Russia was unable to oppose REDD but was able to obtain all of its other goals. 

What We’d Do Different

In this exercise, the countries all seemed eager to reach a deal. As such, working with the teams presented many opportunities for compromise and securing a treaty. Looking back, it may have been wise for Russia to embrace legally binding Copenhagen emission standards. 

Prospects for a post-Kyoto Treaty

Based on this negotiation and the data supporting the need to take action on climate change, the prospects for a post-Kyoto treaty seem bright. However, the reality of politics may thwart any prospective deal in the future. The economic and financial incentives are apparent for all countries, as is the evidence that climate change is real. As such, countries must act quickly and put politics aside to achieve something as sweeping as the negotiation that took place between the hypothetical countries in this exercise.