Conclusion: The landscape of multilateral agreement in Paris and beyond

Walker, Hayley Monheim, Kai Pipart, Frauke [UCL] Jepsen, Henrik Lundgren, Magnus

The editors and Frauke Ohler conclude the book by reflecting on what the insider accounts teach us about the negotiation of the Paris Agreement. The first part provides a comprehensive examination of the combination of factors that led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement. It discusses the relative contribution of the multitude of factors identified in the previous chapters, ranging from the structural context set by geopolitics and macroeconomics, to how non-state actors reshaped the normative landscape, to the importance of individual personality. The second part of the chapter distils practical lessons learnt. It identifies seven key elements of effective negotiation management, including the importance of transparent communication, good handling of informal dialogues, and leveraging non-party stakeholders. Finally, the chapter concludes by contemplating some risks and opportunities that mark the discussion about global governance in the post-Paris era. Next to a discussion about the implications of regionalization and digitalization of negotiations, it argues that, while some may be tempted to view the Paris Agreement as an end-point, climate negotiations will continue.