Op-Ed14 June

Bonn: no “grand accord” possible

Sergio Abranches

The preparatory Climate Change meeting in Bonn has closed showing small progress. It should be clear by now that UNFCCC will never lead to a “grand accord”. More »

Treks21 May

Brazil delays enabling legislation on climate change

Sergio Abranches

After a fast-track approval of the climate change bill, its enabling legislation is deadlocked at the Civil Household.  More »

Op-Ed10 March

Climate diplomacy: Copenhagen versus Kyoto

Now that China and India have formally adhered to the Copenhagen Accord, climate diplomacy has two different ways to go. And they’re not comparable, nor totally compatible.

Sergio Abranches More »

Op-Ed17 February

Climate Change 2010: In search of a realistic agenda

Sergio Abranches
Are we are moving backwards on climate change policy? The energy law in the US seems farther away today than at year end. IPCC seems to be at bay. Deniers seem to be having their heyday. The social movement seems to be too quiet. Support to the Copenhagen Accord has been at the best lukewarm. The countries pledges fall short of the 2oC target, they point to a 3.5oC scenario. More »

Op-Ed30 January

The Copenhagen Accord lives

Sergio Abranches

While the U.S. and the European Union embraced the Copenhagen Accord with no reserves, the BASIC countries said the Accord is not legal. The only legal instrument they accept is the Kyoto Protocol. Does it really matter if they adhere and record their quantitative voluntary actions? Is this an important divide between developed and emerging powers? More »

Treks26 January

Brazil still has to enable climate change law

After approving the climate change law the Brazilian government now has yet to approve the rules that will allow its enactment.

Sergio Abranches More »