Almost two decades ago, the UNFCCC set as its primary objective the stabilization of atmospheric CO2 at levels that avoid dangerous interference in the climate system. That effort is now tottering. The previous chapter establishes both the need for and the difficulties in reaching a comprehensive and effective international agreement on climate change. The time frame for doings so is narrowing. Emissions reduction obligations under Kyoto expire at the end of 2012 and there is no comprehensive and binding arrangement to take its place. Moreover, the window for attaining moderate concentration and temperature targets is closing.

In the period before the 2009 Copenhagen meeting, many proposals for a post-Kyoto agreement were floated. These ranged from a fully elaborated, gradually implemented cap-and-trade system setting forth emission targets for all countries and all decades (Frankel 2010) to a strategy of supporting “climate accession deals” that would contribute to developing countries’ interests and emission reduction, but which need industrial countries’ financial, technical, or administrative support (Victor 2010). All of these proposals need rethinking in light of outcomes at Copenhagen.