The Domestic Politics of Global Climate Change

Why are some countries more willing and able than others to engage in climate change mitigation? The Domestic Politics of Global Climate Change compiles insights from experts in comparative politics and international relations to describe and explain climate policy trajectories of seven key actors: Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, and the United States.

Using a common conceptual framework, the authors find that the scope for a more ambitious climate policy is limited by stable material parameters such as energy resource endowments and accumulated infrastructural investments. Within that scope, governmental supply of mitigation policies seems to meet (or even exceed) societal demand for climate policy change in most cases. Given the important roles that the seven actors play in addressing global climate change, the book's in-depth comparative analysis will help readers assess the prospects for a new and more effective international climate agreement for 2020 and beyond.

Students and scholars of environmental politics and the climate and environmental policy fields will find the new conceptual framework and empirical case studies of great value. The book's up-to-date information and analyses will also interest energy sector practitioners and climate and energy policymakers.

Contributors: S. Aamodt, S. Andresen, G. Bang, M. Iguchi, A. Korppoo, A. Luta, T. Rauken, J.B. Skjærseth, I. Stensdal, S. Tankha, A. Underdal