Developing country influence in global environmental negotiations

Abstract

Developing states have had an uneven, though often high, degree of influence in international environmental negotiations. Two characteristics influence their actions and ability to gain desired outcomes in these negotiations. Developing states are less likely to work together on negotiations for environmental issues in which non‐participant states can be kept from the benefits of co‐operation. They are most likely to receive benefits to encourage their co‐operation on issues pertaining to resources that can be used up. This article develops this theoretical framework and examines it through the issues of ozone depletion, climate change, biodiversity and desertification.