Is the annual UNFCCC COP the only game in town?: Unilateral action for technology diffusion and climate partnerships

Abstract

Is the annual United Nations framework convention on climate change meetings (UNFCCC COP) the only game in town? Are there also other possible solutions to consider? We argue that there is indeed another game, namely unilateral action facilitated by public authorities. Our theoretical model shows the conditions under which unilateral and costly technology development can be spread to other countries; that is, to an extent that makes such action of the involved parties a rational choice, paving the road for future use of such best practice model. One example could be the EEAS (European External Action Service) demonstrating that such unilateral action is feasible in practice, i.e. when facilitating technology transfers and climate partnerships between the EU and large CO2 emitters in the developing world. Well-designed unilateral actions by the EEAS and other public authorities may in this way help achieving target levels such as the Paris Agreement.