Welcome to the first video of this module! In this video, Kornelis Blok talks about national climate action and international climate negotiations. We will pay attention to the history of climate action and negotiations.

Key takeaways:

• Climate action is cross-sectoral and cross-scale. Everyone can participate. It includes more efficient use of energy, a shift to renewable energy, and all other measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• In the Copenhagen Agreement of 2009, a polycentric governance model has been adopted for climate action.
• The role of national governments is critical for climate action.
• Climate negotiations have their roots in the eighties of the last century. An increasing scientific consensus emerged that climate change is an issue that requires serious action. An international scientific advisory body was formed, the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• The Copenhagen conference fell short of expectations but it was relevant for two reasons: (1) it was agreed that global temperatures should stay below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels and (2) it was agreed that by 2020, 100 billion US dollars should be mobilised to address the needs of developing countries, both for mitigation and adaptation.