Bonn meetings will be key in global climate deal

Significance

The most important climate summit since the 1997 Kyoto gathering will open in Paris at end-November, with the goal of producing the first universal binding climate treaty ever drafted. Preparatory talks are progressing slowly on the core document negotiated among countries. However, the recent announcement of the first-ever official climate commitment from China and the growing push for carbon pricing are positive signals that the Paris summit could result not only in an agreement, but in a significant one.

Impacts

• French organisers will accelerate negotiations, set to be intensive, as the first Bonn meeting did not produce the expected result.
• China's official commitment to climate change mitigation could pave the way for a strong agreement in Paris.
• Carbon pricing will be discussed and progress in harmonising carbon markets is not excluded anymore.