Publication

This brief sets out five assumptions for observers of the Paris climate negotiations (COP21). We should realize that 1) the more difficult negotiations have already been concluded prior to the conference; 2) the inevitable "drama" which will surround some of the negotiations should be tuned out; 3) negotiations over the amount of money wealthier countries should transfer to poorer countries are likely to be significant; 4) the expectations surrounding the negotiations are so high that the Paris talks are effectively "too big to fail"; and 5) a successful conference should be seen as a starting point for the World to actually begin cutting its emissions.