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Key actors in UN environmental governance: influence, reform and leadership

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Abstract

In the introductory article it was concluded that the effectiveness of the UN environmental institutions studied was quite low. Key actors, especially the US and the EU, play a considerable role in explaining the course of development in these institutions. However, this does not mean that these processes are mainly state-driven as a number of other factors matter. The potential for reform and increased effectiveness is limited as the main actors, the US the EU and G-77/China have very different interests and perceptions as to the future directions of these institutions.

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Notes

  1. Interview with Gro Harlem Brundtland on Norwegian television, April 2007.

  2. Chasek (this issue), includes a quote of Ambassador Sichan Siv from a 2005 speech before the 60th session of the UN General Assembly.

Abbreviations

CSD:

Commission for sustainable development

EMG:

Environmental management group

GMEF:

Global ministerial environment forum

JUSCANZ:

Japan, US, Canada, New Zealand (Other states have later become affiliated)

MEAs:

Multilateral environmental agreements

ODA:

Official development assistance

SEPA:

State environmental protection administration

UNCED:

United nations convention on environment and development

UNFCC:

United nations framework commission on climate change

UNEO:

United nations environmental organization

UNEP:

United nations environment programme

WCSD:

World commission on sustainable development

WEO:

World environment organization

WSSD:

World summit on sustainable development

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Correspondence to Steinar Andresen.

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Andresen, S. Key actors in UN environmental governance: influence, reform and leadership. Int Environ Agreements 7, 457–468 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10784-007-9049-z

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