Europe’s Green Diplomacy

After Copenhagen, Europe learned that leading by example is not enough. Lacking the power of a China or a US in the environment debate, Europe will need to balance shifting alliances in a multipolar world to combat climate change. Such green diplomacy is even more important in an interconnected world where climate change affects not only the environment but also economic growth, energy supply, even security. While the EU’s new foreign service can help to develop a unified strategy for green diplomacy and a centralized locus for information, embedding climate change in foreign policy decisions is necessary. And effectiveness lies on using the EU’s economic clout efficiently. The EU is punching below its weight despite being the largest economic power in the world. Furthermore, the EU should look to engage with smaller emerging nations since China does not want to lead the climate change debate and the US cannot. In the end, the crux of the matter may be that if the EU cannot take a defining role in climate diplomacy, others will, leaving the grouping less and less relevant on the world stage. – YaleGlobal