Points of Conflict between the climate regime complex and Rio 20s Green Economy

Abstract

This paper assesses the possibilities of interactions between the existing regime complex of climate change and a currently forming international green economy regime. Based on the theoretical background of regime complex theory the development and current structure of the regime complex of climate change is described. Furthermore it is proposed that following the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) in 2012 an international regime on green economy started to form, which is described as well as the theoretical background of ecological modernization it is built upon. Finally, possibilities of synergies and conflict between the existing regime complex of climate change and the development of green economy regime are described. It is concluded that the way green economy was formulated at UNCSD is too vague to be a solid base for solving the climate crisis as it opens the door for effective policies as well as â greenwashingâ . Therefore, much will depend on an ambitious implementation and inclusion of green economy policies at the national level.