Guy Edwards, Brown University

Guy Edwards, Brown University

Guy talks about the release of his recent book A Fragmented Continent that discusses how Latin America’s three major groups BASIC, ILAC and ALBA have influenced the UNFCCC process. He tells Climate Home that these groups have been proactive in negotiations but pulling and pushing in diverse ways. He gives the example of how all three groups have pushed for climate finance and where ILAC has pushed for a long-term mitigation goal, Brasil has reservations and ALBA countries are not interested in specific figures for a long-term goal. This showcases the fragmentation on specific issues within the continent. Guy tells us that a climate treaty is important for the region for three reasons. 1) In order to achieve prosperity Latin America needs global temperatures to remain below 1.5 degrees. 2) A transition to a low carbon economy presents an opportunity for the region in the clean energy and clean cities sector. 3) Negotiations have been closed off to non-state actors such as civil society, cities and the private sector. However the INDC process in Latin America has opened up the national policy conversation to public audiences and whilst participation could have been better, there was a national discussion between state and non-state actors and this is significant.