Global Climate Governance

Global Climate Governance

Author: UCL Political Science February 25, 2021 Duration: 36:24

There is common agreement that climate change poses the greatest policy challenge of our age. The costs of getting it wrong would be immense, but the barriers to getting it right are dauntingly high. Action is needed on a global scale. But global politics is deeply fractured, and individual countries may be tempted to free ride on the actions of others. 

So what are the global governance structures through which the world is attempting to address this challenge? Are they delivering, or do they need reform? 

Well three of the leading experts on these questions – David Coen, Julia Kreienkamp, and Tom Pegram – are based at the UCL Department of Political Science and have just written a book on the subject. It’s called Global Climate Governance and it’s published now by Cambridge University Press. And two of those authors join my now to discuss the findings.

Host: Professor Jennifer Hudson
Julia Kreienkamp
Dr Tom Pegram

Global Climate Governance
Policy brief 


Ever wonder what happens when sharp academic minds turn their focus to the headlines? UCL Uncovering Politics pulls back the curtain on the forces shaping our world, straight from the heart of one of the world's leading universities. This isn't a lecture series, but a series of conversations where complex ideas about power, culture, and society are made accessible and urgent. You'll hear researchers from UCL's Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy dissect everything from voting behaviour and international conflict to the philosophy underlying our social structures, connecting rigorous scholarship directly to current events. Each episode feels like sitting in on a fascinating discussion between experts who are as curious about the "why" behind political phenomena as they are knowledgeable. The podcast serves as a direct line to cutting-edge analysis, offering depth and context that goes far beyond the daily news cycle. By spotlighting the fantastic work done within the department, it provides listeners with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the mechanics behind culture, government, and the news we consume. Tune in for a thoughtful and genuinely enlightening exploration of contemporary politics, grounded in research but always engaged with the real world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 161

UCL Uncovering Politics
Podcast Episodes
Should We Have  A Human Right Against Discrimination? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
In this episode of UCL Uncovering Politics, we explore one of the most foundational questions in human rights theory: Is there a human right against discrimination?While many of us instinctively view discrimination based…
Can The Law Fix Structural Injustice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:12
When we see injustice in the world, our instinct is often to look for someone to blame. We might point to a corrupt official, an unjust law, or individuals acting with harmful intent. But some of the most persistent and…
Should Politicians Always Be Truthful? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:07
Most of us want our politicians to tell the truth. In fact, research from UCL and beyond confirms that honesty is consistently ranked as one of the top values citizens expect from their elected representatives.But is tha…
Do Religious Schools Hinder Children's Autonomy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:15
Today, we’re diving into the complex and often contentious world of religious schools. Are they a threat to social cohesion and tolerance, or are they simply an expression of parental rights and freedom of religion? Some…
How Can Populists Be Defeated? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In recent years, populism has gained remarkable traction across the globe. If you see populists as leaders who stoke division and who peddle simplistic solutions that, for all their superficial appeal, cannot succeed – t…
Decision Making In The European Union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
International organisations have become major players in global affairs, with the European Union standing out as especially powerful. But the EU’s decision-making processes often attract sharp criticism: requiring agreem…
Rewilding the University - Prof Cathy Elliott's inaugural lecture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:34
Join us to celebrate the achievements of Prof. Cathy Elliott. Recorded one day after her inaugural lecture, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career, Cathy talks about her wild approach to education.Ca…
Constitutional Reform in the UK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Politics in the UK has been in turmoil in recent years—Brexit, Covid, movements for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rule-breaking Prime Ministers, and now the shockwaves from Donald Trump’s return to the W…
Echo Chambers, Confucian Harmony and Civility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
Echo chambers are a growing concern in today’s social and political landscape, reinforcing existing beliefs and fostering distrust. Some argue that civility isn’t owed to those entrenched in these environments, while oth…
Is Morality the Cause of Ideological Disagreement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
Polarisation is a defining feature of contemporary politics, raising concerns among many observers. People on the left and right—liberals and conservatives—often seem to inhabit entirely different worlds, holding fundame…