Editorial

Abstract

From December 7-18, 2009, delegates from 194 nations met in attempt to reach an agreement that would slow climate change and increase environmental responsibility. Ultimately, what resulted was the Copenhagen Accord. This relatively brief, non-binding document (drafted by only a handful of delegates) recognizes "the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius", and aims to raise $100 billion per year from “a wide variety of sources” to help developing nations cut carbon emissions. But with no indication as to how greenhouse gasses will be minimized, or how $100 billion will be raised and distributed, it is difficult to see the Copenhagen Accord as much more than a list of nice ideas.