Talanoa to save the world? Pacific talk to advance global decision-making on climate change

Master's Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Politics - Environmental Policy, grade: 1,0, University of Bremen, language: English, abstract: In a world grappling with the escalating climate crisis, where international negotiations often falter and the ambition gap looms large, could a seemingly simple Pacific tradition hold the key to unlocking more effective climate action? This groundbreaking study delves into the heart of the 2018 Talanoa Dialogue, a unique approach to decision-making rooted in the culture of the Pacific Islands, and examines its potential to revolutionize international climate negotiations. By comparing Talanoa's philosophy and design to standard practices, this research meticulously uncovers the obstacles that hinder concrete progress in global climate change decision-making, even in the wake of the Paris Agreement. Explore how Talanoa fosters collective preferences and identity through the power of storytelling and deep listening, creating an environment where shared understanding transcends political divides. Unravel the complexities of the negotiator's dilemma and discover how Talanoa offers innovative strategies to mitigate its effects, paving the way for more ambitious and collaborative climate agreements. More than just an academic analysis, this is a journey into a potentially transformative process, offering a beacon of hope for a future where international cooperation can truly address the urgent challenges of climate change. Discover how the principles of the Talanoa Dialogue, successfully implemented at events such as COP23, could reshape the landscape of international climate action, bridging the ambition gap and fostering a more sustainable future for all. This investigation provides critical insights for policymakers, negotiators, and anyone seeking to understand how diverse cultural perspectives can enrich and enhance global efforts to combat climate change and promote collective action. Unearth the potential of this indigenous approach to catalyze meaningful change on a global scale, and envision a world where shared narratives drive impactful climate solutions within the UNFCCC framework.