Democratic Credentials of Transnational Actors: An Introduction

Abstract

From 7 to 18 December 2009, Copenhagen was the site of the 15th UN Climate Change Conference (COP15). Official delegates representing 192 states gathered to discuss how to meet the challenge of global climate change. While formal decision-making power rested with state representatives, a large number of non-state transnational actors (TNAs) were active in Copenhagen. Not only did a transnational epistemic community of scientists play an important role; representatives of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were also granted access to the conference as observers. As such, they were heard in plenary discussions, hosted side events and press conferences, and were invited to contribute specialist submissions to negotiations. The participation of many of the NGO activists from around the world was made possible by funding from philanthropic foundations supporting an environmental agenda. Moreover, business interests had a strong presence at the conference. On the official conference website (http://en.cop15.dk/), a number of transnational corporations (TNCs) (such as BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and SAS) were presented as sponsors of the event. Climate Consortium Denmark was the official focal point for Danish business-related activities leading up to the conference. Representatives of TNCs participated in a number of panels and workshops. Other types of TNAs tried to influence the conference from outside. Various transnational social movements mobilized people for demonstrations and other protest activities, questioning the legitimacy of the state representatives and their ability to agree on international cooperation to meet the challenge of climate change. On 12 December, an estimated 40,000 people joined a mostly peaceful march toward the suburban conference center.