I’m a climate negotiator, and my life changed drastically on March 15, 2022. While on a video call with a friend, I felt a twitch in my face and struggled to speak. My wife, Fiona, rushed me to the hospital. We feared the worst—a stroke. On the way, instead of fear, I felt an unexpected sadness about my life potentially ending sooner than I had hoped. Fortunately, I survived, but six days later, doctors diagnosed me with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. They gave me 15 to 18 months to live.
Reading stories from other cancer patients, I found that many faced uncertain futures with varying survival odds. In my case, it was different; I had a clear horizon. While I hoped for more time, the medical team advised against clinging to that hope. Instead, I chose to embrace my remaining time. Many pass away without any warning, so I felt lucky to have the chance to settle my affairs.
I initially wanted to write my life story, mostly for my family. But then I remembered my years working on climate issues—advising leaders in the UK and Europe, negotiating in major UN conferences. I realized I had knowledge to share about environmental challenges that could still influence the future.
As I delved deeper into my role as a climate negotiator, my worries grew. The climate crisis will impact millions, if not billions, of lives. This knowledge put my situation into perspective. An individual’s early death seems small in the grand scheme of global challenges.
The Importance of Relationships
In my work, I learned that effective negotiation comes from understanding others. Close personal relationships often lead to better outcomes than just clever strategies. I witnessed how vital it was for diplomats to get along. For example, EU officials often faced criticism for over-implementing legislation, dubbed “gold-plating.” But the real issue was their lack of personal connections in negotiations, affecting the UK’s position.
When I started negotiating environmental policies in Brussels in 1994, I quickly understood that personal relationships played a crucial role in advancing the UK’s interests. While my colleagues moved frequently, I remained in my position for years, building strong networks that facilitated our goals.
Leading to the Paris Agreement
Many claim to be the “architect” of the Paris Agreement, but I believe success stemmed from years of collective efforts. The UK faced challenges when a Conservative government was elected just months before the Paris Climate Summit in 2015. We had a competent environment secretary, Amber Rudd, and we prepared a financial announcement to aid developing nations, ensuring ambitious climate action.
However, we faced significant internal resistance. Some sceptics within the government feared our announcement wouldn’t resonate with certain voters. Oddly enough, just before our announcement, tensions boiled over, leading to “forestgate.” In the end, we made our commitment, which proved to be well-received globally.
Reflecting on Outcomes
The Paris conference offered clarity on long-term climate goals. We discussed “net zero” emissions—a term that dates back to the 1992 UN climate convention. While many voiced concerns about the focus being too far ahead, the timeline remained necessary for accountability.
The agreement ultimately encouraged nations to establish their paths toward net zero, a fundamental step for global climate action. Recent studies show that countries focusing on long-term goals have significantly increased investment in renewable energy solutions.
The Consensus on Climate Action
Throughout the negotiations, tackling the concern for low-lying nations became apparent. Even as disagreements arose among developed and developing nations, support for vulnerable countries persisted. Ultimately, the tension underscored the importance of collaboration and understanding in achieving a unified climate goal.
Reflecting upon the discussions at the Paris summit, experts emphasize the need for continued dialogue and trust-building among nations. The climate crisis requires global cooperation, and while Paris marked an important step, the journey must continue.
Though my personal time is limited, I remain hopeful that sharing my experiences will contribute to a greater understanding of climate challenges and inspire collective action.
For more insights on climate diplomacy, check out related discussions on climate policy.
