Tracing the Meaning of 'Ambition' in UNFCCC Before and After Paris

This article explores the evolving concept of 'ambition' within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly before and after the landmark Paris Agreement. Initially, 'ambition' in climate politics was associated with legally binding emission reduction targets, primarily for industrialized nations. However, the Copenhagen Summit's failure in 2009 marked a shift towards a more inclusive, voluntary approach, emphasizing self-determined contributions from all countries. The Paris Agreement further institutionalized this shift, introducing the 'ambition mechanism', which encourages countries to progressively enhance their climate commitments every five years. The literature distinguishes different facets of ambition, including policy density, speed, depth, and impact, and its role in motivating and mobilizing international cooperation. It also addresses the argumentative functions of ambition, such as fostering long-term perspectives, enhancing reputations, and facilitating coalition-building. Despite its centrality, the term 'ambition' remains ambiguously defined, with multiple interpretations and applications in both academic literature and climate negotiations. This article aims to clarify these meanings and assess the effectiveness of ambition as a guiding principle in global climate governance, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents in the pursuit of sustainable development. It draws on a qualitative analysis of several hundred UNFCCC negotiation documents and party submissions, showing the evolution of the meaning of ambition and its associations over time.