STUDY Addressing the Challenge of Global Climate Mitigation An Assessment of Existing Venues and Institutions CAMILLA BAUSCH AND MICHAEL MEHLING August 2011 n Recent setbacks in the climate negotiations have given new impetus to a debate about the adequacy of alternative venues and institutions for global cooperation on climate change mitigation. n A survey of existing venues and institutions ranging from formal treaties and organi­zations to technical dialogues and political summits shows that no alternative forum can currently replace the technical capacity, negotiating experience and broad back­ing embodied in the United Nations climate regime. Nevertheless, the UN process is expected to remain slow in delivering results. n Complementary processes offer interesting opportunities to address divisive issues that have stalled progress in the past, while also helping to advance complex tech­nical discussions and identify new options. An approach involving multiple fora, but centered on the UN climate regime, is therefore recommended to take forward the mitigation agenda.