This paper
contextualizes the Cancun conference within the landscape of the different regional climate
policy developments during 2010, analyzes the different national expectations of the
conference, explains negotiation positions, and analyzes how perceptions of the Cancun
conference varied between key countries and regions. The paper concludes with an outlook on
challenges to the international climate policy process on the road to COP 17 in Durban, South
Africa, in 2011 and suggests rethinking current negotiation procedures in order to secure more
ambitious climate policies in the years ahead.