Greenhouse Gridlock (3 party)

Greenhouse Gridlock is a simulation designed to introduce and enable participants to practice fundamental concepts in negotiations including in particular the different dynamics of positional and interest-bargaining that aims for creative resolution of differences. As a three-party exercise, it also introduces coalition dynamics.

This fictionalized simulation takes place at COP21 in Paris, where representatives from three countries (Usonia, a large developed country; Chindonesia, a large and rapidly growing developing country; and Rugongo, a smaller country with stronger resources constraints that represents the African Group of Negotiators (AGN)). Three negotiators need to agree on how often countries ought to report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a critical issue reflecting real-world dynamics in global climate governance throughout the early-mid 2000s.

The three parties have seemingly disparate, and highly rigid positions: Usonia insists that all countries, regardless of their development status, report emissions every two years to ensure robust transparency and accountability. Chindonesia, proposes a differentiated approach whereby ‘developed countries’ report every two years, while ‘developing countries’, including itself, report every four years. Its stance is rooted in wanting to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which emphasizes stronger responsibilities for developed countries as those who are historically responsible. Rugongo advocates that no country should have to report more frequently than every four years and exemptions for the most vulnerable, given the capacity constraints.

If parties move beyond the stated positions that focus on years and instead aim to reconcile the underlying interests—such as access to finance, capacity building, and a recognition of differentiated responsibilities by developed and developing countries—they can explore creative pathways to develop a mutually acceptable agreement. The simulation challenges participants to look beneath seemingly incompatible positions, to identify shared interests. Participants practice uncovering mutual gains, exploring creative options, and strengthening their interpersonal skills at the negotiation table.