Globalization processes have rendered non-state actors an integral part of global governance. The body of literature that has examined non-state actor involvement in global governance has focused mainly on whether and how non-state actors can influence states. Less attention has been paid to the comparative advantages of non-state actors to answer questions about agency across categories of non-state actors, and more precisely what governance activities non-state actors are perceived to fulfil. Using unique survey material from two climate change conferences, we propose that different categories of non-state actors have distinct governance profiles. We further suggest that the different governance profiles are derived from particular power sources and that agency is a function of these profiles. The study thereby contributes to a strand in the literature focusing on the authority of non-state actors in climate governance and broadens the methodological toolkit for studying the “governors” of global governance.

Side-events are the most visible venue for civil society involvement in international climate negotiations. The many varied functions that side-events fulfil for participants and organizers are identified and analysed for their contributions generally as well as for their contribution to the negotiation process. The analysis is based on two surveys of over 2,000 side-event participants and organizers at COP-13 and COP-14. The surveyed side-events were found to fulfil the broader official objective of benefiting COP participants through providing a shared conceptual basis as well as building institutional capacity and legitimacy. All participant groups, particularly from Africa, G77, and less-developed countries, found these events useful for their work. As a venue for information dissemination, side-events provide an important opportunity for capacity building. Historically, new items were introduced at COP side-events before being discussed in the formal negotiations. Side-events also provide a process f... Les évènements parallèles sont les lieus les plus propices à la participation citoyenne dans les négociations internationales sur le climat. Les rôles nombreux et variés des évènements parallèles crées au profit des participants et organisateurs sont identifiés et analysés pour leur apport général ainsi que pour leur contribution au processus de négociation. Cette analyse porte sur deux enquêtes sur plus de 2000 participants aux évènements parallèles et leurs organisateurs à COP13 et COP14. Les évènements parallèles étudiés se sont révélés utiles à la réalisation d'objectifs généraux, procurant une base conceptuelle commune aux participants aux COPs, ainsi qu'en matière de légitimité et de renforcement des capacités institutionnelles. Tous les groupes de participants, en particulier ceux d'Afrique, du G77, et des pays les moins développés, ont trouvé ces évènements utiles pour leur travail. En tant que lieu de diffusion d'information, les évènements parallèles fournissent une occasion importante pour le r...

Objectives: Heatwaves are having a disproportionate impact on the elderly population, as demonstrated by pronounced mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to explore elders’ subjective experiences of heat impacts and adaptive strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 19 elderly Swedes were conducted, focusing on their experiences of the extremely hot summer of 2018. Results: Most informants suffered during the heatwave, although some found it pleasant. The readiness to implement adaptive measures was generally high among the healthiest, who were able to avoid excessive heat and adjust their daily routines. In contrast, those highly dependent on care from others had limited options for avoiding the heat, and little capacity to take up adaptive measures. Discussion: With heat becoming an increasing problem, it is important to adjust elderly care so that the most vulnerable elderly people can avoid excessive heat exposure.