The Environemental Integrity Group 

Despite its limited size, the EIG plays a significant role in climate negotiations. This influence stems, in part, from the diverse development levels and geographical representation of its member countries.

 

The EIG is committed to the principle of environmental integrity based on robust rules and has consistently advocated for solutions to the global climate crisis that align with sustainable development goals.

 

It's no surprise that the group has been a steadfast supporter of the Paris Agreement. Recognizing climate change as a threat to global security, the EIG promotes international cooperation, transparency, and accountability as means of establishing a resilient global climate framework. The EIG places significant emphasis on science-driven policy and values the integrity of the negotiation process. It strives to create solutions that are fair, inclusive and robust.

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Before the founding of the EIG, several countries were not represented in the negotiations as their rights and interests were consistently disregarded. During the Buenos Aires negotiations, the Swiss delegate tried to still be part of the negotiations. Recounting his traumatic encounter, the delegate later stated: “I still feel the strong grip of the UN security personnel on my upper arm leading me outof the room reserved for representatives of negotiating groups and major countries during the crucial hours of the [...] Conference.”

 

He would not give up and stated “Being kicked out of that meeting of the privileged few would not stop our efforts to seek transparency and full participation.” During a meeting in Cartagena, the Swiss delegate foresaw the same thing happening again and on the spot took the floor and promptly requested for a tenth delegation to be added, called the “Compromise Group”, a name made up on the spot. 

 

He asked other unrepresented countries to join and the proposal was accepted. At the next conference, the delegate concluded that to fully represent all membering countries, the name should be a bit catchier, resulting in the name “Environmental Integrity Group”.