NJR PLEASE NOTE THIS BLURB IS IN ITS RAW FORM_x000D_This study evaluates the role of ideas in the evolution of climate change related policies in Germany and how these have in turn fed through to foreign policy and the way in which Germany conducts its international relations. The evolution of climate change policy in the European Union (EU) and the way in which Germany works with and through the EU in the wider international arena are also addressed. The lead up to, and events at, the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are analysed. International relations conducted outside of international negotiations and the EU are also examined. Germany's relations with the UNFCCC and its secretariat (based in Bonn) and the Global Environment Facility are analysed, as are multilateral and bilateral relations. The effects that Germany's international relations have on countries vulnerable to climate change are also examined by analysing the positive (and negative) effects on Pacific Island countries. _x000D__x000D_Habermas' work on discourse ethics is used as an analytic tool. However, it is argued that the use of discourse ethics has greater relevance and utility than providing a framework for analysis, it can: lead to greater understanding of how interests are formed and legitimised; facilitate analysis of actions taken; and provide a framework through which just and implementable decisions can be reached. The discursive nature of climate change international relations and the need to find common agreement for the future direction of global climate change related policies indicates that the implementation of discourse ethics as propounded by Habermas would be beneficial. Agreements reached through discourse where participatory justice has been implemented are more likely to be acceptable to all parties and thus the prospects for successful implementation will be greater._x000D_