A new paper in PNAS "Climate negotiations under scientific uncertainty" http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1208417109 suggests a way that this thing might happen. Green jobs are good for the economy: Counting up to green: Assessing the green economy and its implications for growth and equity | Economic Policy Institute (see their highlights or read the whole replort) Renewable energy subsidies are becoming large: Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy Subsidies on the Rise | Worldwatch Institute still much smaller than fossil-fuel subsidies, but better than a few years ago.
Interesting abstract, comparing climate negotiations with the 'prisoner paradox' and how an empirically recognized, threat can defeat the paradox. This may explain a lot of other behavior not limited to just climate negotiations. The other cites are useful too, stuff I agree with. Bob Wilson
