In order to research the influence of democratic quality on climate performance, some basic information about the National Climate Change Process (NCCP) between 1998-2000 is necessary. In the context of the Kyoto Protocol process, an investigation of the federal level between 1998-2002 is of importance for the democracy-climate nexus. From a democratic perspective, participatory structures should enable the actors involved to influence decision-making. In terms of the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), both democratic quality and its possible influence on climate performance rely on an indirect mechanism. As empirical evidence demonstrates, governmental capability, effectiveness and efficiency as dimensions of procedural general performance seem to be preconditions for a functioning (democratic) policy process. In terms of the democracy-climate nexus, it has to be asked whether and how inclusiveness as a dimension of democratic quality influenced climate performance. Transparency and publicity are also relevant factors in a democratic policy process, ensuring that all relevant information is accessible and actively shared.