Environmental Multilateralism in Crisis: The Future of Global Climate Institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n05.009Keywords:
Environmental Multilateralism, Climate Governance, Global Climate Institutions, Climate Justice, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Climate Finance, Sustainability, International RelationsAbstract
Environmental multilateralism has entered a period of profound institutional crisis despite the increasing urgency of climate change. Global climate institutions have struggled to effectively coordinate collective action amid geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities, and weak enforcement mechanisms. This article critically examines the structural and political challenges confronting institutions such as the UNFCCC, IPCC, and UNEP. It further evaluates emerging governance trends including climate clubs, non-state actors, and technological diplomacy. The paper argues that while environmental multilateralism faces declining legitimacy, it remains indispensable for planetary governance. The future of global climate institutions depends upon institutional reform, equitable climate finance, scientific integration, and climate justice.
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