While climate change is often discussed globally, national governance deserves our attention. Many experts believe that effective national institutions could be the missing piece in our efforts to combat climate change.
At a recent seminar hosted by Navroz Dubash, a climate policy expert from Princeton University, the focus was on how national climate institutions might drive lasting change. Dubash, who has decades of experience advising on climate and energy issues, pointed out that many solutions may lie at the national level rather than solely through global agreements like the Paris Agreement.
He explained two approaches to climate action: “top-down” and “bottom-up.” The top-down method includes global negotiations where countries set ambitious goals for emission reductions. However, Dubash believes that real change often starts from the ground up. For instance, in countries like India and the Philippines, climate issues are tied to local experiences—like typhoons ruining crops or poor air quality impacting health.
Using local narratives, governments can connect climate policy to everyday concerns, such as job creation and health improvements. This approach encourages citizens to support policies that might seem purely environmental at first glance.
Dubash emphasized that while global efforts are necessary, national context matters more in driving change. Countries need institutions that reflect their unique circumstances—those that address local needs and leverage political opportunities.
In his research, Dubash identified two primary models of national climate governance: mission-centric and opportunistic. The UK is known for its mission-centric approach, establishing strong institutions and policies that many countries aim to replicate. Its Climate Change Act of 2008 set clear emissions targets and created tools to hold governments accountable. This has resulted in sustainable job growth, especially in renewable energy sectors, highlighting how robust institutions can foster progress.
On the other hand, India’s approach tends to be more opportunistic. While the Indian government has recognized climate change through its National Action Plan—which outlines missions like solar energy expansion—the implementation often lacks the structure seen in the UK. Many climate initiatives in India focus on co-benefits related to pollution or job creation rather than having a standalone climate agenda.
Recent polling in India shows that climate change ranked outside the top ten priorities for voters, meaning that without embedding climate considerations into broader issues, progress may remain slow. Issues like air quality are starting to resonate more with the public, suggesting a shift that could enhance climate action in the future.
Political climate also plays a significant role in how effective these institutions can be. Countries experiencing low political polarization—where there’s general agreement on climate change—like the UK and Germany, tend to set more strategic policies. Meanwhile, countries like the U.S. have struggled with political turmoil that led to a cycle of unstable climate policies, such as the brief existence and eventual repeal of the Clean Energy Act under different administrations.
Ultimately, Dubash argues for a national focus on climate action. Small, strategic changes at the domestic level can create a ripple effect, leading to larger discussions and commitments. This localized approach allows countries to adapt climate strategies to fit their political landscape rather than pushing for sweeping global agreements that may lack local support.
For progress on climate change, we need to be flexible and creative. Institutions don’t have to be large or perfect to be effective. Instead, they can be using innovative, modest structures that inspire change over time, proving that even weak institutions can help address climate challenges if they align with national interests and narratives.
To read more about national climate policies and how they shape our future, visit sources like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for credible insights and research findings.
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