The Role of Global Climate Governance in Tackling Climate Change: A Case Study of Pakistan (2010-2024)

Abstract

This study examines how global climate governance regime (UNFCCC and Paris Agreement) influences national climate policy of Pakistan and her climate change mitigation and adaptation potential from 2010 to 2024. Adopting a qualitative case study research design, the study focuses on two key dimensions: (1) impact of international climate arrangements on Pakistan’s climate strategy making and its implementation, and (2) Potentials of financial and technological supports to promote Pakistan’s adaptive and mitigative capacities, particularly in the face of the Green Climate Funds. The results suggest that while the global governance structures have effectively influenced the design of Pakistan’s policies, the execution of policies is severely hampered by institutional and governance constraints. In addition, foreign financial and technical support has contributed resources that are helpful, but which are squandered by bureaucratic bloat, political uncertainty, and limited technical capability. The study recommends that the coordinatation between global engagements to local adaptations are critical for enriching the climate resiliecne of Pakistan. It also proposes specific reforms within international financing and national governance that can help to make the burden more equally shared and to ensure the effectiveness of climate action.

Keywords: Global Climate Governance, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Pakistan, Climate Policy, Climate Finance, Mitigation, Green Climate Fund