, BWE1501 Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
DUE September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
The Role of International Organisations in
Global Environmental Governance
Introduction
The challenges of environmental governance transcend national boundaries. Issues
such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification,
desertification, and transboundary pollution cannot be effectively addressed within
the jurisdiction of a single state. These are global commons problems that require
cooperation, coordination, and shared responsibility. International organisations
(IOs)—ranging from specialised agencies of the United Nations (UN) to regional
organisations and multilateral development banks—have emerged as central actors
in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of global environmental
governance.
This essay critically examines the roles of international organisations in
environmental governance, drawing upon institutional practices, landmark
agreements, and practical examples. It evaluates the extent to which these bodies
have facilitated cooperation, enforced compliance, and advanced sustainability,
while also addressing the limitations and challenges they face. The discussion is
framed around key functions—agenda-setting, norm creation, capacity building,
financing, monitoring and enforcement, and dispute resolution—and is illustrated
with case studies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the
World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC), and regional institutions such as the European Union
(EU).
Semester 2 2025
DUE September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
The Role of International Organisations in
Global Environmental Governance
Introduction
The challenges of environmental governance transcend national boundaries. Issues
such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification,
desertification, and transboundary pollution cannot be effectively addressed within
the jurisdiction of a single state. These are global commons problems that require
cooperation, coordination, and shared responsibility. International organisations
(IOs)—ranging from specialised agencies of the United Nations (UN) to regional
organisations and multilateral development banks—have emerged as central actors
in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of global environmental
governance.
This essay critically examines the roles of international organisations in
environmental governance, drawing upon institutional practices, landmark
agreements, and practical examples. It evaluates the extent to which these bodies
have facilitated cooperation, enforced compliance, and advanced sustainability,
while also addressing the limitations and challenges they face. The discussion is
framed around key functions—agenda-setting, norm creation, capacity building,
financing, monitoring and enforcement, and dispute resolution—and is illustrated
with case studies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the
World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC), and regional institutions such as the European Union
(EU).
