PUB2606
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Title: Assignment 2 – The Role of International Organisations in Global Environmental
Governance
1. Introduction
The growing complexity of global environmental challenges such as climate change,
biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and unsustainable resource use has required
collective responses beyond the capacity of individual states. This has led to the
development of Global Environmental Governance (GEG), a network of rules,
institutions, and organisations that facilitate international cooperation on environmental
issues. International organisations are central to this governance system because they
set norms, provide scientific expertise, coordinate treaties, and monitor compliance.
This essay critically discusses their roles in global environmental governance, while
highlighting practical examples.
2. Understanding Global Environmental Governance
GEG refers to the collection of international agreements, regimes, and organisations
that address environmental problems through cooperation and shared responsibility
(IISD, 2024). It is not a single body but rather a fragmented system where multiple
organisations play overlapping roles. This fragmentation creates both opportunities for
innovation and challenges of coordination (Zelli, 2021).
3. Roles of International Organisations
3.1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is often described as the world’s environmental authority. It facilitates
international treaties such as the Paris Agreement and the Montreal Protocol, provides
scientific assessments (e.g., Global Environment Outlook reports), and develops
international environmental law frameworks like the Montevideo Programme (UNEP,
2023).
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Title: Assignment 2 – The Role of International Organisations in Global Environmental
Governance
1. Introduction
The growing complexity of global environmental challenges such as climate change,
biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and unsustainable resource use has required
collective responses beyond the capacity of individual states. This has led to the
development of Global Environmental Governance (GEG), a network of rules,
institutions, and organisations that facilitate international cooperation on environmental
issues. International organisations are central to this governance system because they
set norms, provide scientific expertise, coordinate treaties, and monitor compliance.
This essay critically discusses their roles in global environmental governance, while
highlighting practical examples.
2. Understanding Global Environmental Governance
GEG refers to the collection of international agreements, regimes, and organisations
that address environmental problems through cooperation and shared responsibility
(IISD, 2024). It is not a single body but rather a fragmented system where multiple
organisations play overlapping roles. This fragmentation creates both opportunities for
innovation and challenges of coordination (Zelli, 2021).
3. Roles of International Organisations
3.1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is often described as the world’s environmental authority. It facilitates
international treaties such as the Paris Agreement and the Montreal Protocol, provides
scientific assessments (e.g., Global Environment Outlook reports), and develops
international environmental law frameworks like the Montevideo Programme (UNEP,
2023).
