Climate Cooperation Disparities: An Analysis of the Global South’s Limited Participation in Intergovernmental Cooperation on Climate Change Mitigation

Engagement in intergovernmental climate initiatives across sectors strengthens countries’ capacities to reach climate mitigation goals. This WRI working paper reveals a complex and fragmented landscape of intergovernmental cooperation. On first glance, representation appears broad; however, detailed quantitative analysis shows representation from the Global South is critically low across key sectors, except for agriculture. This analysis highlights how initiatives are largely dominated by developed countries and the top ten emitters of each sector. Greater transparency around climate mitigation cooperative initiatives can help inform efforts to ensure countries are better represented, that initiatives are more inclusive and effective, and can help ensure participation and engagement across sectors is more even. Preview image by Abhishek Chinnappa / Climate Visuals Countdown