POLITICS OF CLIMATE GOVERNANCE: ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND STRENGTHENING SOCIAL RESILIENCE

Source abstract

Climate change has transcended its environmental dimension and emerged as a critical political issue that challenges existing structures of governance, power, and justice. Widely described by the United Nations as a “threat multiplier,” the climate crisis intensifies socio-economic vulnerabilities, exacerbates public health risks, and deepens structural inequalities, particularly among marginalized and disadvantaged communities. The nexus between climate change and environmental justice is thus evident, as those with the least resources and political voice often suffer the most severe impacts of environmental degradation, extreme weather events, and resource insecurity. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening social resilience through robust and inclusive social infrastructure. Institutions, community networks, and legal frameworks play a decisive role in enhancing adaptive capacity and enabling societies to respond effectively to interconnected crises. This paper investigates the political dimensions of climate governance with particular emphasis on environmental justice and the role of legal advocacy in mitigating systemic inequities. It also analyses how investments in social infrastructure can foster community resilience and contribute to sustainable and equitable development. Relying on secondary sources such as scholarly works, government publications, and expert commentaries, the study advocates for comprehensive reforms in climate governance. It calls for collaborative engagement among policymakers, judicial bodies, and civil society actors to develop inclusive, enforceable, and justice-oriented climate policies. In the face of escalating climate impacts and shifting national priorities, the paper underscores the increasing responsibility of local governments in promoting resilience-based governance and ensuring a just transition toward sustainability.