This research critically assesses the contributions of Environmental International Organizations (EIOs) - such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - to climate mitigation and adaptation in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports between 2018 and 2024, the paper examines governance mechanisms, including the Paris Agreement, Conference of the Parties (COP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The results show that EIOs are crucial in fostering international collaboration, mobilizing finance for climate action, and building capacity through technical support and knowledge exchange. These are crucial for delivering climate-related SDGs in developing and climate-vulnerable countries. But there are critical gaps between institutional goals and outcomes. Insufficient and inequitable climate finance, technology transfer, institutional coordination, and representation of vulnerable countries in global governance are among the significant challenges. The research suggests that although EIOs play a crucial role in agenda-setting and norm-setting, they still lack a consistent impact on outcomes due to structural and governance challenges. To meet the 1.5 °C goal and promote sustainable development, there needs to be better financial mechanisms, coordination and transparency in monitoring. The research highlights the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to climate governance to improve adaptation and resilience in vulnerable regions.
Islam et al. (Thu,) studied this question.