Science and Global Environmental Policymaking: A Review of Institutional and Political Barriers

As global environmental challenges escalate, the integration of scientific knowledge into international policymaking has become increasingly crucial. Nevertheless, a significant gap remains between scientific recommendations and the actual implementation of international environmental agreements. This review examines how science has been incorporated into global environmental governance. Key findings suggest that while international bodies like the IPCC have shaped policy discussions, geopolitical interests, institutional inertia, and power imbalances often impede the adoption of science-based decision-making. Most studies employ qualitative approaches, such as case studies and discourse analysis, with few engaging in cross-national or quantitative comparisons. By synthesizing current research trends and identifying gaps in both methodology and theory, this review provides valuable insights into how scientific evidence can be more effectively utilized to inform international environmental policies.