Exploration of Hybrid Governance: The Ascendancy of International Collaborative Structures in Climate Change Management
In a groundbreaking academic paper, Stephen Minas, Research Fellow at the Transnational Law Institute, Kings College London, and associated with the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, presents a novel theory of transnational climate governance. This theory, which can be downloaded from SSRN at
The paper delves into the intricate workings of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), a network that is part of the UNFCCC's Technology Mechanism. According to Minas, the CTCN serves as a transnational governance hub, facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and implementation of climate technologies across borders. This, in turn, advances global climate goals despite the fragmented nature of international climate law.
Minas' theory posits a multi-actor, multi-level system of governance, where climate governance occurs through networks that include states, international organisations like the UNFCCC, private sector entities, civil society, and scientific institutions. In this framework, the CTCN operates not just as a technical body but as a transnational governance hub that bridges technology needs of developing countries with global knowledge and resources.
The theory emphasises the importance of governance beyond the state, involving a diverse set of actors that cooperate in networks to overcome limitations of national policies and foster innovation and diffusion of climate technologies. The CTCN exemplifies this governance model by acting as a mediator and facilitator in the transnational climate governance landscape.
Minas also analyses how transnational law—rules and norms emerging from non-state actor interactions and international organisations—underpins and legitimises the activities of entities like the CTCN. This contributes to more flexible and adaptive governance mechanisms in the climate arena.
Despite acknowledging challenges such as accountability, legitimacy, and coordination in these fragmented governance systems, the theory highlights their potential to complement formal intergovernmental climate regimes and accelerate technology transfer and climate action. In essence, the theory situates the CTCN within a broader transnational legal and governance architecture that blends state and non-state actions, networks, and mechanisms to address complex climate challenges through collaborative, technology-focused interventions under the UNFCCC framework.
The paper discusses the development of this theory, using the CTCN as a case study. The CTCN, a specific climate network analysed in the paper, is part of the UNFCCC's framework and provides an analysis of its role and function within the broader context of transnational climate governance. The paper applies this theoretical approach to various climate networks, including those outside the UNFCCC, offering a comprehensive view of the role of transnational governance in climate action.
- The paper expands on the role of scientific institutions like the CTCN, not only as technical bodies, but also as transnational governance hubs in health-and-wellness, especially mental health, considering their contribution to fostering innovation and diffusion of climate technologies.
- The theory of transnational climate governance proposed by Minas underscores the need for environmental-science networks to collaborate with various actors, including the private sector and civil society, in order to facilitate knowledge sharing, implement climate technologies, and contribute to the broader goal of addressing climate change and associated health issues.
