Actors and tactics of climate obstruction and governance mechanisms for mitigation and sustainability

Abstract

Global climate action has progressed through public mobilization, scientific consensus, policy commitments, and governmental pledges, yet it is still not adequate to reach set climate targets due to climate obstructionism. The actors of climate obstruction and their strategies and techniques are examined in this state-of-the-art review as a systemic issue influencing public perception, governance, and policy. Leading actors, narratives, strategies, and processes of climate obstruction along with four interrelated domains: corporate, political, bureaucratic, and socio-ideological obstruction, are identified by the investigation. Enhancing transparency procedures, controlling corporate and political interference, promoting independent media and scientific communication, and boosting public resistance to false information are among the highlighted recommendations for better climate actions. For governance, addressing the climate issue necessitates overcoming deliberate and planned obstruction rooted in governance institutions, along with policy design and technical solutions. Despite official promises, climate policy will continue to experience delays, fragmentation, and implementation failure if the coordinated corporate, political, bureaucratic, and socio-ideological opposition entrenched in governance systems is not addressed. Addressing the climate crisis therefore requires not only technological and policy innovations, but also confronting the systemic structures and power dynamics that perpetuate resistance, delay, and weakened implementation of climate policies globally.