Climate Change as a Stress Test for Public Governance

Abstract

This study conceptualizes climate change as a stress test for public governance systems. Moving beyond technological and informational explanations, it examines how institutional design, coordination mechanisms, digital governance tools, and participatory processes shape climate policy implementation. The article uses a structured narrative literature review with systematic search, screening, and thematic synthesis steps, drawing on peer-reviewed studies, academic books/book chapters, working papers, and leading institutional reports. Findings show that persistent implementation gaps stem primarily from weak governance capacity, even where formal strategies and commitments exist. Core barriers include limited vertical and horizontal coordination, institutional fragmentation, low policy coherence, weak governance of digital tools, and under-institutionalized participation. The “stress test” metaphor is used analytically to show how climate change reveals structural vulnerabilities in governance systems. The study concludes that durable climate action requires long-term investment in governance reforms: strengthened coordination, closer integration of policy and budgeting frameworks, accountable governance of digital infrastructures, and institutionalized participation.