Environmental governance in the face of climate challenges

Abstract

Environmental governance is a strategic component in addressing climate challenges because it brings together institutions, communities, social organisations, and productive sectors in the formulation and implementation of territorial responses. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the quality of environmental governance and the effectiveness of climate response in Ecuadorian local governments. A quantitative approach was used, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational-explanatory design. The dataset comprised 240 synthetic profiles representing residents, local officials, and community organisation representatives from six rural and coastal territories. Citizen participation, inter-institutional coordination, transparency, accountability, technical capacity, access to funding, social inclusion, and climate-response effectiveness were assessed. The results showed a positive relationship between environmental governance and climate effectiveness (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). Inter-institutional coordination (β = 0.29), technical capacity (β = 0.25), meaningful participation (β = 0.22), and transparency (β = 0.18) were the main predictors. Territories with permanent coordination and monitoring mechanisms achieved better results than those characterised by fragmented actions. It is concluded that effective climate governance requires participation with decision-making influence, clearly defined responsibilities, accessible public information, financial continuity, and verifiable evaluation mechanisms.