CiR2P Option 41 | Rebuilding institutions of governance

DISCUSSION:

There are two immediate dimensions to this task in post-crisis nation building situations. First, the restoration of government services, which may require the establishment of transitional authority capable of making the necessary decisions about basic service provision and having them implemented. Second, the creation or recreation of a system of governance with functioning executive, legislative and judicial institutions.

The longer-term tasks involve constitution making (if required) and the development of a vibrant and independent civil society (eg. NGOs, business community and academic institutions) that can actively and safely engage with government policy making processes.

Restoring public services should consider the opportunities and risks posed by climate change. For example, key public services (other than security services) include ensuring stable energy supplies, which could prioritise off-grid solar capacity with batteries and centralised diesel generators for evening supply, rather than reconnecting communities to destroyed centralised coal or gas fired power plants. Cost and timeline comparisons are likely to favour the low pollution option.

Rebuilding and reconnecting roads and transportation systems should also consider low emission options as well as the risks of climate change such as coastal inundation, sea level rise and extreme weather events. Climate-sensitive water collection and distribution networks should also be prioritised in place of inefficient systems.

Adopting a climate-focused approach to service provision can contribute to delivering a sustainable peace, particularly if the target country is located a climate hotspot such as the Middle East and North Africa.

Structural ingredients for good governance include fair constitutional structures, effective human rights protections, promotion for the rule of law, and eradication of corruption – all of which include a need to integrate a climate action discussion in the interests of human protection, economic development and a lasting peace in any nation building context.

Western governments should centralise the notion of ‘climate mainstreaming’ in existing governance support programs operating in fragile states. Mainstreaming refers to the need to integrate climate mitigation and adaptation considerations in decision-making across government and its agencies and the non-government sector.

Given the fundamental importance of climate change to the work of practically every government department and agency as well as broader community, mainstreaming climate action (or what could also be referred to as “good climate governance”) should be pursued as a priority with the support of Western donors in any nation building context. The aim of a holistic approach to climate governance is to enhance the government’s ability to support climate action goals in the interests of human protection, and economic stability and development.