Overview of Political Economy Analysis Frameworks in the Area of Climate Governance and Key Issues to Consider

Abstract

Despite global recognition of the urgency of climate action and the need to transition to a low-carbon economy, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and adaptation needs remain urgent. For a number of years, there have been calls for greater attention to political economy in tackling climate change and development outcomes. The political economy analysis is important as it can be used to assess the factors that may enable or constrain the implementation of climate change policies and actions and sustain political commitment. A framework can guide the process of political economy analysis, identifying relevant stakeholders, their incentives and motives, and other structural factors. This rapid review summarises several such frameworks specifically aimed at climate governance issues developed in recent years, some of these also include useful guidance and steps on the implementation of the framework. The review focuses strictly on the literature around political economy analyses in relation to climate change. It does not explore the history of and rationale for political economy analysis in development in general, nor the accompanying frameworks or operational How-To guides. Another K4D helpdesk by Lucas (2019) looking at what factors affect the political will of African governments to address climate change highlights a number of political economy frameworks that may also be useful to draw on