ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH: BRIDGING DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Main Article Content

David Smith

Abstract

Environmental governance in the Global South represents one of the most pressing challenges in achieving global sustainability. Nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America face the dual task of promoting economic development while addressing environmental degradation and climate vulnerability. This article examines the evolution of environmental governance frameworks in the Global South, exploring the legal, institutional, and policy mechanisms that shape sustainable development. It discusses international cooperation, national innovation, and the growing role of environmental justice. While many states have made significant progress through legal reforms and regional initiatives, persistent inequalities, financial constraints, and limited technological access continue to hinder effective implementation. The article concludes that achieving balanced and inclusive governance requires integrating global environmental law with local realities, ensuring that development remains both equitable and ecologically sustainable.

Article Details

Section
Articles

References

1. United Nations, Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), https://www.cbd.int/convention/text/

World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future (1987), https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf

United Nations, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992), https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/theme/agenda-21

Safoev, S. (2025). Legal Innovation in Environmental Policy: A Comparative Study of the United States and Uzbekistan. American Journal of Education and Learning, 3(9), 16–20.

2. United Nations ECLAC, Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement, 2018), https://www.cepal.org/en/escazuagreement

Safoev, S. (2025). The Legal Dimensions of Renewable Energy Transition: Global Pathways and Challenges. Shokh Library.

3. Okereke, C. (2008). Global Justice and Neoliberal Environmental Governance. Routledge.

4. United Nations Human Rights Council, Resolution 48/13: The Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment (2021).

5. UNEP, Environmental Rule of Law: First Global Report (2019), https://www.unep.org/resources/report/environmental-rule-law-first-global-report

6. Safoev, S. (2024). Laws on Green Energy and Climate Change. American Journal of Education and Learning, 2(5), 470–474.