Effectiveness in the Context of Multiple Crises: Non-State Action on Climate and Biodiversity

If non-state climate action is to close the gap between climate needs and the commitments made and actions taken by governments, it will have to navigate multiple crises. Especially important is aligning climate action with biodiversity goals, as the two are closely interlinked. This overlap complicates any assessment of integrity of non-state climate action (CA). Even if actors were always transparent and accountable, a good understanding of effectiveness, aware of climate and biodiversity goals is necessary to define what they should be transparent on and accountable for. Research has analysed the effectiveness of non-state CA in terms of potential and various conditions for effectiveness. Understanding of substantive progress on outcomes and impacts is limited. This research gap is hard to fill, especially in the context of both climate and biodiversity, where a wide range of indicators is relevant and trade-offs need to be considered. We offer a conceptualisation of effectiveness of non-state action on climate and biodiversity, which considers the large variety of existing CA. We also take first steps towards a methodology for the assessment of outcomes and impacts using large-n methods. To allow for cross-case analysis, we propose a multi-level approach, assessing initiatives according to indicators that match their approach and geographical scope. In doing so, we aim to better connect outcomes and impacts to actions, and even the international regime complexes in which these actions take place. This will enable a more complete assessment of integrity of non-state CA jointly addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.