Strengthening Integrity of Voluntary Climate Action in Turbulent Times

Amid today’s poly-crises—including climate urgency, biodiversity crisis, economic instability, and the rise of populism—voluntary climate action by non-state actors has become indispensable for advancing global climate and sustainability goals. This section explores the advancements and challenges in voluntary climate actions, focusing on the need for strong integrity and accountability of voluntary action within a fragmented policy landscape. With national governments increasingly reneging on global environmental responsibilities, non-state actors—businesses, subnational governments, and civil society—are increasingly stepping in to drive climate ambition. Yet, ensuring these efforts genuinely support global climate targets requires adaptive governance that upholds transparency, accountability, and coherence with policy frameworks. Key topics include new standards for voluntary climate action integrity, innovative accountability measures, and strategies for cross-sectoral engagement despite diverging political agendas. This section will also examine how voluntary actions navigate complex governance landscapes, reinforcing climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience while contending with competing crises and growing political backlash. In addressing both theory and empirical practice, this section highlights the role of voluntary climate actions in maintaining progress toward climate resilience and net-zero emissions amid global uncertainty. Panel Descriptions: Panel 1: The Role of Voluntary Climate Action in a Politically Polarized Environment - Themes: Navigating polarization, scaling voluntary actions, stakeholder platforms, transition pathways. - Chair: Dr Sander Chan (Radboud University) - Description: This panel will examine the unique challenges and opportunities for voluntary climate action in a context of heightened political polarization. With growing political backlash, and populist agendas bringing renewed partisan divides on climate issues, non-state actors face increased scrutiny and potential resistance. The panel will explore how voluntary actions can transcend political divisions by fostering collaborative approaches that drive the momentum for climate action, despite political challenges. Key topics include strategies for building trust among stakeholders, leveraging community-level initiatives that resonate locally, and promoting transformative peer learning that remains effective despite polarized opinions. The panel will also address how to sustain voluntary commitments and explore models for constructive engagement in this complex environment. Panel 2: Achieving Higher Accountability, Credibility and Integrity in Voluntary Climate Action - Themes: Principles of integrity, accountability frameworks, voluntary carbon markets. - Chair: Sebastian Reyes de La Lanza, Radboud University. - Description: This panel will examine the foundations of integrity in voluntary climate action, presenting key principles and accountability criteria. The panel will discuss the evolution of integrity frameworks, challenges in ensuring transparency, and how voluntary carbon markets contribute to—or detract from—climate action credibility. The panel will highlight how non-state actors can uphold high standards of integrity and mitigate risks of greenwashing. Discussion points include the evolving role of voluntary carbon markets, principles for accountability, and strategies to strengthen credibility in an uncertain regulatory climate. Panel 3: Governance and Policies to Strengthen Voluntary Climate Action - Themes: Governance frameworks, subnational actors, multi-level governance. - Chair: Dr. Lauri Peterson, University of Eastern Finland/Uppsala University - Description: This panel addresses the role of governance and regulation in supporting high-integrity voluntary climate actions. The discussion will focus on the intersection of international, EU and subnational governance on voluntary climate action. The panel also examines the support subnational governments can provide to sustain climate progress despite political challenges. As key players in bridging the implementation gap, non-state actors have a unique role in sustaining effective climate policies. Discussion points include best practices for aligning international, EU and subnational climate efforts, and strategies for enhancing collaboration across non-state actors to drive high-integrity climate action. This panel will also explore governance structures that empower non-state actors to lead in climate resilience, transparency, and accountability despite shifts at the national level.