The field of sustainable development is increasingly focused on understanding the intricate relationships between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change initiatives. A growing body of evidence indicates that many international institutions face significant challenges in coherently implementing key SDGs, such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), alongside related goals. Current debates revolve around the existing mismatch between institutional mandates and available resources necessary for effective governance. Recent studies highlight that knowledge communities and collaborative frameworks play a substantial role; however, the potential of organizational restructuring to better align responsibilities with capabilities remains inadequately explored.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the dynamics of issue coupling within the context of climate change decision-making. It seeks to critically analyze the limitations and opportunities in facilitating better interlinkages among relevant SDGs by examining the capacity of institutions and how their roles have evolved. By focusing on the political and institutional processes, it aims to evaluate potential strategies for optimizing governance frameworks that involve resource allocation, fostering international cooperation, and enhancing the correlation between climate action and institutional efficacy. This includes critical analysis of global governance on SDG and climate policies in terms of influence by Western governments and challenges for developing countries and grassroots actors. The research will further explore hypotheses on reassigning tasks to organizations better equipped to handle specific challenges, thereby contributing to a more nuanced climate governance strategy.

To gather further insights into the scope of issue coupling and its limitations, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Institutional challenges and opportunities in SDG implementation
o The role of knowledge communities in climate change governance and the SDGs
o The role of developing countries and grassroots actors
o The role of the private sector
o Strategies for enhancing international cooperation on SDGs
o Synergies and Trade-offs between and among SDG goals and targets that are related to climate change
o Case studies on sustainability transformations around synergies and trade-offs between climate and other SDGs
o Indicators to address inter-linkages of SDGs
o Resource allocation and management across international institutions
o Evolution of roles and responsibilities within governance frameworks
o The role of norms in integrating SDGs
o Mapping institutions and actors involved in the SDGs
o Multi-level governance on these themes
o Theoretical and applied studies of issue coupling

We encourage diverse contributions, including original research, reviews, and policy analyses that expand the understanding of effective governance mechanisms.

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Realigning Global Governance and Resources for Effective Climate SDG Implementation