This report aims to begin a process of identifying mechanisms for improving decision-making that are relevant to different types of governance system. Based on a template for assessing climate action in a broadly comparable way in different countries, we have looked at progress in three so-called “flawed democracies”: India, Indonesia, and South Africa. The template, which can be used across all regime types, addresses overall governance characteristics and environmental and climate decision-making, before looking in detail at how decisions are taken in transport infrastructure, in renewable energy investment, and in household energy efficiency policy. 

The report offers suggestions on approaches which could be used (and are in some cases already being pursued) by advocates of climate action in the three countries. These include: testing the effectiveness of constitutional provisions on environmental rights; a focus on the co-benefits of climate mitigation in terms of addressing health and poverty; and an emphasis on the “just transition” approach to address the interests of those who see themselves as losers from the clean energy transition. Sharing of experience and analysis by climate activists across regimes of a similar type should be deepened.