Climate Change Policy and Government Preparedness in Developing Economies

Abstract

Climate change presents a multidimensional governance challenge for developing economies because it intensifies natural hazards while interacting with poverty, weak infrastructure, fiscal limitations, rapid urbanization, food insecurity, and institutional fragmentation. Although many developing countries have adopted national climate policies, Nationally Determined Contributions, disaster-risk-reduction strategies, and adaptation plans, the existence of policy documents does not necessarily indicate operational preparedness. Government preparedness depends on institutional coordination, reliable climate information, early-warning systems, resilient public infrastructure, trained personnel, inclusive local participation, adequate financing, and the integration of climate risk into routine development planning. This article examines the relationship between climate change policy and government preparedness in developing economies through a qualitative review of international policy frameworks, institutional evidence, and recent studies from Pakistan, South Asia, Africa, and other low- and middle-income regions. It argues that the central challenge is no longer merely the absence of climate policy but the persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation. Limited administrative capacity, fragmented responsibilities, dependence on external finance, insufficient local-government authority, weak monitoring systems, and unequal public participation frequently prevent national commitments from producing measurable resilience. The article proposes a preparedness-oriented policy framework based on legally defined institutional mandates, climate-responsive public budgeting, multi-hazard early-warning systems, resilient infrastructure, adaptive social protection, locally led planning, nature-based solutions, transparent monitoring, and stronger international cooperation.