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Climate Finance for Sustainable Development: Substantive Agendas and Future Directions

Author

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  • Shalini Talwar
  • Nourah O. Alshaghdali
  • Bhumika Gupta
  • Enrico Battisti

Abstract

This study analyzes 440 online news articles and 62 videos using Gioia's approach to present a multi‐scalar examination of the climate finance (CF) ecosystem. Analysis revealed six aggregate dimensions: funding‐related gaps, strategic misalignments, re‐orienting the governance ecosystem, addressing systemic issues in the funding ecosystem, scaling up existing funding sources, and unlocking newer funding sources, representing key themes of CF conversation in popular media. These dimensions comprise 16 second‐order themes and 90 first‐order concepts. Each dimension and its underlying codes offer a detailed exposition that reflects the complex nuances of CF shaped by the intersection of international politics, sovereign priorities, regional power dynamics, and intricate financial governance. Based on these findings, the study offers (i) inputs for strategic policy and regulatory decision‐making at both transnational and national levels, and (ii) actionable recommendations on how different stakeholders can mobilize investments to foster a resilient response to climate change while promoting sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Shalini Talwar & Nourah O. Alshaghdali & Bhumika Gupta & Enrico Battisti, 2026. "Climate Finance for Sustainable Development: Substantive Agendas and Future Directions," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(1), pages 321-337, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:1:p:321-337
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70276
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