Cooperation dynamics of polycentric climate governance

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We review a stochastic model which incorporates a threshold game of collective action and the idea of risky goods, capturing essential features unveiled in recent experiments. We show how reducing uncertainty both in terms of the perception of disaster and in terms of goals induce a transition to cooperation. Taking into account wealth inequality, we explore the impact of the homophily, potentially present in the network of influence of the rich and the poor, in the different contributions of the players. Finally, we discuss the impact of polycentric sanctioning institutions, showing how such a scenario also proves to be more efficient than a single global institution.

Recommended citation: Vítor V. Vasconcelos, Francisco C. Santos, and Jorge M. Pacheco. “Cooperation dynamics of polycentric climate governance” M3AS (2015) 25 13 2503-2517