Thematic Review of Studies on International Environmental Agreements

Shilei Zhou () and Toshiyuki Fujita
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Shilei Zhou: Graduate School of Economics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Toshiyuki Fujita: Faculty of Economics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: This study reviews the existing research on international environmental agreements (IEAs) from the perspective of environmental economics, with a particular focus on recent research trends and classic theoretical models. Since the last century, the body of research surrounding IEAs has steadily grown, with numerous scholars exploring various approaches to the formation of stable and effective agreements. While some studies have attempted to organize this literature, classifications based on thematic features remain relatively rare. Therefore, this work identifies common threads across the literature addressing transboundary pollution issues and categorized them thematically, highlighting both recent focal points and classic models. Specifically, the existing research on addressing transboundary pollution is divided into four categories: studies focusing on the national attributes, the mechanisms of cooperation within IEAs, the structures of IEA cooperation, and the alternative approaches beyond IEAs. This review aims to provide policymakers with a clear summary of recent research on international environmental cooperation and to offer advanced guidance for achieving global sustainable development.

Keywords: international environmental agreements; climate change; sustainability; negotiation; theoretical models; thematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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