Action on climate change suffers from a gap between the "naturally" global approach that action and policy require and the current crisis of multilateral instruments. The current international legal system, based mostly on nation states, shows problems in agreeing on measures to be taken, distribution of burdens and benefits, and more. International law has so far been ineffective in reducing climate change, although various multilateral agreements are potentially relevant. For these reasons, governance appears to be the thorniest issue for climate action, and innovative approaches need to be developed.Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have emphasized in many ways that climate change governance is not limited to state activities, but requires a multilevel and polycentric approach, from the international to the national level to cities and communities, using creative methods and participatory processes. In this perspective, civil society can also play an important role in pressuring governments and institutions to meet their international obligations. According to recent data, climate change litigation continues to grow in importance as a means of advancing or delaying effective action on climate change. Globally, the cumulative number of climate change-related lawsuits has more than doubled since 2015.All this makes governance one of the most innovative and exciting fields of research in climate action.

The candidate may have either a scientific, sociological, political or legal background. The important thing is that whatever his or her starting point, he or she has aptitude and willingness for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural work.Knowledge of languages other than English can be a distinguishing factor.

The research activity will be carried out in the context of the IUSS Pavia University School, which has in interdisciplinarity a distinctive mark and in collaboration with the students of the proposing professor. In addition, the candidate will be able to carry out his/her activity also in connection with some international institutions in which the proposing professor is active, in particular the COMEST commission of UNESCO.