Symposium introduction-Climate change, governance and environmental services: Institutional perspectives, issues and challenges.

This article examines the barriers to an effective response to climate change faced by governments and institutions. Developments to prevent environmental degradation in countries including Brazil, China, and India are considered. It is stated that governments and corporations face a challenge in reconciling keeping the costs of producing goods and services low and doing so in an environmentally conscious manner. It is suggested that the involvement and cooperation of these influential bodies is necessary to ensure effective environmental protection.