Dataset development in earth system governance: Learnings, stakes, and pathways for impact

Morin, Jean-Frédéric, Hollway, James, Sun, Yixian, Vadrot, Alice B.M., Allan, Jennifer ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1353-5744, Bernauer, Thomas, Betsill, Michele M., Brandi, Clara, Fast, Cornelia, Kim, Rakhyun E., Laurens, Noémie, Lecavalier, Emma, McCracken, Melissa, Mitchell, Ronald B., Morton, Kayla, Orsini, Amandine, Papin, Marielle, Rowan, Sam and Widerberg, Oscar E. 2026. Dataset development in earth system governance: Learnings, stakes, and pathways for impact. Earth System Governance 28 , 100328. 10.1016/j.esg.2026.100328

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (551kB)

Abstract

The construction and use of datasets have become an important practice in Earth system governance research. By systematically cataloguing various outcomes, policy issues, actors, sites, and processes, datasets enhance the reliability, transparency, and replicability of research. Yet, despite growing interest, efforts to share data, integrate datasets, and develop common standards remain fragmented. This Perspective surveys various scholarly efforts to create datasets and provides a classification of the emerging dataset landscape in the field of Earth system governance. Drawing on examples from our own research and group discussions, we identify current best practices and lessons learned regarding data collection, management, and integration, as well as data usability and sharing. We argue that the design of datasets is not a neutral technical exercise, but has implications for how global environmental governance is theorized and studied. We also highlight how greater attention to data infrastructures can strengthen the relevance of research for policy practitioners and other stakeholders beyond academia.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Cardiff Law & Politics
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Start Date: 2026-03-26
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2589-8116
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 April 2026
Date of Acceptance:	26 March 2026
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2026 09:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186431

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item