ABSTRACT
International environmental problems are difficult to address internationally. Many environmental problems appear as externalities of other economically beneficial activities, undertaken by actors with power in domestic political processes. One of the major issues facing international environmental cooperation is how to pay for it. The most prominent institution for international funding to address global environmental issues is the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The initial approach was to focus on four areas where environmental impacts were decidedly international: biodiversity, climate change, ozone depletion, and international water pollution. The GEF has been praised for being "innovative and adaptable". Multiple institutions exist because states create those they feel will be most advantageous to their concerns and decision-making priorities. International cooperation is hard, and international cooperation to address environmental problems even more so. These imperfect institutions are nevertheless making a difference in protecting the global environment.
