CoAct Database

Are initiatives performing?

The CoAct Database includes indices for output effectiveness, accountability, inclusiveness and capacity, which are based on aggregated data. These indices provide insights into the integrity and performance of initiatives. The data shows that output effectiveness is on average higher than accountability and inclusiveness. Distributions of the indicators vary accross dimensions. For instance, the inclusiveness index shows relatively few initiatives at the high or low ends, while the distribution of the accountability indicator shows a more equal distribution across categories from low to high performance.

The CoAct Database tracks the indicator for output effectiveness over time. The data shows that cooperative climate initiatives have increased their output effectiveness until 2018. However, their effectiveness has stagnated since. We particularly see a decline in highly effective initiatives, and a rise in initiatives performing medium to low. Smaller and less-resourced initiatives often lag behind due to financial and capacity constraints, while limited accountability mechanisms, such as monitoring, transparent governance, and membership control, continue to hinder performance.

Output effectiveness is measured using the function-output-fit (FOF) indicator. This indicator measures whether initiatives are producing outputs, such as the publication of reports, organisation of events, or provision of funding, that align with the functions the initiative aims to perform. For example, we expect initiatives that aim to disseminate knowledge to produce guidelines or organise training events. The inclusiveness, accountability and capacity indicators are calculated based on an average of various relevant data points. Find out more on the methodology.