Final answer:
Governments in some 'Southern' nations are reluctant to commit to international environmental governance because they fear it could place economic restrictions that impede their growth and development. These countries face a dilemma between prioritizing economic growth and participating in global efforts to address issues like global warming and biodiversity, which require collective action.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Willis, governments in some 'Southern' nations have resisted international environmental governance due to reservations about potential economic restrictions and impositions. This resistance comes from the concern that strict environmental policies could hamper their economic growth and development, which is a priority for these nations. While some governments have pledged to address environmental issues, many are concerned that international environmental protection efforts may lead to economic disadvantages, especially as many environmental problems, such as global warming and loss of biodiversity, are international externalities that require collective action. Furthermore, environmental concerns often conflict with the developmental aspirations of these nations, highlighting a tension between environmental sustainability and economic growth objectives.