Search Climate Insights Directory

This report by Trend Asia and debtWatch Indonesia argues that the promotion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a "transition fuel" in Indonesia, supported by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), undermines the Paris Agreement and locks the country into long-term fossil fuel dependency. The document details the environmental, social, and governance risks associated with gas infrastructure, including methane emissions, corruption, and human rights violations.

A report by Trend Asia detailing how the revised Spatial Plan (RTRW) for South Papua Province facilitates National Strategic Projects (PSN) for food and energy, leading to massive deforestation, the displacement of indigenous peoples, and the destruction of high conservation value areas.

The World Resources Institute's research paper examines the barriers and motivators for electric school bus (ESB) adoption across U.S. school districts, highlighting that geography and locale are more significant drivers of district needs than priority status based on demographics or pollution exposure.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative outlines a framework and recommendations for scaling transition finance to decarbonize India's iron and steel sector, which is the country's largest carbon-emitting industrial sector.

The Global Energy Monitor's Wind and Solar Year Review 2024 reports that while prospective global utility-scale solar and wind capacity grew by over 20% in 2024, the current pipeline of 4.4 TW is only about half of the 9 TW required to meet the COP28 goal of tripling renewables by 2030.

This research paper proposes a worker-centric climate response for South Africa, emphasizing state-led financing through a dedicated climate response fund to ensure an equitable transition to a green economy.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice examines the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in climate finance, focusing specifically on the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa. It argues that the IDC's current operations are misaligned with climate goals due to a portfolio skewed toward carbon-intensive sectors and conservative lending practices, and proposes specific financial and governance reforms to support a just transition.

This policy brief argues that South Africa's Just Energy Transition must move beyond infrastructure to prioritize workers and economic diversification. It suggests that reallocating 10% of bank lending (R52.41 billion) and reforming retirement industry offshore limits (R600 billion) could provide necessary funding. Key recommendations include expanding the Green Finance Taxonomy to include worker transition plans and implementing green capital requirements to incentivize job-creating investments.

This research paper evaluates the international alignment and interoperability of the South African Green Finance Taxonomy (SA GFT). While the SA GFT shows high alignment regarding the 'Make Substantial Contribution' (MSC) principle, it faces challenges in usability and adoption concerning 'Do No Significant Harm' (DNSH) and 'Minimum Social Safeguards' (MSS) pillars, as well as gaps in governance and disclosure frameworks.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International regarding the COP16.2 negotiations in Rome, arguing that current biodiversity financing mechanisms are unjust and that a fundamental systemic change in the global financial system is required to effectively combat biodiversity loss.

A joint statement by 22 civil society organisations condemning the Department of Basic Education's facilitation of corporate-branded furniture donations, specifically McDonald's 'Mi Desk' desks, in South African schools, arguing that such actions expose children to harmful junk food and gambling marketing.

This research paper argues that ongoing unrest in Mozambique following the October 2024 general elections is driven by deep-seated socioeconomic grievances and distrust of the ruling Frelimo party, rather than electoral fraud alone. The author highlights systemic issues including high youth unemployment, government corruption—specifically the 'hidden debt scandal'—and a history of electoral misconduct. The paper notes a shift in public action, with protests now targeting private sector companies over land rights and infrastructure failures, and warns that the new government under Daniel Chapo faces significant instability unless a genuine dialogue including opposition figure Venâncio Mondlane is established.

A statement from the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluating the Church of Sweden's forest inquiry, arguing that while the inquiry moves toward sustainable management and respect for indigenous rights, the Church could further strengthen its approach to avoid conflicts between forestry and reindeer husbandry.

This EESI briefing highlights the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on U.S. clean manufacturing, noting over $123 billion in investments across 100+ facilities and the projected creation of 67,000 rural jobs. It outlines a panel discussion on domestic supply chains, community economic benefits, and industrial electrification.

Friends of the Earth International issues a statement calling for a fundamental systemic change in biodiversity financing ahead of the COP16.2 meeting in Rome. The organization argues that current financial mechanisms are unjust, driven by destructive industries, and fail to support the most effective conservation actors, such as Indigenous peoples and local communities.

This briefing by Friends of the Earth International argues that the biodiversity crisis is driven by systemic financial failures and calls for a fundamental reform of the financial system ahead of the COP16.2 negotiations in Rome. It criticizes the current reliance on private finance, biodiversity offsets, and the failure of developed nations to meet funding pledges, while advocating for direct financial support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

An analysis of seven large-scale transmission projects across the United States, ranging from California to Oklahoma, found that all projects delivered benefits exceeding their costs. Projects designed for economic benefits significantly surpassed the FERC 1.25 benefit-to-cost ratio standard and exceeded original planning expectations. Reliability-driven projects also provided unintended economic benefits, often approaching or exceeding the FERC threshold.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes UN voting patterns on Ukraine as of February 2025. It highlights a divergence between European demands for Russian accountability and the Trump administration's shift toward de-escalation, alongside a more strategic, pragmatic approach by Global South nations seeking diplomatic mediation over binary confrontation.

This research proposes a 'mixed adaptation' category to replace the traditional dichotomy between autonomous and planned climate adaptation, based on an analysis of 1,682 peer-reviewed articles.

A statement by World Resources Institute's Stientje van Veldhoven evaluating the European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal, noting its correct priorities in decarbonization and financing while criticizing gaps in resource efficiency, CBAM stability, and concrete resource targets.