Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy brief by the Climate Policy Initiative warns that proposed amendments to Provisional Measure (MPV) 867/2018 threaten the implementation of Brazil's new Forest Code (Law 12,651/2012). While the original purpose of the MPV is to extend the deadline for entry into the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA), the authors argue that accompanying amendments could reintroduce rejected rules and create legal uncertainty.

This technical briefing by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes proposed amendments to Provisional Measure (MPV) No. 867/2018. While the original MPV seeks only to extend the deadline for joining the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA) until December 31, 2019, the authors argue that 35 proposed amendments—many of which are 'jabutis' (unrelated additions)—threaten the integrity of the 2012 Forest Code (Law No. 12.651/2012) and risk creating legal insecurity and further judicialization.

This policy brief analyzes the impact of rural credit in Brazil, finding that increased lending significantly boosts agricultural productivity and municipal GDP while promoting a shift from pasture to cropland. Crucially, the research indicates that rural credit can increase forest areas by allowing farmers to produce more on existing land, thereby supporting conservation goals. However, the brief notes that the current distribution system is outdated and fragmented, recommending gradual reforms to optimize credit access and further reduce deforestation pressures.

This policy brief by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) analyzes the impact of rural credit on Brazilian agriculture and the environment. Using data from 2002 to 2015, the study finds that increased rural credit significantly boosts agricultural productivity and municipal GDP while promoting a shift from low-productivity pasture to agricultural crops, which in turn supports the expansion of forest areas.

This report analyzes the economic viability of existing U.S. coal-fired power plants compared to new local wind and solar resources. It finds that a significant portion of the U.S. coal fleet is now more expensive to operate than it would be to replace with new renewable energy located within 35 miles of the plants.

The report 'Bùng nổ và thoái trào 2019' by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global coal power plant trends in 2018. It highlights a general decline in new coal capacity, particularly in India and China, while noting a resurgence of construction in China due to the reactivation of previously frozen projects. The report also details the record-high closure of coal plants in the US and the growth of renewable energy in India and Vietnam.

The March 2019 report 'Boom and Bust 2019' by Global Energy Monitor, the Sierra Club, and Greenpeace tracks the decline in global coal-fired power plant development. It highlights a three-year trend of falling capacity growth, driven by political and economic constraints, while noting that China remains a significant exception due to the resumption of previously stalled projects and proposed capacity increases.

This March 2019 report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace tracks global coal-fired power plant plans, noting a three-year decline in most growth indicators as of 2018. While global capacity additions are slowing due to financial and political constraints, China remains a significant exception by resuming previously shelved projects and proposing an increase in its domestic capacity ceiling.

The 'Boom and Bust 2019' report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace tracks the global coal plant pipeline, noting a general decline in construction starts, pre-construction activity, and plant completions in 2018. While global trends show a shrinking pipeline and record retirements, China remains a significant exception due to the resumption of previously shelved projects and industry proposals for continued expansion.

This March 2019 report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global trends in coal-fired power plants, noting a three-year decline in key growth indicators. While new construction and permits have dropped significantly, particularly in China and India, the report highlights a resurgence of construction in China and the continued role of Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean financial institutions in funding overseas coal projects. It emphasizes that current operational capacities exceed IPCC limits for restricting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.

This March 2019 report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global trends in coal-fired power plant capacity. It highlights a general decline in new construction and pre-construction activities, alongside record retirements, while noting that China remains a significant outlier due to the resumption of previously suspended projects and its role as a primary financier of coal infrastructure globally.

This March 2019 report by Global Energy Monitor, the Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global coal power plant trends, highlighting a general decline in new construction and planning, contrasted by specific policy shifts in China and continued development in Southeast Asia.

The Bellagio Statement, published in March 2019 by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), outlines a strategic framework for transforming food systems in vulnerable and fragile regions. It identifies three critical action areas—halting land degradation, promoting diverse food landscapes, and linking food system resilience to regional stability—to address rising global food insecurity and meet climate mitigation targets.

This report analyzes local procurement policies (LCPs) in the mining sector, examining how governments can increase the purchase of goods and services from domestic suppliers to foster industrial development and economic diversification. It details various ways to define "local"—through geography, value addition, or ownership—and evaluates demand-side and supply-side policy instruments, ranging from mandated percentages and targeted lists to supplier development programs and access to finance. The document emphasizes that LCPs are most effective when supported by a conducive business climate, reliable data, and complementary capacity-building measures for local firms.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development describes the rationale, methodology, and findings of targeted gender analyses conducted in six African countries to inform their National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes. It emphasizes the need to move beyond general statements about women's vulnerability toward a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics to ensure equitable benefits from climate adaptation investments.

This report presents a Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the Contournement de Rabat (Rabat bypass) road project in Morocco. Using system dynamics and project finance modelling, the study evaluates the financial viability of the 41.1 km toll road across six risk scenarios and incorporates the valuation of four key externalities: discretionary spending from labour income, social cost of carbon, value of time saved, and the cost of accidents.

This report applies the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology to the Rabat bypass road project in Morocco, a 4.1 km toll road including the Mohammed VI bridge. The analysis evaluates the project's financial viability and the impact of various operational risks and external factors, such as carbon costs and accident rates, over a 50-year service life.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the trajectories of political violence in Sudan and South Sudan following the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS). Using ACLED and UCDP GED data, it examines whether these agreements resolved, reshaped, or perpetuated violence, concluding that while the CPA ended a long civil war, it left other conflict systems unaddressed and reinforced a pattern of state-led political violence. In South Sudan, the ARCSS is described as having failed due to poor implementation and a 'winner-takes-all' political framework that incentivized continued violent competition for power.

This March 2019 issue of the Peace & Security Council Report examines the African Union's (AU) efforts to stabilize Libya, the integration of its rapid response capabilities, shortcomings in election observation in Nigeria and Senegal, and the challenges of restructuring Africa's strategic international partnerships. It also features an interview on the grassroots protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algeria.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political instability in Guinea-Bissau leading up to the March 2019 legislative elections. It argues that while elections are a step toward legitimacy, long-term stability requires deep institutional reforms to address the structural weaknesses and constitutional ambiguities that fueled the 2015 political crisis.