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The Report of the IAI Directorate Science, dated 23 May 2018, details the activities, program transitions, and strategic planning of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI). It focuses on the conclusion of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), the launch of the Small Grant Program on ecosystem services and human wellbeing (SGP-HW), and the formulation of the fourth Collaborative Research Network (CRN4), emphasizing a shift toward co-funding and demand-driven, transdisciplinary research in the Americas.

This research paper analyzes the evolution of United States Arctic policy during the Obama presidency and across a longer historical perspective, focusing on the shift from reluctance to active engagement in regional cooperation and the changing frames of national interest.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted a statement to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs on May 22, 2018, opposing the approval of coal-fired Independent Power Producers (IPPs), specifically Thabametsi and Khanyisa. The CER argues that these projects are unnecessary, economically damaging, and environmentally catastrophic, citing high greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, and air pollution in priority areas.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific condemning the killing of dozens of Palestinians by Israeli forces at the Gaza border on May 14, 2018, coinciding with the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific condemning the killing of dozens of Palestinians by Israeli forces at the Gaza border on May 14, 2018, coinciding with the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

This report documents a science-policy dialogue meeting held on April 2-3, 2018, in Santiago, Chile, aimed at establishing a research partnership for decarbonization and climate resilient governance in the megacities of Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Santiago. The meeting utilized a 'co-design' approach to align scientific research with the practical needs of urban decision-makers, resulting in a first draft of a joint research program with seven working components.

This research paper examines the implications of the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) from an African and South African perspective, highlighting the deterioration of international cooperation and the increased risk of nuclear proliferation.

This briefing report from the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research outlines the committee's activities, membership updates, and planned meetings leading up to the 26th Conference of the Parties (CoP-26) in June 2018.

The Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) report for the 26th Conference of the Parties outlines its role in advising on science-policy liaison. Key activities included four teleconferences to discuss fundraising, the CRN3 researchers meeting in Cancun, and the launch of the Small Grants Call on Ecosystem Services and Adaptation for Human Well-Being (SGP-HW) on 1 March 2018. The committee planned a meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, on 18 June 2018, to evaluate SGP-HW proposals and discuss research for CRN4 and activities in the Central America and Caribbean region.

The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) criticizes the South African Department of Labour for undermining the National Minimum Wage (NMW) package through its conduct in Parliament. The IEJ alleges that the department ignored decisions from the Parliamentary Labour Portfolio Committee and the February 2017 Nedlac agreement, specifically by weakening the independence of the NMW commission, failing to guarantee annual wage increases, and introducing employer-led exemption applications.

This case study examines M-Akiba, the first mobile treasury instrument sold in Africa, launched by the Kenyan government in 2017. While the product successfully attracted new retail investors, it suffered from low uptake due to poor timing, confusing purchase processes, and inadequate customer support.

A statement by Dr. A. Gray, an environmental engineer and atmospheric scientist, regarding the necessity of providing full computer modeling files alongside written reports to ensure the transparency and validity of air dispersion modeling assessments.

This research paper analyzes the adoption, costs, and benefits of sustainable land management (SLM) practices among farmers in western Kenya, concluding that simple practices like manuring and intercropping offer the highest immediate economic returns, while high-cost practices like agroforestry require longer time horizons and policy support to be viable.

Paula Caballero, WRI's Climate Director, assesses the UN climate negotiations in Bonn, noting that while progress was made, significant work remains before COP24 in Katowice, Poland. She emphasizes the need for finalized Paris Agreement guidelines, strengthened national commitments by 2020, and increased support for developing countries.

This research paper examines the implications of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for 'originating Parties'—countries that transfer mitigation outcomes to others—focusing on how to leverage voluntary cooperation to raise climate ambition while implementing safeguards against potential disincentives.

This verification report, conducted by oekom research on behalf of Volkswagen Immobilien (VWI), assesses the alignment of VWI's Green Bond Programme with the Climate Bond Standard Version 2.1. The report concludes that the 2018 Green Bond is in material conformance with the Pre-Issuance Requirements, with one specific exception regarding disclosure of the pre-issuance verification.

This research paper evaluates the accuracy of testate amoebae (TA)-based water-table depth (WTD) reconstructions by comparing them with instrumentally-monitored data and the MILLENNIA peatland model to understand the impacts of climate change and land management on peatland carbon cycling.

A 2018 Memorandum of Understanding establishing the International Network of Climate Change Centres of Excellence and Think Tanks for Capacity Building (INCCCETT 4CB) to coordinate global efforts in supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

This special edition of the NDC Update Report examines the integration of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for coherent design to maximize synergies between climate and development actions.

This briefing by RMI analyzes a draft policy released by China's National Energy Administration (NEA) on March 23, 2018, which proposes a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and a corresponding renewable energy certificate (REC) system to track compliance and reduce renewable energy curtailment.