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This insight brief by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) argues that Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (R-PACE) financing can accelerate the adoption of net-zero energy (NZE) new construction in the United States. By attaching financing to the property rather than the owner, R-PACE addresses key market barriers such as high up-front capital costs and the split incentive between builders and homebuyers.

This research paper examines how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) act as both barriers and enablers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attempting to enter global value chains (GVCs) coordinated by multinational corporations (MNCs), with a specific focus on South Africa and Kenya as regional economic gateways.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes South Africa's immigration regime and its impact on African economic migrants. It examines the tension between the government's desire to attract highly skilled talent and its efforts to deter irregular, semi-skilled migration. The paper evaluates the 2016 Green Paper on International Migration, noting its potential to streamline some processes while criticizing its regressive proposals for asylum seekers. It also compares South African policies with those of the European Union and discusses the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in regional migration governance.

This report analyzes the environmental promises made in the election platforms of seven political parties and two electoral alliances for the 2017 Estonian local government elections, specifically focusing on Tallinn, Tartu, and national-level platforms. The analysis evaluates these promises against the European Green Capital (EGC) criteria and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This research paper examines the accounting challenges and options for international transfers of mitigation outcomes under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It focuses on ensuring environmental integrity by preventing double counting and addressing the diversity of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), specifically regarding metrics, time frames, and the nature of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyses international public climate finance flows to Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) between 2010 and 2015. Using OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS) data, the study examines the volume, sources, sectoral distribution, and delivery mechanisms of funds primarily targeting climate change, highlighting significant gaps between commitments and actual disbursements.

An independent review finds that the Water Use License issued to KiPower (Pty) Ltd by the South African Department of Water and Sanitation is legally and technically flawed. The review concludes that the DWS failed to correctly identify and authorise necessary water uses, provided incorrect property and location data, and included compliance specifications that are largely invalid or unmeasurable. Furthermore, the DWS is accused of ignoring critical resource quality objectives for the Wilge River and attempting to shift historic mining remediation liabilities to KiPower, rendering the decision to issue the license unreasonable and an error in law.

This briefing by RMI argues that health professionals should recognize the link between indoor air quality (IAQ) and specific home energy upgrades to improve patient health outcomes and drive demand for carbon-reducing home investments.

This research paper examines Tanzania's capacity to attract foreign investment, highlighting the shift from socialist governance to a model that relies on foreign capital for job creation and social upliftment. It identifies key competitive advantages and proposes structural reforms to improve the country's investment destination status.

This white paper, authored by the Stockholm Environment Institute for the USAID Clean Power Asia programme, assesses the intersection of gender equality and renewable energy in the Lower Mekong countries and other ASEAN member states. It highlights a gap between national gender equality commitments and their application within technical sectors like energy.

A statement from the Center for International Environmental Law and partners urging the United States to oppose a $20 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan (HO-L1191) intended to support the creation of Employment and Economic Development Zones (ZEDEs) in Honduras. The authors argue that the ZEDE legal framework creates undemocratic governance, violates human and indigenous rights, and contradicts the IDB's own operational policies on transparency, environmental safeguards, and involuntary resettlement.

Friends of the Earth criticizes a Department of Energy study on electrical grid reliability, arguing it ignores climate change and serves as a pretext to subsidize the coal and nuclear industries.

Fourteen environmental organizations are opposing amendments to California Senate Bill 488, which seek to limit the Insurance Commissioner's authority to issue data calls and collect financial information regarding climate risk. This opposition aims to protect the Climate Risk Carbon Initiative, a program designed to evaluate the financial risks of climate change for insurance companies operating in California.

A letter from the Center for International Environmental Law and other organizations opposing an amendment to California Senate Bill 488 (SB 488). The authors argue that Section 7 of the bill would restrict the Insurance Commissioner's authority to request data from insurance companies, thereby undermining the state's ability to monitor climate-related financial risks and ensure market stability.

This research paper analyzes the involvement of private actors in 64 agricultural adaptation projects in sub-Saharan Africa funded by international climate funds and Rwanda's Green Fund between 2010 and 2016.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted a response to the Department of Environmental Affairs regarding the Climate Change Mitigation Policies and Measures (PAMs) methodology. While supporting the study's objectives, CER argues that the proposed scope of greenhouse gases is too narrow, excluding several gases listed in the 2014 Biennial Update Report (HFCs, PFCs, and SF6) as well as critical pollutants like black carbon and HCFCs. CER recommends extending the scope of the analysis to ensure accuracy and reflect national priority air pollutants.

This document introduces the results of a Mining Policy Framework (MPF) assessment for Rwanda, conducted by the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) with support from the Government of Canada. The assessment aims to help the Rwandan government target implementation efforts, inform capacity-building, and monitor progress in mining policy.

Amigos de la Tierra de América Latina y el Caribe (ATALC) issued a statement condemning threats of military intervention in Venezuela by the United States and criticizing the support of other regional governments for these actions.

Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean (ATALC) issued a statement condemning threats of military action by the United States against Venezuela and supporting the sovereignty and self-determination of the Venezuelan people.

ATALC – Friends of the Earth Latin-America and Caribbean issued a statement condemning United States threats of military action against Venezuela and criticizing the Brazilian government's role in isolating the nation. The organization advocates for Venezuelan sovereignty and the right of its social movements to determine the country's future.