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This briefing by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) reports that rural settlements were responsible for 30% of deforestation in the Amazon region in 2014. The research highlights that 'special settlements,' intended to promote sustainable practices, contributed disproportionately to this figure, accounting for half of the deforestation caused by all rural settlements.

This research paper examines how the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles (bi-fuel cars) influenced price competition between ethanol and gasoline retail markets in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2002 and 2008. Using a theoretical model and panel data from fuel stations, the authors find that increased flex-fuel penetration reduced retail prices and margins for both fuels, though the effect was more pronounced for ethanol. The study concludes that innovations increasing consumer choice can benefit all consumers, including those who do not adopt the new technology.

This briefing by Friends of the Earth International examines the financial and regulatory impacts of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms on countries negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It argues that ISDS allows foreign corporations to sue governments over public interest regulations, creating significant financial burdens and a 'regulatory chill' that undermines democracy and the right to regulate.

This case study examines the development of the microinsurance (inclusive insurance) market in Zambia, focusing on the role of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and FSD Zambia in catalyzing systemic change through industry leadership and coordination.

This report evaluates Canada's comprehensive wealth from 1980 to 2013, finding that while the nation remains wealthy, its comprehensive wealth grew by only 7% per capita, far slower than the 54% growth in individual consumption. The analysis reveals a significant 25% decline in market natural capital and stagnant human capital, while growth in produced capital was heavily concentrated in the volatile housing and oil and gas sectors. The authors argue that this divergence suggests insufficient investment in the nation's long-term asset base and recommend that the federal government fund Statistics Canada to implement regular comprehensive wealth measurement.

This executive summary, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in December 2016, argues that Canada must move beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to measure 'comprehensive wealth' to ensure long-term sustainable development. Analyzing data from 1980 to 2013, the study finds that while Canada remains wealthy, its comprehensive wealth growth is slow and heavily reliant on the depletion of natural capital and a highly concentrated produced capital sector.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the impacts of large-scale private agricultural investments on local livelihoods, water resources, land tenure, and gender equality. It argues that while such investments can create employment and market opportunities, ill-designed contracts often lead to environmental degradation, water scarcity, and the marginalization of rural communities, particularly women. The document advocates for an integrated approach to planning, utilizing a 'social tenure model' and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure sustainability and inclusivity.

This 2016 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) assesses Senegal's mining laws and policies against the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Mining Policy Framework (MPF). The assessment identifies a legal environment of medium strength, noting that while the 2003 Mining Code and subsequent policies provide a clear permitting process and revenue mechanisms, significant gaps exist in the implementation of local benefit funds, environmental monitoring, and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

This 2016 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) evaluates the legal and policy framework of the mining sector in Senegal. The assessment, conducted between April and August 2016, measures the country's readiness to implement the IGF Mining Policy Framework across six thematic areas: legal and policy environment, financial benefits, socio-economic benefits, environmental management, post-mining transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). The report identifies a general 'medium' level of progress, noting that while legislative frameworks are relatively strong, significant challenges remain in field application, institutional monitoring, and the formalization of the ASM sector.

The December 2016 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the African Union's (AU) role in managing continental crises. It finds that the Peace and Security Council (PSC) often relied on regional bodies rather than leading interventions. Key issues discussed include the impact of land privatisation and climate change in Kenya's Kajiado County, the contested nature of several 2016 national elections, and the AU's efforts to promote women's rights despite a perceived failure to challenge dictatorial regimes. The report also details the funding struggles of AMISOM in Somalia and the diplomatic complexities surrounding Morocco's request to rejoin the AU.

This report by Natural Justice examines the use of community protocols as tools for indigenous peoples and local communities to manage their rights and engage with extractive industries. Based on action research in Argentina, India, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, the document analyzes how these protocols help communities articulate their values, secure free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), and address power imbalances with governments and corporations.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) examines the barriers to transit data interoperability in the United States and proposes a multistakeholder consortium to develop industry-wide data standards. The authors argue that interoperable data is essential for 'mobility as a service' (MaaS), which allows users to seamlessly combine various transportation modes. The report identifies significant market potential for improved data sharing and provides a detailed set of minimum data requirements for transportation service providers (TSPs) to enable a complete multimodal user experience.

This preliminary report-out documents the outcomes of the Transformation to Zero Summit held on October 15, 2016. Convened by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), New Buildings Institute (NBI), and Architecture 2030, the summit aimed to establish a roadmap for achieving a zero carbon built environment by 2050 through industry collaboration, policy levers, and investment in building efficiency and renewable energy.

This policy brief explores how voluntary sustainability standards in agriculture can be optimized to protect biodiversity. It highlights that while these standards can improve yields and reduce environmental impacts, their effectiveness is currently limited by non-public data, market-driven adoption that ignores high-need areas, and a lack of standardized credibility rules. The document urges policy-makers to provide incentives, fund crop-specific research, and establish evidence-based ground rules to ensure market claims lead to actual biodiversity gains.

This briefing by RMI, authored by WattTime co-founder Gavin McCormick, argues that managing climate change requires shifting from average to marginal carbon emissions measurements for electricity. The author explains that because the grid's marginal resource changes every 5 to 15 minutes, timing and locating energy use and generation based on real-time marginal data can significantly reduce CO2 emissions without requiring new infrastructure investments.

A statement by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) welcoming the November 2016 announcements by the Canadian federal government and the Government of Alberta to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030, highlighting the expected public health and environmental benefits.

A statement by CIEL President & CEO Carroll Muffett regarding a subpoena delivered by ExxonMobil on November 9, 2016, which Muffett characterizes as part of a campaign of intimidation against those investigating the oil industry's history of climate denial.

This report examines Turkey's multifaceted engagement in Somalia, which intensified following the 2010–2012 famine. It analyzes the trends and challenges of Turkey's approach as an emerging donor in a conflict setting, highlighting its willingness to deploy staff despite security risks and its emphasis on national ownership.

This research paper evaluates the output performance and geographical distribution of 52 climate actions launched at the 2014 UN Climate Summit in New York, finding that while energy and industry actions are performing well, a significant implementation gap persists in developing countries.

A statement by the Center for International Environmental Law regarding the outcomes of COP22, noting that while momentum for the Paris Agreement remains, progress was slow and current ambitions are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.