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This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the role of private-to-private finance mechanisms in supporting the transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) toward a green economy, specifically focusing on climate mitigation and adaptation in Europe.

This report details the second phase (2015–2016) of the Breede Catchment Water Stewardship Programme in South Africa's Western Cape, a partnership between WWF-SA, Woolworths, M&S, GIZ, and the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). The project focused on transitioning from on-farm water risk identification to collective action, specifically addressing urban water quality in townships, invasive alien plant clearing in mountainous areas, and the application of the AWS Standard to agriculture.

WWF South Africa's 2016 report 'Water: Facts and Futures' details the critical state of the country's water security. It highlights that while only 8% of land generates 50% of river flow, these Water Source Areas are under-protected. The report identifies severe threats from invasive alien plants, failing engineered infrastructure (with 37% urban water loss), and widespread pollution from sewage and mining. It calls for a 'Water and Sanitation Revolution' focusing on nature-based solutions, groundwater management, and decentralized service delivery to ensure equitable access to safe water.

This research paper provides a roadmap to harmonize China's domestic green bond guidelines with international practices, focusing on four key segments: Green Definitions, Management of Proceeds, External Reviews and Assurance, and Reporting and Disclosure.

This fact sheet by the World Resources Institute (WRI) outlines how Illinois can achieve its Clean Power Plan (CPP) emissions-reduction targets through a three-step approach involving existing policy implementation, operational efficiency in fossil plants, and the expansion of clean energy standards.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting on behalf of several environmental organizations, issued a formal request to Eskom on 25 April 2016 for emission reduction plans, compliance roadmaps, and decommissioning schedules for all 15 of its coal-fired power stations. The CER asserts that existing compliance roadmaps provided by the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) are insufficient to ensure Eskom meets the emission standards set in its atmospheric emission licences (AELs) and the minimum emission standards (MES).

A statement by the Stockholm Environment Institute urging immediate action on climate pledges and the rapid ratification of the Paris Agreement to ensure early entry into force.

This research paper examines land governance in Africa, highlighting the tension between formal statutory systems and customary informal arrangements, and argues that improving state capacity is essential for establishing productive land governance.

This policy brief argues that disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts often fail because they ignore local cultural interpretations of risk. Despite trillions of dollars in aid, climate-related risks are rising, partly due to a disconnect between international aid actors and on-the-ground realities. The authors propose a place-based approach to integrate cultural knowledge into DRR policy to avoid wasting resources and reinforcing social inequalities.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted recommendations to the Department of Environmental Affairs to amend the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA): National Appeal Regulations, 2014. The CER argues that the current regulations may violate the right to just administrative action under the Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA), specifically regarding restrictive timeframes and procedural fairness for interested and affected parties (I&APs).

This research paper explores the relationship between disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, and development. It identifies that while climate change drives increasing disaster risk, social vulnerability remains under-addressed due to fragmented policy and institutional coordination. The author argues for a shift toward reducing vulnerability by correcting faulty development processes and notes the role of the Sendai Framework in connecting these fields.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative examines the relationship between regulation and capital availability for renewable energy expansion in Germany, focusing on how policy frameworks influence the investor mix and cost-efficiency of the energy transition.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) is seeking nominations for two vacancies on its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to be filled in June 2016. The SAC seeks internationally recognized scientists with PhDs and strong research records, specifically requesting expertise in climate sciences, ecosystem services/biodiversity, and human sciences. The selection process emphasizes geographic, gender, and ethnic balance, with a specific call for minority representation.

A statement from Gustavo Castro Soto thanking Friends of the Earth and international supporters for their solidarity following his illegal detention in Honduras in March 2016, which occurred after he witnessed the murder of activist Berta Cáceres.

This text introduces an issue of UNEP's "Perspectives" series, featuring a discussion between Mark Halle and Felix Dodds on the role of civil society and Major Groups within the United Nations Environment Programme, specifically as a starting point for dialogue regarding the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

This commentary argues that Sri Lanka should shift its energy investment from coal to a national solar energy program, drawing on the policy framework of the India Solar Mission 2022 to promote green growth and sustainable development.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing several non-governmental and community organisations, submitted a formal request to the South African Department of Environmental Affairs on 5 April 2016. The letter urges the strengthening and immediate publication of draft regulations concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reporting, the declaration of GHGs as priority pollutants, and pollution prevention plans, arguing that these are essential for South Africa to meet its commitments under its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) and the Paris Agreement.

A statement by the South African Institute of International Affairs welcoming a March 31, 2016, Constitutional Court ruling regarding the president's private residence at Nkandla, emphasizing the ruling's broader implications for the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the protection of marginalized citizens.

Friends of the Earth International (FOEI) issued a declaration denouncing the illegal deportation of Eva Anadón Moreno, a member of the World March of Women's International Secretariat, by Mozambican authorities following a protest in Maputo.

This case study describes a methodology developed by the Reiner Lemoine Institut gGmbH (RLI) to evaluate the economic potential of hybrid photovoltaic (PV) systems in Africa, specifically for substituting or supplementing diesel-based off-grid power generation.