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This briefing by the World Resources Institute outlines the expected components and critical evaluation criteria for the United States' Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to be submitted to the United Nations in March 2015, ahead of the Paris climate agreement in December 2015.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted objections to the Final Integrated Water Use Licence Application (IWULA) for KiPower's proposed 600 MW coal-fired power station in Delmas, Mpumalanga. The CER and expert reviewers argue the application is fatally flawed, citing incorrect legal classifications of water use, insufficient groundwater baseline data, failure to address public concerns, and a lack of adequate monitoring and mitigation strategies. They recommend the application be rejected.

A multi-sectoral coalition opposes a proposed EU trade secrets directive, arguing that its broad definitions and lack of safeguards threaten freedom of speech, worker mobility, and public access to critical health, environmental, and food safety data.

This commentary examines the governance of transboundary aquifers, arguing that the principle of "no significant harm" should be prioritized over "reasonable and equitable use" in management negotiations.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) became the world's largest multilateral adaptation finance institution after donor governments committed US$10.2 billion by the end of 2014, with half allocated to adaptation. For 2015, the brief suggests the GCF promote locally-owned adaptation through 'small grants' and National Implementing Entities, while noting that the operational future of its Private Sector Facility remains uncertain.

This case study examines climate resilience efforts in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, focusing on its vulnerability to flooding and its participation in the Partners for Resilience (PfR) programme to integrate climate change adaptation and ecosystem management into disaster risk reduction.

This research paper analyzes the 2015 South African budget, arguing that the proposed fiscal consolidation and austerity measures may be insufficient to stabilize the country's rising public debt and maintain market confidence.

This executive summary from the Green Economy Coalition outlines the UNEP Financial Inquiry's findings on aligning global financial flows with sustainable development. It identifies systemic failures in current investment pricing and proposes reforms across banking, bond markets, institutional investment, and central bank operations to scale sustainable finance.

This submission to the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission advocates for a strategic, integrated whole-basin management approach for the Lake Winnipeg and Nelson River basins to address climate change, nutrient loading, and water regulation.

This research paper excerpt describes the severe socio-economic and financial challenges facing the ANC-led government of South Africa following the 1994 elections, specifically highlighting economic decline, extreme inequality, and a precarious fiscal state characterized by high borrowing and debt.

This policy brief analyzes the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), arguing that while it is currently more symbolic than a substantive challenge to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it has the potential to evolve into a more independent and comprehensive financial safety net for emerging economies.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International criticizing the South African government's February 2014 decision to grant air quality standard postponements to major industrial entities, including Eskom, Sasol, and Engen, which the organization argues prioritizes corporate profit over public health.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International marking International Women's Day, emphasizing the intersection of gender equality, environmental justice, and the specific risks faced by women human rights defenders.

The Centre for Environmental Rights wrote to the Department of Environmental Affairs on 7 March 2015, requesting copies of compliance roadmaps, decision letters, and the reasoning behind the granting of postponements for minimum air quality emission standards for affected facilities.

This policy brief outlines the necessity and implementation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory management systems for economic zones in China to support the transition to low-carbon operations. It emphasizes a collaborative approach between managing authorities and companies to establish reporting systems that support carbon trading, absolute caps, and performance standards.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the policy landscape for low-carbon development in China's industrial zones, highlighting the transition from national targets to local implementation and the resulting regulatory complexities. It also references a separate IISD study on the fiscal risks facing BRIICS nations due to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

This policy brief examines the evolution of South Africa's foreign economic strategies since 1994, highlighting a shift from a normative, idealistic approach toward a strategy focused on non-Western relations and domestic economic alignment. The authors identify three primary pillars of engagement: multilateral trade negotiations via the WTO, the G-20, and the BRICS forum.

This research paper synthesizes knowledge on the impacts of biofuel expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the trade-offs between development goals and environmental or socioeconomic risks, and identifies policy and knowledge gaps as primary barriers to sustainability.

This report documents the proceedings of a multi-stakeholder policy dialogue hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Oxfam South Africa on March 3, 2015. The event focused on the impact, monitoring, and accountability of South–South Co-operation (SSC), specifically regarding emerging partners' engagement in Africa's development.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing various environmental NGOs and community groups, has requested the Department of Environmental Affairs to provide copies of decisions and written reasons regarding the postponement of compliance time-frames for minimum air quality emission standards for 35 facilities.