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This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the 2013 elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe, which followed periods of severe electoral violence in 2007 and 2008. The author examines how different levels of constitutional reform, the available lead-time before polling, and the influence of transitional justice and Western diplomatic pressure shaped the outcomes of these 'first-generation' elections.

This briefing from the Stockholm Environment Institute argues that addressing climate change requires a multi-faceted approach involving venues beyond the UNFCCC, including other international regimes and initiatives.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute explains the sources, scale, and trends of global agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while highlighting the role of new Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance in helping companies measure and manage their climate footprint.

This fact sheet by the World Resources Institute describes the launch of the GHG Protocol's first international guidelines for the agriculture and livestock sector, providing data on global emissions sources, trends, and mitigation opportunities.

This research paper examines South Africa's use of economic statecraft and economic diplomacy in its relations with Zimbabwe and Swaziland, analyzing the country's reluctance to leverage economic power to promote democratic reform and human rights in these neighboring states.

This research paper details a large-scale field study on the impact of selective logging and forest fires on carbon stocks in the Amazon, concluding that forest degradation can result in carbon losses equivalent to 40% of those caused by deforestation.

This case study describes a programme implemented by START and CDKN in Gorakhpur, India, to integrate climate change concerns into district disaster management planning. It highlights the use of the Climate Resilience Framework and a Shared Learning process to enhance the capacity of local government departments to respond to increasing flood risks.

This case study describes the implementation of a non-motorised transport (NMT) system in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as a strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address the environmental strains caused by rapid urban growth and tourism.

A statement by Jagoda Munic, President of Friends of the Earth International, reflecting on the devastating floods in the Balkans and the urgent need for a global shift away from fossil fuels and consumption-based economic models to combat climate change.

This research paper evaluates methods for carbon market-based mechanisms to generate net emission reductions in host countries, concluding that applying discounts to avoided emissions and standardising below business-as-usual are the most promising options.

This research paper examines the net emissions impact of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), focusing on whether it achieves a net decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions or merely shifts the location of reductions.

This research paper evaluates the African Union's (AU) role in promoting democratic values in Africa through an electoral lens, arguing that while AU declarations have positively influenced the electoral landscape, elections remain a weak point in the continent's democratisation process.

This briefing describes the outcomes of the Public Private People Partnerships for Climate Compatible Development (4PCCD) project (2011-2013), which tested participatory urban planning in Maputo, Mozambique, to integrate local perspectives into climate adaptation and municipal planning.

A report by Cecil le Fleur, Chairperson of the National Khoi San Council, regarding his attendance at the 13th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York in May 2014. The document details tensions between the Council and the South African government over the legal recognition of the Khoi and San, as well as international disputes regarding the participation of indigenous peoples in the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

This research paper examines the shifting landscape of Africa's extractive sector, noting the rise of emerging market companies and increasing pressure on all firms to demonstrate developmental and environmental contributions. It argues that Western and OECD companies can gain a competitive edge by adapting their business models to support local processing, reskilling workers, and enhancing transparency.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute provides five sets of recommendations ('do's and don'ts') for the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as they finalize the Fund's operational design in Songdo, Korea. The document emphasizes that the GCF's operationalization is a critical step toward unlocking climate finance progress for the global climate agreement planned for COP 21 in 2015.

This case study by Earthjustice details a legal effort to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update air pollution standards for oil refineries. The effort resulted in a September 2015 rule establishing national fenceline monitoring for benzene and tightening controls on flaring and other emissions to protect vulnerable low-income communities and people of color.

A statement from Friends of the Earth Latin America and Caribbean (ATALC) expressing solidarity with Rafael Alegría and the people of Honduras, denouncing the systemic violation of human rights and the criminalization of social movements following the 2009 coup d'état.

This research paper proposes 'solution scanning' as a systematic method for identifying environmental interventions to maintain and enhance regulating ecosystem services, providing a comprehensive list of options to improve policy decision-making and cost-effectiveness.

A statement from a coalition of US, EU, and international organizations expressing deep concerns regarding proposed 'regulatory cooperation' under the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The signatories argue that these mechanisms could prioritize trade interests over public health and environmental protections, potentially creating a 'chilling effect' on the development of new laws.