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This executive summary describes a study by the Climate Policy Initiative on the adoption of the Direct Planting System (PD) in Brazil. The research identifies social learning—learning from neighbors and colleagues—as a key driver of technology diffusion, while noting that soil heterogeneity acts as a significant barrier. The document argues that public policy should focus on information dissemination and temporary training centers, particularly in areas with homogeneous soils, rather than relying solely on financial subsidies like the ABC program.

This report by Friends of the Earth International provides a critical analysis of forestry governance in Malaysia and the timber procurement policies of Japan, South Korea, and Australia. It argues that existing 'sustainable' and 'legal' timber frameworks are often rudimentary technical responses that fail to address systemic issues such as corruption, lack of transparency, and the violation of indigenous customary land rights in producer countries. The document highlights a significant gap between official policy and the reality on the ground, noting that importer countries often rely on the 'faith' of producer-country governance rather than independent verification.

This executive summary, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the China National Renewable Energy Center (CNREC), examines how Environmental Fiscal Reform (EFR) and earmarked tax revenues can fund the deployment of renewable energy technologies in China. Drawing on eight international case studies, the document argues that environmental taxes do not necessarily hinder economic growth and can provide a stable, transparent funding mechanism for green energy, offering a potential alternative or supplement to China's current reliance on electricity surcharges.

This executive summary examines Environmental Fiscal Reform (EFR) as a mechanism to fund renewable energy deployment in China. By analyzing eight international case studies, the report explores how environmental taxes and carbon trading can generate revenue for green energy while mitigating impacts on economic growth and competitiveness. It specifically discusses the role of earmarking revenues to increase transparency and investor confidence, while noting the political and economic challenges of implementing such measures within the Chinese context.

This policy brief examines how diesel price increases affect the Indian trucking industry, identifying structural vulnerabilities such as poor road quality, toll delays, and a lack of bargaining power for small operators. It proposes short-term relief through minimum freight rates and toll reductions, and long-term structural reforms including improved fuel efficiency and computerized exchange networks.

This report documents a policy dialogue session held on October 4, 2013, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to assist the Government of Manitoba in developing a green economy action plan as part of its 'TomorrowNow' climate change plan. The session, facilitated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the University of Winnipeg, identified key sectors for transition, existing barriers, and necessary policy tools to enhance the province's competitiveness in a global market shifting away from resource-intensive products.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates population projections for South Africa up to 2050, comparing the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 with simulations from the International Futures (IFs) model. The analysis highlights significant discrepancies in population forecasts, primarily driven by differing assumptions regarding international migration, and explores the impact of fertility and mortality trends, including the role of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in increasing life expectancy.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates South Africa's post-conflict development and peacebuilding efforts in Burundi. It argues that while South Africa was successful in early peacemaking and peacekeeping, it failed to maintain a long-term presence after 2009, resulting in missed opportunities to consolidate peace and secure economic benefits. The document uses the Burundi experience to provide recommendations for the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA).

This research paper examines the prevalence and impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It argues that while tariff liberalisation has progressed, NTBs—particularly those resulting from poor design and implementation—significantly constrain regional trade and undermine the benefits of the SADC Free Trade Area. The author uses evidence from private sector entities like Shoprite and Woolworths to illustrate the high costs of administrative compliance and border delays, and proposes the creation of a coordinated action plan and a 'naming and shaming' mechanism to accelerate the removal of these barriers.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyses the state of Russia–South Africa relations as of October 2013. It examines the historical development of bilateral ties, the mechanisms of political and economic cooperation, and the challenges hindering deeper engagement, such as weak civil society links and a lack of mutual knowledge.

A re-assessment of the LEAP model used for Estonia's Energy Plan 2020 revealed that actual CO2 and SO2 emissions (2000–2006) were 1.5% and 2.0% higher, respectively, than 2009 projections. These deviations were caused by revised statistical methodologies and unexpected increases in electricity exports. The study concludes that while LEAP is appropriate for scenario calculations, periodic updates are essential to account for unpredictable political and economic shifts, such as the decision to maintain oil-shale production units.

This research paper by Ellen Vaughan and Jim Turner argues that mandatory, minimum building codes are the most effective and least expensive method to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The authors advocate for the adoption and enforcement of current model codes—specifically those updated every three years—to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vulnerability to natural disasters while stimulating economic innovation in the building sector.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International calling for the release of Berta Cáceres and other activists in Honduras, alleging state-sponsored violence and corporate persecution of indigenous and peasant defenders of ancestral territories.

This case study by Earthjustice describes the efforts to oppose oil and gas development in the Badger-Two Medicine region of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, highlighting the area's ecological importance and its status as sacred land to the Blackfeet Tribe.

This briefing note details a vulnerability assessment conducted between 2011 and 2012 in the Virunga landscape of Rwanda as part of the COBAM project. The analysis focuses on current vulnerability, examining how climate-related disturbances affect different social groups and their interactions with natural resources.

This briefing note details a vulnerability assessment conducted between 2011 and 2012 in the Monte Alén–Monts de Cristal landscape as part of the COBAM project. The analysis highlights how climate variability, specifically unpredictable rainfall and temperature increases, negatively impacts agricultural production and food security, with female-headed households and those lacking young labor being the most vulnerable social groups.

A Co-Chairs’ Communiqué from a high-level event held on 23 September 2013 at the United Nations, where leaders from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Norway called for the inclusion of "sustainable energy for all" as a global goal in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International criticizing the 'financialisation' of nature, specifically the use of industrial-scale tree plantations as financial assets and carbon sinks, which the organization argues leads to environmental destruction and human rights violations.

The Declaration on Climate Justice calls for a global response to the climate crisis that prioritizes the rights and voices of the most vulnerable. It advocates for a transition to a low-carbon economy by leaving fossil fuel reserves in the ground, reforming investment models to ensure intergenerational equity, and providing free access to sustainable technologies. The document emphasizes that developed nations must lead in emissions reductions and climate finance, urging world leaders to establish a legally binding climate agreement by 2015 through the United Nations.

This research paper examines the methodological challenges in quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions from cookstove projects, specifically focusing on biomass fuel consumption, the fraction of non-renewable biomass, and emission factors.