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A statement by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) arguing against the continued subsidization of fossil fuels and the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, advocating instead for a transition to competitive renewable energy technologies to ensure long-term energy security and economic competitiveness.

This policy analysis by Dave Sawyer examines the discrepancy between Canada's current federal and provincial climate policies and its 2020 emissions mitigation target.

This policy brief examines the rapid expansion of China's wind power market, which became the world's largest by the end of 2010. It attributes this growth to strong political will and a supportive legal framework, specifically the Renewable Energy Law of 2006, and discusses the transition from a concession-bidding pricing model to a feed-in tariff system to ensure investor profitability.

This policy brief examines the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched in 2009 to establish India as a global leader in solar energy and make solar power affordable by 2022. It analyzes the Mission's three-phase implementation strategy, focusing on grid-connected projects, off-grid applications for rural populations, and the development of domestic manufacturing and R&D. The document highlights the tension between using competitive bidding to lower tariffs and the risk of attracting inexperienced developers, while also critiquing the Mission's limited focus on the most energy-poor citizens and the lack of mandatory environmental impact assessments.

This briefing from the Joto Afrika series, produced in partnership with the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, examines climate-smart agricultural innovations in Africa, using Kenya as a primary case study. It highlights specific technical adaptations—such as greenhouse farming, rock catchment water harvesting, and the use of drought-resistant crops and fodders—to enhance food security and resilience against climate variability.

This policy brief describes the development and strategic goals of the Implementation Plan (IP) for 2011-2021, created by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) to achieve development resilient to climate change across the 15 CARICOM member states.

This policy brief examines the Yucatan Peninsula Accord, signed in December 2010 by the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan. It serves as Mexico's first sub-national regional climate accord, designed to address socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities through a joint low-carbon development scheme. The document highlights how pooling resources at a regional level can attract international funding and provide a catalyst for climate compatible development while respecting state autonomy.

This policy brief examines Tanzania's efforts to develop a National Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) Strategy. It details the role of a National Taskforce, the impact of a $90 million partnership with Norway, and the challenges of stakeholder engagement and inter-ministerial coordination in preparing for a global REDD+ mechanism.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the challenges and opportunities of integrating agriculture into an international climate change agreement under the UNFCCC. It highlights the 'triple dividend'—the potential to simultaneously improve food security, enhance adaptive capacity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—while detailing the diplomatic tensions between developed and developing nations regarding trade, financing, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the trade-related obstacles preventing the inclusion of agriculture as a sectoral approach to mitigation within international climate change negotiations. It highlights the tension between developed nations' desire for a work program and developing nations' fears that agreed-upon 'good practice' standards could be used as unilateral trade barriers, while also addressing concerns regarding food security and market-based mechanisms.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores the 'triple dividend' in agriculture: the simultaneous achievement of increased food security, improved adaptive capacity to climate change, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It argues that an international climate agreement under the UNFCCC should integrate these three goals to support a growing global population while mitigating environmental impact.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the competitiveness challenges and carbon leakage risks facing the mining and metals industry due to diverse global carbon pricing policies. It discusses policy mechanisms to mitigate these risks, such as free allowances and border carbon adjustments, while emphasizing the industry's strategic role in providing materials necessary for low-carbon infrastructure.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) examines the challenges and legislative requirements regarding public access to financial disclosure records for local government councillors in South Africa. It argues that public accessibility is essential for monitoring conflicts of interest and recommends that municipalities move beyond restrictive legal processes to ensure transparency.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the potential implications for South Africa if the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Doha Development Agenda (DDA) were to reach a conclusion. It examines the political economy of the negotiations, focusing on the 'market access agenda' across three core areas: agriculture, non-agricultural market access (NAMA), and services. The authors argue that because the 'exchange rate' between NAMA and agriculture favors developed nations, South Africa's best strategy for a successful outcome would be to preserve its NAMA carve-out and seek greater agricultural liberalisation from developed countries, while offering more concessions in the services sector, specifically in telecommunications, transport, and energy.

This research paper examines China's strategic investment in Gabon's mining sector, focusing on the Bélinga iron ore project. While the project is intended to help Gabon diversify its oil-dependent economy and provide China with essential minerals, it has faced significant delays due to political transitions, price volatility, and environmental concerns. The project utilizes a 'barter-like' model where infrastructure is funded by future mineral extraction.

This research paper examines the conflict surrounding the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project in South Africa's Eastern Cape. It analyzes the tensions between the AmaDiba community, the Australian mining company Mineral Commodities Limited (MRC), and the South African government, focusing on the failure of community consultation, environmental concerns, and the shortcomings of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation.

This policy briefing examines the role of Chinese state-owned and private financial institutions in Mozambique. It highlights the activities of the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank), the China Development Bank (CDB), and the Luso-Chinese fund Geocapital, noting that while these entities possess significant capital and political connections, they have struggled to attract substantial Chinese investment due to poor strategic planning and institutional capacity gaps within Mozambique.

A vision statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon outlining the goal to achieve sustainable energy for all by 2030 through universal energy access, improved energy efficiency, and an increased share of renewable energy.

This guide provides practical instructions for using human urine as a liquid fertilizer in agricultural production to support sustainable sanitation and food security. It details the nutrient composition of urine, risk management strategies based on WHO guidelines, application techniques, and economic valuations, while providing a framework for developing local guidelines and presenting case studies from various global regions.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluates the current state of climate economics, arguing that economic modeling has lagged behind climate science. The authors advocate for a precautionary, standards-based approach to policy—such as maintaining a 2°C warming limit—rather than relying on traditional cost-benefit frameworks that often underestimate catastrophic risks and the importance of future generations.