Search Climate Insights Directory

This report examines the role of sustainable development within the regional trade agreements (RTAs) of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), arguing that market access alone is insufficient to alleviate poverty and that a comprehensive sustainable development agenda is necessary to balance economic growth with social and environmental conservation.

The Institute for Security Studies announced the launch of a web portal for the African Conference of Commandants (ACoC) on 23 October 2008. The ACoC seeks to enhance cooperation and standardization among African military staff colleges to support the African Standby Force and Peace and Support Operations. The ISS's Security Sector Governance programme serves as the ACoC Secretariat and maintains the website.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) details the job creation potential and economic impacts of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) sectors across the United States and internationally. It compares the employment capacity of green industries against fossil fuel and nuclear sectors and highlights the role of specific policy instruments, such as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and tax credits, in driving workforce growth.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines the environmental and health impacts of school bus transportation, highlighting the benefits of buses over private vehicles and the specific dangers associated with diesel engine idling.

This report analyzes the environmental impacts of the 2004 ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) on the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), specifically focusing on trade flows and pollution levels between China and Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the rise of piracy off the coast of Somalia as a symptom of the failure of national, regional, and global security systems. It argues that the international community's focus on the US-led Global War on Terror has led to misplaced priorities, allowing piracy to proliferate due to the collapse of the Somali state and the inefficiency of regional bodies like IGAD.

This research paper examines the historical context of superpower competition in Africa during the Cold War and analyzes the potential implications of a 'new' Cold War or a shift toward multi-polarity between the West and Russia for African states.

This report summarizes a seminar held on 1 October 2008 at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Addis Ababa Office regarding the recall of President Thabo Mbeki by the African National Congress (ANC) and the resulting implications for South Africa and the African continent.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International challenges the sustainability claims of the Malaysian palm oil lobby, specifically the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). The document argues that palm oil expansion, particularly in the state of Sarawak, is driving deforestation, violating indigenous land rights, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through the drainage and burning of peatlands, often fueled by European and American demand for biofuels.

This report analyzes the environmental and social impacts of China's role as a leading producer, importer, and exporter in the global cotton and textile supply chain. It examines the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental degradation, proposing a transition toward sustainable production practices and a strategic shift in sourcing toward rain-fed regions in Africa to reduce global environmental pressure.

This report explores the governance challenges facing collaborative, multistakeholder enterprises that operate as non-legal entities by being hosted by other institutions. It identifies systemic vulnerabilities in accountability, fiduciary responsibility, and financial transparency, arguing that these entities often lack the rigorous governance discipline required of independent legal organizations.

This report examines the integration of sustainable development into the regional and bilateral trade arrangements of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland. It analyzes the tension between trade liberalization and national development goals, the impact of the SACU Revenue Sharing Formula, and the outcomes of various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The study concludes that most trade deals focus almost exclusively on market access, neglecting social and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluates whether the Stern Review underestimated climate damages for the United States and the world. By revising parameters in the PAGE2002 model—specifically regarding adaptation, catastrophic risk, and the damage function—the authors argue that business-as-usual damages in 2100 could be significantly higher than the Stern Review's estimates, rising from 2.2 percent of global GDP to 10.8 percent.

This policy brief analyzes the WTO accession experiences of Nepal and Cambodia, highlighting the strenuous nature of the process and the inadequacy of post-membership technical assistance. It argues that LDCs often face more stringent commitments than incumbent members and recommends simplifying the accession process, ensuring commitments do not exceed those of founding LDC members, and linking the implementation of obligations to the receipt of effective technical assistance.

This working paper provides the technical documentation for the calculations used in the Greenhouse Development Rights (GDRs) on-line calculator, a tool designed to examine burden-sharing for climate change based on responsibility and financial capacity.

This seminar report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, details a presentation by Dr. Witold Patoka on the 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia and its implications for European security. The document outlines the timeline of the August 2008 hostilities, the terms of the subsequent ceasefire, and the geopolitical tensions involving NATO, the European Union, and the United States.

This research paper argues that Swaziland (now Eswatini) requires urgent political and institutional reform to address severe socio-economic crises, including widespread poverty, a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, and an absolute monarchy that lacks accountability.

A statement from Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen responding to Congressman John Shadegg's efforts to limit the ability of environmental organizations to sue to prevent offshore oil drilling and his introduction of H.R. 6887.

The September 5, 2008, Angolan legislative elections—the first in 16 years—resulted in a landslide victory for the MPLA (82%) over fragmented opposition parties. While viewed as a step toward democracy, the process was marred by media manipulation, National Electoral Commission impartiality concerns, and logistical failures in Luanda. Long-term stability is further threatened by poverty, wealth mismanagement, and an ineffective DDR process for ex-combatants.

This 2008 briefing outlines South Africa's objectives for the 63rd UN General Assembly, emphasizing the 'African Agenda,' the mid-term review of the Millennium Development Goals, and the promotion of South-South cooperation via partnerships like IBSA. It highlights the use of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a development milestone and South Africa's push to democratize the UN by increasing the powers of the General Assembly.