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The briefing 'Forests are more than carbon' by Friends of the Earth International argues that forest agreements must prioritize the total cessation of deforestation and the protection of Indigenous land rights over carbon-market mechanisms. It warns that REDD mechanisms may incentivize monoculture plantations and allow industrialized nations to avoid economic transformation through offsetting, while advocating for funding via carbon taxes and national programs for community-driven conservation.

This briefing by Friends of the Earth International argues that forest conservation policies must prioritize biodiversity and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities over carbon sequestration. It specifically critiques the REDD system and carbon markets, suggesting instead that funding for stopping deforestation should come from new taxes on emissions in industrialized countries and be directed toward community-led conservation.

This fact sheet from Friends of the Earth International argues that forest conservation policies must prioritize biodiversity, human rights, and the land rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities over carbon-centric market mechanisms like REDD, which the author claims undermine sovereignty and climate goals.

This report by Friends of the Earth International criticizes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for financing large-scale, export-oriented agrofuel projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. The document argues that these projects exacerbate social and environmental inequities, threaten biodiversity, and may increase greenhouse gas emissions due to land-use changes, rather than serving as a viable climate solution.

This 2008 research paper examines the concept of "embodied carbon"—the total CO2 emitted during a product's lifecycle from raw material extraction to delivery. It contrasts production-based emissions accounting with consumption-based accounting, noting that developed Annex B countries are typically net importers of embodied carbon. The paper discusses the potential for border carbon adjustments to address competitiveness imbalances but highlights significant legal uncertainties regarding non-discrimination principles in trade law and the technical challenges of data availability in developing nations.

This research paper by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) examines the role of trade liberalization in diffusing climate mitigation goods and the challenges associated with negotiating environmental goods and services (EGS) within the WTO Doha Round. It argues that while lowering trade barriers can reduce costs and facilitate technology transfer, liberalization alone is insufficient without complementary financial, regulatory, and technical assistance frameworks to support developing countries.

This research paper examines the role of product standards, energy labelling, and processes and production methods (PPMs) in addressing climate change and their interactions with international trade law and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This background paper, prepared by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) for a 2008 seminar in Copenhagen, examines the complex relationship between intellectual property (IP) rights and the transfer of climate-related technologies. It analyzes how IP can act as both an incentive for innovation and a barrier to the diffusion of technology, specifically exploring the role of the WTO TRIPS Agreement and the UNFCCC framework in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This report examines the history and state of corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the transition period between 2003 and 2006. It traces a legacy of predation from King Leopold II's forced labour regime and Mobutu's state capture to the resource looting by foreign occupying forces and the Kabila administration. The author argues that without learning from this history and strengthening anti-corruption institutions and legal frameworks to meet international standards, the DRC risks returning to a cycle of bad governance and conflict despite the democratic progress made during the 2006 elections.

This research paper by Marianne Camerer examines the requirements for effective anti-corruption systems, particularly within the context of new democracies in Africa. The author argues that a single-agency approach is often insufficient and that sustainable reform requires a combination of data-driven policy, a matrix of legal and oversight institutions, ethical leadership, and active partnerships with civil society and the media.

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

This research paper by Professor Awadi Sadiki Mawenya, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), examines the systemic nature of corruption in African public procurement. It argues that corruption in this sector is a primary driver of poverty on the continent and proposes a holistic strategy for mitigation involving legal reform, political commitment, and international cooperation.

This 2008 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the intersection of an ageing population and climate change, specifically focusing on the United Kingdom. It analyzes how older people are both contributors to carbon emissions and uniquely vulnerable to climate-related threats due to physical, financial, and social factors. The report proposes a national policy framework to reduce this vulnerability through improvements in housing energy efficiency, local accessibility, and integrated health and social care.

This 2008 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) defines plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and outlines their potential to reduce U.S. oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. It details different PEV types, the economic and environmental advantages of electrification, and the battery technology challenges facing manufacturers aiming for 2010 production targets.

An address by Ambassador Akuei Malwal of the Sudanese Embassy in Ethiopia, delivered at an Institute for Security Studies seminar on July 24, 2008. The speech argues that the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's request for an arrest warrant against President Omer Hassan Ahmed El Bashir is politically motivated, violates state sovereignty, and threatens the fragile peace processes in Sudan.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, culminating in a July 2008 Heads of State summit in France. The document details the shift from a development-focused relationship to a strategic alliance aimed at addressing global geopolitical changes, energy security, and African development.

The Electricity Regulations for Compulsory Norms and Standards for Reticulation Services, promulgated under the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006, establish mandatory energy efficiency and load management standards for electricity reticulation in South Africa to maintain supply quality and prevent blackouts.

This report analyzes Nepal's experience as the first least-developed country (LDC) to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in April 2004, highlighting the challenges of a strenuous accession process and the inadequacy of post-membership technical assistance.

The G8 Leaders Statement on Zimbabwe, issued on July 8, 2008, expresses grave concern over the political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, specifically deploring the presidential election conducted under conditions of violence and intimidation.

This research paper explores how the production and trade of agricultural and marine commodities can contribute to the onset or continuation of violent conflict, drawing on case studies from Côte d'Ivoire, Somalia, and Central Asia.