Search Climate Insights Directory

This report, based on a survey of 20 humanitarian and development professionals, examines the role of land ownership and tenure in community resilience and recovery following natural disasters. It highlights the critical gap between immediate humanitarian relief and long-term reconstruction, arguing that secure land rights are essential for economic regeneration and reducing future vulnerability.

This briefing records a June 2006 discussion hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding economic cooperation within the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) initiative. The proceedings focus on the strategic objectives of South-South cooperation and a specific exploration of potential collaboration in the aerospace sector, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and tangible business integration.

This trade policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the political economy of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on the transition from a model of South African dominance to the consensus-based 'open regionalism' established by the 2002 agreement.

This fact sheet provides an overview of federal and state funding resources available to transit agencies, school bus fleets, and local communities in the United States for the purchase and deployment of cleaner, advanced bus technologies and related infrastructure.

This 2006 report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) for the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission outlines a strategy to integrate environmental restoration with economic development along the Cuyahoga River ship channel in Cleveland. It proposes a transition from traditional industrial land use to a 'restoration economy' through projects focusing on stormwater management, aquatic habitat restoration, brownfield remediation, green industrial building standards, and industrial symbiosis (Waste = Revenue).

A statement from the National Anti-Corruption Forum (NACF) regarding a civil society report on corruption during the apartheid era, detailing the forum's reception of the findings and its plan to establish a sub-committee for further action.

The 22nd Meeting of the IAI Executive Council, held in Porlamar, Venezuela, on May 22-23, 2006, focused on administrative appointments, the development of a Strategic Plan, and the resolution of project compliance issues.

The document outlines a voluntary repatriation programme starting in August 2006 to return approximately 4,000 Angolan refugees from South Africa to Angola. While the UNHCR provides resettlement grants, it will end its assistance in October 2006. The briefing notes that many refugees are reluctant to return due to Angola's severe socio-economic challenges, including high poverty (70%) and unemployment (over 50%), despite a government shift in spending from defence to social sectors between 1999 and 2003.

This briefing records a roundtable discussion featuring Luke Eric Petersen on the implications of South Africa's Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) for development and human rights. The discussion highlights how these treaties may restrict South Africa's regulatory space, particularly regarding Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies and poverty eradication, and calls for a detailed review of existing agreements to ensure alignment with domestic policy objectives.

This report from the President of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the formation of several committees and the preparation for a joint meeting between the EC, the Conference of the Parties (COP), and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) in Venezuela.

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures provided its annual report to the IAI Executive Council Chair on May 8, 2006, noting that its only activity during the year was responding to a query regarding the election process for the Bureau and Executive Council Members.

The report from the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures to the Executive Council of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) states that the Committee's primary activity during the year was responding to a query regarding the selection process for the Executive Council members and its Board of Directors.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Annual Program for 2006/07 outlines a strategic shift toward integrating scientific excellence with policy relevance and adaptation to global change. The plan focuses on consolidating cooperative research networks, enhancing administrative efficiency, expanding capacity building through training institutes, and strengthening partnerships across the Americas to create a 'network of networks' for science and capacity building.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines technologies and maintenance practices to improve fuel efficiency in passenger vehicles and light trucks, noting a decline in average US fuel economy since 1987.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) outlines the principles of whole building design and climate-responsive architecture to reduce energy consumption in homes and offices. It details specific design features—such as building placement, shell insulation, cool roofs, and efficient lighting—that lower utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while noting the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings and the financial barriers faced by low-income residents.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies, including trough, power tower, and dish systems, detailing their operational mechanisms, costs, and potential for utility-scale electricity generation.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides an overview of geothermal energy, detailing its capacity in the United States and globally, the technologies used for electricity and heating, and the associated environmental benefits and challenges.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides an overview of hydropower technology, its economic and environmental benefits, and the challenges associated with its implementation and operation in the United States.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) outlines technologies and strategies to improve energy efficiency in the United States industrial and manufacturing sectors, highlighting specific gains in energy-intensive industries and the financial mechanisms available to offset capital costs.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes various technologies for generating electricity from the ocean's tides, waves, currents, and heat, detailing their technical requirements, existing global projects, and associated benefits and challenges.