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The policy brief argues that gender-smart sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) can scale up financing for gender objectives by utilizing multi-KPI structures. It analyzes four different approaches to determining 'trigger events'—the conditions that lead to financial adjustments like coupon step-ups—using examples from Schneider Electric, EQT, H&M, and BlackRock. The authors recommend that issuers avoid structures that allow KPIs to be ignored and instead prefer frameworks requiring the full achievement of all sustainability targets to ensure high ambition and credibility.

The report examines the nexus between international trade and climate adaptation, arguing that trade can be a vehicle for developing countries to access necessary goods, services, and financing. It identifies three pathways for this: domestic trade policy measures, trade-related financing mechanisms, and international collaborative frameworks. Using case studies from Fiji, Kiribati, and Tonga, the report demonstrates how National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) can be used to identify specific adaptation needs—such as hydrometeorological equipment or rainwater harvesting systems—and map them to trade policy instruments like tariff reductions or Aid for Trade (A4T) funding.

The study examines how the decentralisation of education governance to SGBs under the South African Schools Act of 1996 functions in practice. It finds that in underperforming schools in KwaZulu Natal, SGBs are often ineffective due to low parental participation, significant capacity deficits, and a tendency for principals to dominate decision-making. While SGBs have legal powers over teacher appointments and financial oversight, these are often undermined by political influence, lack of training, and a reactive approach to support from district officials. The paper concludes that the current system of governance is ineffective in underperforming schools, which increases the administrative burden on principals and fails to strategically improve learner outcomes.

The paper assesses the synergy between the AfCFTA and the BRI, arguing that targeted, structured cooperation—such as sector-specific preferential trade agreements and the strategic use of Special Economic Zones (SEZs)—is more beneficial for Africa than a status-quo ad hoc approach or a full continent-wide Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It highlights the potential for growth in manufacturing and agriculture while warning against the risks of increased Chinese imports and the complexities of rules of origin.

The report assesses the progress of SDG localization across 28 global case studies, highlighting a significant gap between high-level commitment and practical local implementation. Key findings indicate that while some 'SDG champions' like New York City lead in data analysis and engagement, many regions struggle with weak institutional governance, a lack of systematic analysis of SDG interlinkages (synergies and trade-offs), and limited financial resources. The COVID-19 pandemic is noted as a major setback that reallocated budgets toward healthcare, though it also created opportunities for green recovery. The study emphasizes the need for better evidence-based local data, increased participation of local actors in international forums, and the use of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to enhance accountability.

The analysis evaluates the economic output, value added, labor income, and employment generated by two different coal ash remediation strategies at two power plants in the Ohio River Valley. Using IMPLAN models, the study finds that 'clean closure' scenarios consistently produce higher economic output and employment than company-proposed plans, with the vast majority of job creation occurring during the initial construction and excavation phases.

The document examines the environmental and health risks of coal ash, one of the largest industrial waste streams in the US, and advocates for 'clean closure' (full remediation and excavation) over limited cleanup plans. Using case studies from the J. M. Stuart plant in Ohio and the Sebree Generating Station in Kentucky, the authors demonstrate that comprehensive cleanup generates significantly more jobs and economic output than utility-proposed plans. The report highlights that coal ash sites disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, particularly in the Ohio River Valley, and recommends stronger EPA enforcement, polluter-pays funding, and the prioritization of dislocated workers in hiring.

The report examines the hazards of coal ash disposal, particularly in the Ohio River Valley, and advocates for 'clean closure' (excavation) over 'cap-in-place' methods. Through case studies of the Sebree Generating Station in Kentucky and the J. M. Stuart Station in Ohio, the authors demonstrate that comprehensive cleanup generates significantly more jobs and economic output than utility-proposed plans. The document highlights the disproportionate impact of coal ash pollution on low-income communities and people of color, and calls for stronger EPA enforcement and state-level regulations to ensure the safe removal of toxic waste.

The report argues that community lands, managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), are critical for climate mitigation due to their ability to sequester carbon and maintain biodiversity. Despite managing approximately half of the world's land, only 10% is legally recognized. The document provides evidence that secure land tenure leads to lower deforestation rates compared to state-managed lands and is a cost-effective mitigation strategy. However, these lands face increasing threats from illegal mining, drug trafficking, and land grabbing, while land defenders face rising violence. The report concludes that international climate finance significantly underserves IPLCs and calls for governments to prioritize legal land titling and the protection of environmental defenders.

The report examines the application of just transition principles across various sectors in developing and emerging economies to ensure social justice and sustainable development. It specifically analyzes the impacts of policy instruments on employment and identifies ways for the German Development Cooperation to support these efforts. The study covers sectors including coal phase-out, fossil fuel subsidy reform, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture, utilizing case studies from countries such as Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and South Africa.

The document examines three climate adaptation projects by the W8banaki Nation: lake sturgeon habitat restoration, medicinal plant preservation, and riverbank erosion assessment. It highlights the importance of integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with western science and argues for flexible, long-term, community-led funding models over rigid, top-down provincial programs.

The document examines how the W8banaki Nation integrates traditional knowledge with science to adapt to climate change in the Ndakina territory. It highlights three projects: the conservation of the lake sturgeon, the management of medicinal plants and invasive species, and the assessment of riverbank erosion. The study argues that successful adaptation requires 'bottom-up' planning, flexible and stable funding, and the active involvement of knowledge holders to ensure cultural continuity and territorial integrity.

The report analyzes four federal infrastructure projects in Pará: Ferrogrão, BR-155/158, BR-163/230/MT/PA, and BR-230. Using a 'market access approach', researchers found that these projects collectively risk nearly 7,000 square kilometers of native Amazon vegetation, with 3,800 square kilometers located in Pará. The study highlights significant transparency issues, noting that socio-environmental documents were often unavailable or difficult to access. It argues that the state of Pará should engage in early political coordination with the Federal Government to incorporate deforestation control and land governance measures into project designs, estimating an annual mitigation cost of US$ 43 million for the region.

The Climate Policy Initiative/PUC-Rio analyzed four federal transport projects in Pará—EF-170 Ferrogrão, BR-155/158, BR-163/230/MT/PA, and BR-230—using project life cycle mapping and a market access approach to quantify deforestation risks. The study emphasizes that local governments must engage with federal authorities to mitigate negative impacts, though the window for dialogue varies by project stage: early-stage projects like BR-155/158 offer more opportunities, while implemented projects like BR-163/230/MT/PA and BR-230 require political articulation rather than project-level discussion.

Brambles has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47% since 2010 and is pursuing a 1.5ºC aligned science-based target for its global supply chain. The company's sustainability goals include achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2025, implementing a 'two-for-one' tree planting commitment to increase carbon sequestration, and transitioning to 100% recycled or upcycled plastic waste by 2030. Additionally, Brambles advocates for policy incentives to decarbonize the commercial vehicle sector through electrification and hydrogen technology.

The Puerto Rico Community Energy Resilience Initiative (CERI) focuses on increasing energy resilience for low-to-moderate income communities by installing solar-plus-storage microgrids at critical facilities. Through pilot projects, CERI found that a community-driven approach, combined with flexible financing and technical assistance, is the most effective way to serve needs ignored by the current market. The initiative emphasizes local ownership to bolster local economies and the use of concessionary capital to make systems affordable for facilities with varying credit histories. Technical assistance is highlighted as essential for correct system sizing and procurement, while capacity building ensures long-term maintenance and sustainability.

The Subnational Climate Fund (SnCF), approved by the GCF in 2020 and running through 2028, aims to mobilize USD 750 million to support approximately 40 subnational projects with deal sizes between USD 5 million and 75 million. The fund utilizes a Technical Assistance Facility and USD 150 million in concessional equity from the GCF to attract USD 600 million in commercial equity, targeting subnational governments that lack fiscal autonomy or the ability to borrow from international capital markets. The fund involves 42 countries, including 16 in Africa, and focuses on projects aligned with NDCs that incorporate Nature-based Solutions.

Climate Adaptation Notes is a proposed funding mechanism designed to mobilize private, commercial bank, and institutional investment for water and wastewater infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. The instrument combines short-term construction financing from commercial banks with long-term asset-based funding from institutional investors, utilizing 'first loss' subordinate debt from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to mitigate risk. The mechanism targets three tiers: the Southern African Common Monetary Union (or ZAR-tied countries), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the broader sub-Saharan Africa region. Success depends on the availability of deep local debt capital markets and a robust pipeline of investable projects. The instrument is currently in pre-piloting and fundraising stages.

The project aims to reduce coastal flooding risks in Egypt's North Coast and Nile Delta through the installation of 69 km of sand dune dikes and the development of an integrated coastal zone management plan. Co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (USD 31.4 million) and the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (USD 73.8 million), the initiative targets direct benefits for 768,164 people. Implementation involves multiple Egyptian ministries and the UNDP as the Accredited Entity, while the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency serves as the National Designated Authority.

The Food Securities Fund, managed by Clarmondial, provides working capital loans to agricultural aggregators in developing markets to promote sustainable land management and climate mitigation. The fund utilizes risk blending, including a USD 37.5 million USAID credit guarantee and USD 15 million from the Global Environment Facility, to attract institutional investors from Europe and the US. In March 2021, the fund began operations with an investment in East African coffee production supporting nearly 4,000 smallholder farmers using regenerative practices.