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The paper argues that traditional Cost of Service Regulation (COSR) creates a capital bias that motivates utilities to pursue expensive infrastructure projects over more cost-effective, non-utility-owned, or distributed energy resource (DER) alternatives. Through three case studies—distribution circuit upgrades, grid modernization, and regional capacity requirements—the author demonstrates that COSR often misaligns shareholder value with public interest. The analysis finds that multiyear revenue caps, particularly those with 'stretch factors' to encourage efficiency, and Performance Incentive Mechanisms (PIMs) targeting specific outcomes like CO2 reduction or peak demand, are more effective at aligning utility motivation with societal goals. The document recommends a gradual transition toward these PBR tools to manage investor risk while accelerating the energy transition.

The document examines the AICO scheme's role in developing the ASEAN automotive sector and assesses whether a similar model could work in SADC. It identifies South Africa as the regional automotive leader but notes that integration is currently one-sided. Key barriers in SADC include low market demand, infrastructure bottlenecks, and a lack of indigenous industry outside South Africa. The author suggests that SADC can move toward integration by leveraging South Africa's expertise, focusing on specific vehicle segments, and developing aftermarket production as a starting point.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) argues that a CMU study underestimated the environmental benefits of low-meat diets because it failed to account for land-use change, grouped beef with more efficient meats like pork, and modeled 'healthy' scenarios that actually increased total animal-based food intake. WRI asserts that shifting to realistic vegetarian diets can reduce per capita land use and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately half.

The paper investigates the impact of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on governance in Africa by comparing Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) scores between 2003 and 2015 for reviewed members, non-reviewed members, and non-members. It finds that while APRM members generally performed better than non-members, there is no significant difference in progress between those who underwent a full review and those who merely joined. The author suggests this indicates a 'self-selection' bias where states already inclined toward reform join the APRM, rather than the mechanism itself causing the improvement. The paper also notes a trend where economic and corporate governance gains often occur alongside stagnant or declining political freedoms, specifically citing Rwanda and Mali as contrasting case studies.

The document assesses the alignment of China's domestic green bond guidelines with international standards. It finds that while management of proceeds and reporting are fully aligned, further efforts are needed to harmonize green definitions, specifically regarding sector-specific criteria.

The paper assesses the alignment of Chinese green bond guidelines—primarily those from the People's Bank of China (PBoC)—with international practices. It finds strong alignment in the management of proceeds and reporting, but identifies significant divergence in green definitions, particularly regarding the inclusion of fossil fuel projects. The authors recommend adopting a scientific framework for project criteria, implementing a third-party certification model with approved verifiers, and standardising environmental impact reporting to reduce transaction costs for international investors.

The document examines how subnational monitoring systems align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 231 identified indicators. Using the Province of Manitoba's Sustainable Development and Green Economy Indicators as a case study, the analysis finds that while thematic alignment is relatively strong—with over 20% of provincial indicators aligning with SDGs—there is a significant structural gap in indicator types. Specifically, the provincial sets lack the finance and policy indicators present in the SDGs, focusing instead on state indicators. The authors argue that aligning subnational systems is critical for effective bottom-up accountability and national-level aggregation of SDG progress.

The document highlights that Europe dominates the global offshore wind market, holding over 90% of installed capacity as of 2015, led by the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark. In contrast, the United States is in the early stages of development, with its first commercial farm at Block Island scheduled for late 2016. Despite this gap, the U.S. possesses significant potential, estimated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory at over 4,000 GW. The report details U.S. federal initiatives, including Department of Energy funding and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management leasing, and projects U.S. capacity to reach 22 GW by 2030. It also examines the economic benefits of offshore wind, such as higher job creation per megawatt compared to onshore wind and the 'sea breeze effect' that aligns power generation with peak demand.

The report analyzes the regressive nature of universal LPG subsidies in Indonesia and examines reform strategies from El Salvador, India, Mexico, Peru, and Thailand. It argues that successful reform requires depoliticizing pricing mechanisms, implementing targeted social mitigation measures to protect vulnerable groups, and utilizing strategic communication to build public support. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of direct benefit transfers, voucher systems, and gradual price increases, while warning against overly complex registration processes and differential pricing structures.

The document examines the interaction between the G-20 and Africa, noting that while South Africa is the only permanent African member, the G-20's agenda significantly impacts the continent. It evaluates the G-20 Development Working Group's (DWG) progress on priorities such as infrastructure, domestic resource mobilisation, and financial inclusion. The author argues that while there is overlap with the AU's Agenda 2063, momentum has been lost in supporting African regional economic integration, and further efforts are needed to leverage G-20 resources for sustainable infrastructure and local capital markets.

The report finds that residents in underserved Maryland neighborhoods perceive climate change risks similarly to the general state population but experience significantly higher rates of environmental harms, such as flooding and sewage overflows. While these communities support government action on climate and the creation of local resilience hubs, they report lower levels of social capital and resource accessibility. The study highlights a strong demand for energy bill assistance and community centers, suggesting that climate preparedness efforts should be integrated with broader community development and social resilience goals.

The document analyzes the rise of nonviolent resistance globally, noting that while it has historically outperformed violent resistance in achieving major political change, its effectiveness has declined since 2010. It argues that authoritarian regimes may be more fragile than they appear and suggests that non-traditional international support is more influential than direct state assistance for these movements.

The document provides a technical appendix describing the life cycle emissions modeling for urban buses in California, comparing diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen fuel cell, and battery electric options. It details modifications to the CA-GREET 2.0 and Vision 2.0 models to better reflect California-specific fuel pathways and electricity grid mixes. Key findings include the significant reduction of global warming emissions when using 100% renewable energy for electric buses and the role of biomass and coal in the grid's particulate matter emissions. The analysis also examines the impact of low-carbon biofuels and low-NOx engines on overall emissions profiles.

The document argues that the current trajectory of urbanization in the Global South—characterized by rapid population growth outpacing economic growth and the 'urbanization of poverty'—risks locking cities into unsustainable patterns. It proposes a new categorization of cities based on economic productivity and population growth, focusing on 'struggling' and 'emerging' cities. The authors contend that providing equitable access to core services (housing, water, sanitation, energy, and transport) is the essential entry point for broader transformative urban change. Using case studies from Medellín and Surat, the paper illustrates how solving a 'seminal problem' can trigger a virtuous cycle of improvement across governance, finance, and planning, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The paper analyzes infrastructure finance in Brazil and India, finding that despite different structural models—Brazil's centralized development bank approach versus India's decentralized system—both remain dominated by public financing and lack the financial innovation seen in developed economies. It concludes that policy environments, such as Brazil's integrated regulatory and banking systems, are more influential than the finance models themselves, though centralized models demonstrate a greater ability to achieve scale and meet national policy targets.

The document reports that decarbonization in the power and transport sectors is exceeding previous predictions. It highlights a faster-than-expected shift away from coal in the EU, US, and China, as well as wind and solar capacity growth that has surpassed forecasts. In transport, passenger vehicle fleets in key economies are less carbon-intense than in 2005, and the market penetration of electric drive vehicles is exceeding predictions.

The paper examines two contrasting models for financing clean infrastructure in middle-income countries: Brazil's centralized approach led by the national development bank (BNDES) and India's decentralized system involving various public and private institutions. Through case studies of wind energy projects, the authors find that despite their structural differences, both systems are dominated by public financing and struggle with a lack of true non-recourse project finance and limited financial innovation. Brazil's model effectively supports national industrial goals through local content requirements and centralized auctions but faces risks of crowding out private investment and governance issues. India's model allows for more diverse participants and smoother integration of international development finance but suffers from higher system costs, uneven investment across sectors, and significant revenue risks due to the poor financial health of state-owned power distribution companies (discoms). The report concludes that the effectiveness of these models is heavily dependent on complementary regulatory and policy frameworks rather than the financing structure alone.

The study evaluates the impact of energy efficiency (EE) on the costs of achieving the internationally agreed 2°C target by 2050. It specifically compares the global cost savings up to 2030 of a pathway emphasizing EE measures against one that focuses primarily on decarbonizing the energy supply.

The report examines the co-benefits of climate action within the framework of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and identifies the potential benefits lost by not transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050, focusing on a selection of major economies.

The document advocates for community forest management (CFM) as a superior alternative to industrial logging and strict protection regimes. It asserts that CFM effectively reduces deforestation, protects biodiversity, and supports climate mitigation and adaptation by empowering indigenous peoples and local communities. The text identifies key success factors such as land tenure security and warns against 'false solutions' like REDD+ and the financialization of nature, which it claims risk land grabbing and the erosion of community control.