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The report examines the economic feasibility of ecotechnologies, specifically those focused on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) recovery in wastewater and agriculture. It identifies a prevalence of private-cost analyses over social-cost assessments and notes that most recovery technologies are not currently market-competitive without subsidies or the inclusion of social externalities. The document outlines the application of Techno-Economic Assessments (TEA), Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA), and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), concluding that the social perspective significantly improves the perceived economic efficiency of these technologies.

The report compares flood and drip irrigation for the SAGCOT initiative in Tanzania's Kilombero Valley. It finds that while drip irrigation has higher initial costs, it is more sustainable and financially viable when externalities—such as water savings and additional land productivity—are included. Drip irrigation is projected to unlock 10,600 additional hectares of land and reduce seasonal migration patterns compared to flood irrigation.

The document analyzes the financial and social implications of Morocco's butane gas subsidies, which cost approximately USD 967 million in 2017. It proposes a 'swap' strategy to transition from fossil fuel subsidies to investments in solar energy to mitigate the impact on low-income households and small farmers while meeting Paris Agreement goals.

The paper argues that Africa can leapfrog into sustainable development by learning from China's infrastructure successes and failures. It highlights the 'Avoid-Shift-Improve' framework for transportation and examines case studies in high-speed rail, automated ports, and urban mass transit to suggest low-carbon alternatives to road-based development.

The document examines the shift in Africa's debt structure toward non-concessional and domestic loans, identifying drivers such as commodity price shocks and fiscal deficits. It assesses the debt-carrying capacity of various African nations using IMF and World Bank frameworks, noting that several countries are in debt distress or at high risk. The briefing details current coping mechanisms, including the issuance of long-term Eurobonds and novel financial products, and recommends enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, economic diversification, and the establishment of autonomous debt management offices.

The document highlights that transportation accounts for 43 percent of Washington's global warming pollution. It advocates for a clean fuel standard to transition from imported petroleum to locally produced low-carbon alternatives, including electric vehicles (EVs), biomethane, and various biofuels. The report emphasizes the economic benefits of keeping fuel spending within the state and the potential for Washington to lead in sustainable aviation fuels.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) finds that over one-third of US nuclear plants are unprofitable or scheduled to close due to cheap natural gas and falling renewable costs. Without carbon-reduction policies, early retirements could increase US power sector emissions by 4% to 6% by 2035. The report recommends adopting carbon pricing or low-carbon electricity standards and conditioning any nuclear subsidies on strict safety performance and consumer protections.

The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that over one-third of US nuclear plants are unprofitable or scheduled to close, primarily due to low natural gas prices. Without new policies, early retirements could increase power sector carbon emissions by 4% to 6% by 2035 as plants are replaced by natural gas and coal. The report argues that national carbon pricing or a low-carbon electricity standard would preserve existing nuclear capacity, diversify the energy mix, and significantly reduce emissions with minimal impact on household electricity bills. It further recommends that any financial support for distressed plants be contingent on high safety performance ratings from the NRC and transparency in financial reporting.

The document argues that while battery-powered electric buses (BEBs) have higher initial purchase costs than diesel buses, they offer superior long-term economics through lower operating and maintenance costs. It highlights the significant health benefits of removing diesel carcinogens from urban areas and school routes. While China dominates global deployment, U.S. cities and states are increasingly adopting BEBs through local pledges and federal grants, despite some reported performance issues with specific manufacturers.

The document examines the transition from diesel to battery-powered electric buses (BEBs), highlighting that while upfront costs remain higher, BEBs offer lower operating and maintenance costs, higher fuel economy, and zero tailpipe emissions. It details the current global deployment—dominated by China—and the growing adoption in U.S. cities like Los Angeles and New York. The text also discusses the health risks of diesel exhaust, particularly for children, and outlines available federal and state funding mechanisms, such as FTA grants and Volkswagen settlement funds, to support the transition.

The report finds that Canada's development has been unsustainable for significant periods since 2008, as comprehensive wealth declined or grew on a fragile basis despite GDP growth. Key vulnerabilities include stagnant per capita human capital, produced capital concentrated in housing and oil and gas, and the physical depletion of most market natural assets. While financial capital grew recently due to foreign stock market gains, household debt has reached unprecedented levels, increasing financial fragility.

The report finds that while Canada's GDP has grown, its comprehensive wealth—comprising produced, natural, human, financial, and social capital—has grown much more slowly and shows signs of fragility. Key concerns include a lack of growth in human capital, the depletion of market natural assets, and an increasing concentration of produced capital in housing and oil and gas infrastructure. The document advocates for the regular measurement of comprehensive wealth by Statistics Canada to better guide long-term policy decisions and address threats like climate change.

The report argues that Canada's long-term prosperity is fragile, as its comprehensive wealth has grown significantly slower than its GDP. While Canada possesses high levels of natural capital, it faces risks from household debt, climate change, and an over-concentration of produced capital in housing and oil and gas infrastructure. The authors advocate for the official adoption of comprehensive wealth measurement to shift policy focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainability.

The document highlights that rural electrification often fails when supply is expanded without addressing the barriers to end-use demand, such as high equipment costs and lack of financing. It provides evidence from historical US programs and modern sub-Saharan African minigrids to show that stimulating productive use improves system capacity utilization and financial viability. The authors recommend that development partners implement financing mechanisms, support the private sector in equipment sales, and update national policies to include end-use targets.

The paper examines how African countries attempt to move beyond the export of raw minerals through resource-based industrialisation, specifically focusing on the role of Chinese investment. It analyzes tools such as export restrictions, local content requirements, and fiscal policies, concluding that these measures often fail due to inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, and a lack of human capital. The author argues for a shift toward 'product space diversification'—developing capabilities that allow for a broader variety of exports—rather than focusing solely on downstream mineral processing (beneficiation).

The document argues that the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region can significantly reduce climate pollution and consumer costs by investing in vehicle efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs), and clean fuels. An analysis by M.J. Bradley and Associates indicates that these strategies could cut on-road CO2 emissions by 37% by 2030 and 78% by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels), while saving consumers over $1 trillion on petroleum-based fuels by 2050. The report emphasizes that electrification is the largest driver of emissions reductions and suggests policy mechanisms such as a Clean Fuel Standard and a regional clean transportation investment fund to achieve these goals equitably.

The report evaluates the application of rights-based, suasive, financial, and market-based instruments within the international legal framework for fisheries, specifically focusing on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) and four key regional project areas.

The report examines the economic landscape of SADC, noting a decline in intra-regional trade and investment since 2013 and a persistent overdependence on primary commodities. It identifies key barriers to integration, including non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps in energy and transport, and a lack of policy harmonisation. While the report highlights the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), it argues that sustainable growth requires a shift toward regional sector complementarity and the creation of regional value chains (RVCs) to reduce vulnerability to global commodity price shocks.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), on behalf of the Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle Campaign, has written to Eskom to challenge the procurement of two coal-fired independent power producers (IPPs): Thabametsi and Khanyisa. The CER argues that these projects are not 'value for money' as they would increase system costs by 19.6 billion Rand, raise greenhouse gas emissions, and risk becoming stranded assets. The letter highlights that the projects lack necessary licenses and are subject to pending High Court reviews. It requests detailed information on the status of the PPAs, the 'value for money' assessment, and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and New Generation Regulations.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing the Life After Coal Campaign, is challenging the progression of the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power stations. The CER argues that these projects fail the 'value for money' test, would increase greenhouse gas emissions, and are unable to reach commercial close due to missing licenses and pending High Court reviews. The letter requests detailed information on the status of the procurement process and the specific regulatory approvals required before PPAs can be signed.