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The Union of Concerned Scientists identifies hundreds of U.S. coal generators as 'ripe for retirement' due to high operating costs and vulnerability to 'energy-water collisions.' Many of these plants rely on once-through cooling systems that withdraw massive amounts of water and are subject to strict EPA temperature discharge limits. The report argues that replacing these aging plants with renewables or energy efficiency would significantly reduce national water withdrawals and consumption, particularly in states like Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The document argues that South Africa's inclusion in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is justified by its influence in shaping the global economic agenda rather than just its GDP. It highlights how the BRICS, and specifically the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), have challenged the dominance of advanced economies in the WTO and UNFCCC. The author notes the group's role in promoting South-South cooperation, increasing trade and investment with low-income countries, and pushing for reforms in the IMF and other Bretton Woods Institutions to better reflect current global economic realities.

The Union of Concerned Scientists identifies a significant number of U.S. coal-fired power plants that are economically uncompetitive compared to natural gas and wind power. The report argues that retiring these plants, along with those already scheduled for closure, would improve public health and reduce carbon emissions without jeopardizing grid reliability.

The Union of Concerned Scientists identifies a range of 16 to 32 coal-fired generating units in Michigan as economically uncompetitive compared to natural gas and renewable energy. The report highlights that 87 percent of the state's coal capacity exceeds its 30-year design lifetime, and many of these plants lack modern pollution controls, contributing significantly to public health issues and carbon emissions. The document advocates for retiring these plants in favor of wind, solar, and energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 18.7 million tons annually and stimulate the state's clean energy economy.

The EESI advises the EPA against waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) despite 2012 extreme weather, arguing that the RFS is not the cause of the economic harm to livestock and poultry producers. The document asserts that market forces and existing RFS flexibility are already reducing corn demand, and that a waiver would create policy uncertainty, deterring the estimated $168 billion in investment needed for advanced biorefineries by 2022. EESI maintains that the long-term benefits of the RFS—including reduced oil imports, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and rural economic growth—outweigh the potential short-term gains of a waiver.

The study estimates that the Natura 2000 network stored approximately 9.6 billion tonnes of carbon in 2010, with a monetary value between €607 billion and €1,130 billion. Forest habitats are identified as the most significant carbon sinks. The authors compare a 'Policy ON' scenario (improving conservation status and expanding protected areas) against a 'Policy OFF' scenario (inaction), finding that active policy interventions could generate economic gains of 1.71% to 2.86% by 2020. Specifically, increasing protected forest area by 10% is projected to provide €16 to 23 billion more in immediate benefits than focusing solely on qualitative site improvement.

The document highlights Ethiopia's significant investment in infrastructure, spending $1.3 billion annually (10% of GDP), with a focus on energy and transport. It notes that Ethiopia requires 8700 megawatts of generating plant over the next decade to double its capacity. While Kenya is often seen as the regional anchor, the author argues that Ethiopia's growth rates since 2005/06 and its strategic importance make it a potential regional powerhouse. However, Ethiopia faces fundamental business challenges including foreign currency regulations, inflation, and a lack of competitiveness in its manufacturing sector, which contributes less than 10 percent of total merchandise exports.

The briefing examines food insecurity in Africa, highlighting that sub-Saharan countries are the most food insecure globally. It discusses the role of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), the G-8's New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, and the challenges posed by trade barriers and the Doha Round impasse. The authors argue that while trade is essential, it must be part of a comprehensive policy package including agricultural investment and financial innovation to ensure long-term food security.

The document examines the role of fiscal incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), arguing that tax exemptions cannot compensate for a weak investment climate. It critiques the use of blanket tax holidays, which can lead to tax avoidance and minimal domestic economic embedding. Instead, the author proposes a framework of 'timely, targeted and temporary' incentives, advocating for performance-based measures such as tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and green bonds. The paper suggests that governments should gradually move toward a uniform low corporate tax rate to create a level playing field for domestic and foreign investors while ensuring that incentives are administered through transparent tax codes rather than discretionary sector ministries.

The report analyzes the economic, environmental, and social impacts of fossil-fuel subsidies in APEC economies, estimating that consumption subsidies alone cost at least US$105 billion in 2010. It argues that such subsidies are often regressive, benefiting wealthier populations and increasing GHG emissions. The document proposes a three-phase reform framework—research, developing options, and implementation—and details case studies from Australia, Indonesia, Chile, Mexico, Thailand, China, and Russia to illustrate best practices in transparency, targeted social compensation (such as cash transfers), and gradual price deregulation.

The document examines Nigeria's energy subsidy regime, focusing on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), household kerosene (hhK), and electricity. It highlights the immense fiscal burden on the government, with fuel subsidies alone estimated at over ₦2 trillion in 2011. The guide argues that these universal subsidies disproportionately benefit higher-income earners and are plagued by systemic corruption, such as inflated import claims and the diversion of kerosene to black markets. It also notes that under-pricing of energy has stifled investment in refining and power infrastructure, leading to high reliance on private generators and significant gas flaring. The document outlines the government's transition toward cost-reflective electricity tariffs via the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) and the attempted removal of gasoline subsidies through the SURE-P program, while providing international lessons on gradual price liberalization and targeted social compensation.

The document argues that South Africa's status as an economic gateway is primarily driven by its geography and infrastructure, though this role is challenged by emerging regional and global competitors. It assesses South Africa's capacity as a hub for regional headquarters, logistics, sourcing, and finance, while examining the impact of transport corridors and trade policies on its regional dominance.

The document examines Africa's role in the 'global nuclear renaissance,' noting that the continent holds 18% of world uranium resources. It details the production activities of Namibia, Niger, Malawi, and South Africa, while identifying emerging exploration in countries like the Central African Republic and Tanzania. The author argues that while uranium mining provides significant GDP contributions and employment, it is plagued by governance challenges, including a lack of institutional capacity to monitor environmental and health impacts. The paper compares African practices with those in Canada and Australia and suggests that strengthening government capacity and adopting international best practices, such as those from the IAEA and EITI, are essential for sustainable development.

The document examines the economic and social impacts of fuel and electricity subsidies in Nigeria, noting that fuel subsidies in 2011 exceeded NGN 2.19 trillion but primarily benefited the wealthy and fostered corruption. It highlights that under-pricing electricity between 2005-2009 cost between NGN 232.5-356.5 billion, leading to poor infrastructure maintenance and reliability issues. The guide aims to inform citizens about these costs and the necessity of reforms, such as gradual tariff increases for electricity and the removal of gasoline subsidies.

The document presents a business case for implementing sustainable public procurement in fragile states, highlighting its potential to mitigate risks, combat corruption, and build local industrial capacity. It identifies significant challenges, including weak institutional capacity and political opposition from vested interests, and proposes the use of readiness assessments to tailor procurement policies to individual national contexts.

The document advocates for the Obama administration's proposed 2017-2025 vehicle standards to increase average fuel efficiency to approximately 50 mpg, arguing that fuel savings will outweigh the higher purchase price of cleaner vehicles. It dismisses expanded domestic drilling as an ineffective solution for reducing gas prices.

The report examines foreign investment in agriculture across MERCOSUR, identifying three primary models: state-level cooperation agreements, direct private land purchases, and foreign direct investment in production via contract farming. It highlights a general lack of reliable data, though estimates suggest foreign ownership varies significantly, from 1.7% of arable land in Brazil to 19.4% of national territory in Paraguay. While Brazil and Argentina have implemented laws to restrict foreign land ownership, Uruguay is debating similar measures, and Paraguay has seen little public discussion on restrictions despite high foreign ownership. The document recommends the establishment of national land registries and clear definitions of 'foreign stakeholders' to better manage and monitor these investments.

The report analyzes foreign investment in the agricultural sectors of MERCOSUR countries, identifying three primary models: state-to-state cooperation agreements, direct private land purchases, and foreign direct investment in production via contract farming. It highlights a general lack of robust data across the region, though it notes that foreigners own approximately 1.7% of Brazil's arable land and an estimated 3.4% of Argentina's. Paraguay shows the highest level of foreign ownership at 19.4% of its national territory, largely held by Brazilians. The document details the legislative shift toward restricting foreign land ownership in Argentina and Brazil, while noting that Uruguay is debating similar measures and Paraguay lacks significant public debate or effective restrictions. It concludes that while foreign investment can bring technology, it often risks displacing local producers and threatening food security if not properly regulated through clear definitions of foreign ownership and national land registries.

The report finds that electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States generally produce lower global warming emissions than average gasoline vehicles, though the extent of the benefit varies by regional electricity grid mix. It also demonstrates that EVs offer significant annual fuel-cost savings, which can be further maximized through time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plans.

Since resuming official ties in 2006, China has become a significant economic partner for Chad, primarily through the $1 billion Rônier oil project. While this partnership has provided President Idriss Déby with political and economic leverage, it has also faced tensions over petroleum pricing and relies on a security framework led by France.