Search Climate Insights Directory

The assessment finds that Rwanda possesses a strong legal and regulatory framework for mining, particularly in permitting and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). However, it identifies significant gaps in the implementation of these policies, specifically regarding environmental monitoring, socioeconomic impact assessments, and mine closure planning. While the government shows a strong willingness to improve the sector, the report highlights a lack of technical capacity and a need for better integration between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA).

The document reflects on seven years of CDKN's work to integrate climate action with poverty reduction, highlighting its influence on policies in 33 countries and its support for the Paris Agreement. It identifies critical gaps in current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the need for diversified climate finance beyond the Green Climate Fund, and the slow pace of sustainable transport and smart city adoption in developing nations compared to the rapid energy transition to renewables.

The 2017 Allianz Climate and Energy Monitor finds that while emerging markets like China and India are seeing a boom in renewable energy installations driven by falling costs, OECD countries—specifically Germany, the UK, and France—remain the most attractive investment destinations due to stable policy frameworks. The report highlights a significant investment gap, stating that G20 countries must roughly double annual investments to meet Paris Agreement goals, with absolute needs reaching USD 709 billion per year (2012 prices) between 2014 and 2035. It notes a global shift from feed-in tariffs to auction-based support systems and warns that governments must now transition from focusing on generation to holistic power system design to integrate variable renewables and avoid curtailment.

The report finds that while 74% of analyzed green bonds provide some public reporting, there is significant inconsistency in quality and content. Reporting is generally more comprehensive for larger issuers and those in European markets, whereas U.S. municipalities and private placements show lower compliance. While impact reporting is increasing, it lacks standardized metrics, and over 70% of bonds fail to clearly disclose the proportion of funds used for refinancing versus new projects.

The assessment finds that Mongolia has a medium level of implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework. Key strengths include a high level of transparency in tax and royalty flows through the EITI and a legal framework for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). However, significant gaps exist in the management of high-risk mine wastes, the lack of a comprehensive system for mine closure and financial assurance, and limited government capacity to audit complex tax returns and address transfer pricing. The report recommends prioritizing capacity building in mine closure, financial benefit optimization, and socioeconomic benefit optimization to ensure the mining sector contributes to long-term sustainable development.

The document details the outcomes of a two-day assembly in May 2017 aimed at advancing Colombia's National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change (PNACC). It identifies critical gaps in institutional continuity, financing, and the integration of local community knowledge, while highlighting the role of regional nodes and international cooperation in bridging these gaps. The report emphasizes the need to transition from a top-down approach to a transversal network that fosters bidirectional communication between national entities and territorial actors.

The assessment finds that while Suriname's Constitution and Mining Decree provide a general basis for mining governance, the legal framework is outdated, lacking a national environmental authority and specific legislation on indigenous rights and mercury use. Key strengths include the use of comprehensive environmental assessment guidelines by NIMOS and the role of the OGS in managing the small-scale gold sector. However, significant gaps exist in financial benefit optimization, socioeconomic planning, and post-mining transition, particularly regarding financial assurances for mine closure. The report recommends updating the Mining Decree, establishing an environmental ministry, and further formalizing the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

The report evaluates Mongolia's mining sector governance across six themes: legal and policy environment, financial benefit optimization, socio-economic benefit optimization, environmental management, mine closure transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). While Mongolia demonstrates strengths in transparency (EITI participation) and professional human resources, it faces significant challenges in mine closure planning, waste management, and the formalization of ASM. The assessment concludes that Mongolia's overall implementation level of the IGF framework is 'average', with critical gaps in financial guarantees for mine closure and the lack of a comprehensive system for monitoring environmental impacts on water and biodiversity.

The document outlines a framework for evaluating whether Canada's public policy regime adequately addresses threats to its freshwaters. It introduces a hierarchical threat classification system based on the IUCN approach, categorizing threats into quantity, quality, habitat, and pervasive/cross-cutting classes. Through a sample analysis of 26 water management instruments, the author demonstrates a methodology to identify policy gaps and scientific research needs. The paper argues that a coordinated, pan-Canadian approach is necessary to align water science with policy to protect aquatic biodiversity and resources, particularly in the face of climate change.

The 2017 Global Tracking Framework reports that the world is not on track to meet its 2030 sustainable energy goals. While energy efficiency is closest to the required pace, electrification and clean cooking access are lagging, particularly in Africa. Renewable energy shares are increasing but remain far below the 36% target. The report emphasizes that current policy commitments and technology trends are insufficient, calling for a significant increase in global investment across all three pillars.

The report finds that current financial commitments for energy access are significantly below the levels required to meet 2030 universal access goals. For electricity, annual commitments averaged $19.4 billion, far short of the estimated $45 billion needed, with 90% of funds targeting centralized grid infrastructure. Clean cooking investment is critically low, averaging only $32 million per year against a minimum estimated need of $4.4 billion. The analysis highlights a heavy reliance on international public finance and a significant gap in tracking domestic private investment.

The assessment finds Senegal's mining framework to be of medium strength, noting a clear permitting process and efforts to formalize artisanal mining, but highlighting significant gaps in the distribution of mining revenues to local communities, weak environmental enforcement, and the continued prevalence of child labour and mercury use in the informal sector.

The assessment identifies a moderately strong legal framework with clear permitting processes and competitive tax regimes, but highlights significant gaps in the actual implementation of environmental monitoring, the distribution of local development funds, and the formalization of the artisanal mining sector.

The 2016 UNEP Emissions Gap Report assesses the gap between projected 2030 global emissions under Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and the levels required to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C or 1.5°C. It evaluates pre-2020 mitigation actions, the potential of non-state action and energy efficiency to increase ambition, and the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals and climate mitigation.

The study examines bioscience innovation in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, focusing on crop improvement, agro-industrial waste conversion, value-added sorghum and millet products, and industrial enzymes. It finds that while R&D knowledge is generally strong, the transition to market is hindered by weak policy guidance, insufficient market creation, and limited resource mobilization. The authors argue that the region's R&D is 'demand-driven, but not business-driven', and recommend strengthening public-private partnerships, establishing business incubators, and creating national bioeconomy strategies to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

The report reviews the SDMPs of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, and Uttarakhand, finding that while they are sophisticated in disaster response, they lack sufficient focus on risk reduction, socioeconomic vulnerability, and climate change integration. It recommends clarifying institutional roles, operationalising risk-reduction funds, and aligning state plans more closely with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

The report finds that the CIF provides a unique, programmatic approach to climate finance that differs from the project-by-project model of the GCF. It has been the largest source of external concessional finance for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), particularly in high-risk technologies like geothermal and concentrated solar power. The authors recommend keeping the CIF operational to maintain momentum and bridge investment gaps, suggesting it work complementarily with the GCF.

The executive coaching market in Nigeria is described as nascent and significantly underdeveloped, with a critical shortage of accredited professionals capable of serving senior financial leaders. While there is high latent demand among HR directors, effective demand remains low due to a cultural belief in the 'infallible leader' and a lack of understanding regarding the business value of coaching. The report recommends strengthening local accreditation routes through institutions like Lagos Business School and stimulating demand by creating local case studies and exposing high-profile financial sector leaders to coaching interventions.

The report evaluates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) against the objectives of the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF). It finds that while the SDGs include a highly ambitious, quantifiable target to halt deforestation by 2020, they lack quantifiable targets for forest restoration and reforestation. The document notes that the absence of specific indicators for measuring these goals may hinder the translation of the targets into action.

The document assesses SEI's global urban research portfolio to identify strengths and gaps that can be leveraged for a new programme in sub-Saharan Africa. It finds that while SEI has diverse expertise across 64 projects, there is a lack of cross-centre collaboration and significant research gaps in Central and West Africa, as well as in specific areas like urban solid waste management and green infrastructure in the Global South. The report recommends replicating successful global projects in Africa and expanding research into under-studied regions and strategic themes such as urban governance and inclusive cities.