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This briefing by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment outlines the key provisions of Bill S-5, which modernizes the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The bill introduces the right to a healthy environment into federal law and strengthens the framework for assessing and managing toxic substances, while the authors identify several remaining gaps in environmental protection and enforcement.

This research paper analyzes the 'paradigm shift' in German migration policy under the current coalition government, specifically its impact on African partner countries. While the government aims to transform Germany into a modern immigration country by attracting skilled workers, the author argues that the policy remains rooted in old concepts, primarily linking legal migration pathways to increased cooperation on the repatriation of migrants.

This report by Ember proposes an ambitious wind and solar expansion plan for Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries to improve energy security and lower electricity prices. Using the PyPSA-CEE model, the study argues that accelerating renewables deployment could reduce wholesale power prices by 29% and make the region electricity self-sufficient by 2030.

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) provides expert comments to the Washington Department of Ecology regarding the potential linkage of Washington's cap-and-invest program with the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) market administered by California and Quebec. SEI warns that because Washington's program is currently more stringent and has a longer time horizon (through 2050) than California's (authorized through 2030), full linkage could significantly lower allowance prices, reduce state auction revenues, and undermine Washington's emission reduction goals. SEI recommends that full linkage be contingent on California extending its program beyond 2030 and increasing its 2030 cap stringency to address a large bank of unused allowances. As an interim measure, SEI proposes 'restricted linkage' via a quota on imported WCI allowances to balance cost containment with environmental integrity.

This research paper analyzes the German government's announced 'paradigm shift' in migration policy, which aims to transform Germany into a modern immigration country by easing access for qualified workers. The authors argue that despite the rhetoric, the policy remains rooted in old methods, heavily conditioning legal pathways on the acceleration of returns and continuing the externalization of migration control in Africa.

This briefing analyzes the impact of Germany's new feminist foreign policy on its relations with Africa, specifically examining the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development's (BMZ) 2023 Africa Strategy. While the author acknowledges the potential for a positive realignment based on respect and reciprocity, the document argues that the current approach is inconsistent, primarily limiting feminist principles to development cooperation rather than integrating them across all foreign policy domains such as security, trade, and climate policy.

This report by Zero Carbon Analytics examines Bangladesh's increasing reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the resulting financial, energy, and climate risks. It argues that the pivot toward LNG has left the country vulnerable to global price shocks and power shortages while stagnating renewable energy growth, ultimately exacerbating the country's extreme vulnerability to climate change and heat stress.

This policy brief by RMI argues that Colorado can simultaneously address its housing shortage and climate goals by implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) and 'missing middle housing' reforms. The document highlights the link between scarce affordable housing and suburban sprawl, which increases car dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.

This policy brief, produced by CIEL and IUCN, examines the compatibility of a proposed international treaty to end plastic pollution with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. It highlights how the international trade of plastic feedstocks, polymers, and waste accelerates the plastic crisis and serves as a mechanism for spreading micro- and nanoplastic pollution.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights analyzes the 2022 activities of seven UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) regarding climate change. It documents an increase in climate-related references in State reporting procedures and highlights key developments in General Comments and individual communications, specifically the landmark Billy et al. v. Australia case.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes deforestation and land tenure in the Amazon biome from 2012 to 2021 to identify priority areas for government action. It emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts between the Brazilian federal and state governments, highlighting that federal public areas and private properties were the primary sites of forest loss. The report recommends specific strategies: the federal government should focus on rural settlements and undesignated public forests, while state governments should prioritize the implementation of the Forest Code on private lands.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the leadership and advocacy of girls and young women in climate movements across Asia and the Pacific. It identifies the diverse strategies these advocates use, the structural and societal barriers that hinder their progress, and the risks they face, including 'youthwashing' and threats to their well-being. The document provides specific recommendations for international policymakers, youth representatives, and the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Hub to create a safer and more inclusive environment for young female climate advocates.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute discusses the difficulties in tracking and demonstrating progress toward the global goal on adaptation within the UNFCCC global stocktake, highlighting a lack of rigour in reporting and evaluation.

This policy brief examines Germany's adoption of a Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) and its application to Africa, specifically through the Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation's (BMZ) 2023 Africa Strategy. The author argues that while the strategy shows normative progress by aligning with African-led priorities and addressing colonial legacies, the 'feminist reflex' remains largely confined to international development rather than being integrated across all foreign policy domains such as trade, security, and migration.

This research paper by Christophe Bellmann of the International Institute for Sustainable Development outlines strategies for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to integrate sustainability into agricultural trade policies. It argues that while unilateral measures exist, multilateral cooperation is essential to address transboundary environmental challenges, food insecurity, and the impact of agricultural subsidies.

This policy brief by RMI examines the economic competitiveness of renewable energy versus natural gas in Texas, specifically analyzing the impact of the expired Chapter 313 tax incentive program and proposed legislation (HB 5) that would exclude renewables from its successor.

This report by RMI examines how reforming urban land use policies in the United States can mitigate climate change, increase housing supply, and reduce ecological harm by moving away from car-centric, single-family zoning.

This briefing examines the need for reform within international financial institutions (IFIs), specifically the IMF and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), to better support climate-vulnerable developing nations. It highlights how the current global financial system, characterized by structural imbalances and risk aversion, exacerbates debt crises in the global south, hindering their ability to invest in climate resilience. The document focuses on the Bridgetown Agenda as a framework for reform, proposing mechanisms such as the rechanneling of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and the modernization of MDB Capital Adequacy Frameworks to unlock significant additional lending for climate action.

This research paper examines the evolution of German-African energy relations, tracing the shift from a primary focus on development cooperation and energy poverty to a more complex framework involving energy diplomacy, technology-driven cooperation, and strategic geopolitical interests. The author analyzes the tensions between 'green' and 'fossilist' objectives, the risks associated with the roll-out of hydrogen diplomacy, and the trend toward the financialization of development through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This briefing by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) examines the role of non-party trade provisions in Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to provide guidance for the development of a future international treaty to end plastic pollution. It argues that trade restrictions on non-parties are essential to incentivize ratification, prevent 'free-riding', and ensure the overall effectiveness of environmental treaties.