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This SEI discussion brief argues that nature-based solutions (NbS) are often framed as apolitical, leading to the neglect of social equity and justice in their design and implementation. The document proposes five core principles to ensure NbS do not reproduce existing inequalities and provides a case study from Kaptembwa, Kenya, to illustrate the integration of these principles in an urban informal settlement.

This policy brief examines how Aid for Trade (AfT) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) can be leveraged to help developing and least developed countries transition to sustainable trade and circular economies to combat plastic pollution. It highlights a significant mismatch between the limited funding for plastic pollution mitigation and the massive financial flows supporting the petrochemical sector, while proposing specific short- and medium-term deliverables for WTO members through the Informal Dialogue on Plastic Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (IDP).

This policy brief examines the role of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) in tracking international trade across the life cycle of plastics. It argues that current HS classifications lack the granularity needed for evidence-based policymaking to tackle plastic pollution and proposes specific amendments for the 2022–2027 cycle to improve transparency in trade flows of feedstocks, primary plastics, manufactured products, and waste.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the complex relationship between climate change and violent conflict in Africa. It argues that while climate change acts as a 'risk multiplier' that can exacerbate existing political, social, and economic tensions, the link to violence is indirect and highly contextual. The document emphasizes the need for conflict-sensitive climate adaptation strategies, particularly in fragile contexts, and calls for the Global North to fulfill climate finance commitments to support the Global South.

This research paper explores the multi-dimensional challenges and pathways toward achieving sustainable urban development. It examines the historical evolution of global urban policy, the disparate needs between the Global North and Global South, the role of various governmental and non-governmental actors, and emerging trends such as nature-based solutions and inclusive planning.

This statement from RMI argues that the United States must rapidly expand its long-range transmission infrastructure to cost-effectively decarbonize the economy, as the most efficient wind and solar resources are often distant from consumption centers. It supports a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) aimed at improving regional planning and cost allocation for transmission projects.

A joint analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Heinrich Boell Foundation examining the discrepancies between the IPCC Working Group III report's consensus and the mitigation pathways presented in its Summary for Policymakers.

This report by RMI examines the environmental implications of the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), arguing that a lack of data transparency regarding the origin and emissions intensity of stored oils hinders climate goals. It highlights a mismatch between the SPR's lighter crudes and the heavy-oil capacity of the refineries that primarily receive them, and calls for the strategic refilling of the SPR with low-emissions intensity oils to reduce greenhouse gas impacts.

This research paper examines the drivers and consequences of the increased issuance of Eurobonds and sovereign credit ratings in Africa. It argues that while Eurobonds were intended to reduce reliance on aid, the dominance of the 'big three' rating agencies—Moody's, Fitch, and Standard & Poor's—has often led to deteriorating credit ratings, higher borrowing costs, and constrained policy space for African governments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research paper examines the relationship between business, human rights, and climate change within the ASEAN region, specifically analyzing the Philippines’ National Inquiry on Climate Change and its implications for regional governance and corporate responsibility.

This briefing by RMI argues that digital traceability tools are essential for managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks in international supply chains, particularly for materials critical to the energy transition. It highlights the need to move beyond greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting to include human rights and environmental impacts, proposing a decentralized digital system to ensure a just and equitable transition.

The 'China Green Finance Policy Analysis Report 2021' examines the evolution of China's green bond market and the impact of national and regional policy frameworks. It highlights a significant market rebound in 2021, the unification of domestic standards through the Green Bond Endorsed Project Catalogue, and a positive correlation between local policy efficacy and green bond issuance. The report identifies challenges in information disclosure and asset selection, recommending the development of transition finance standards and enhanced transparency to attract further international and domestic capital.

This report by the Climate Bonds Initiative and EsgSolution analyzes the state of green finance policy in China in 2021, focusing on the alignment of green bond standards with carbon neutrality goals, the impact of regional policies, and the expectations of market stakeholders.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI/PUC-Rio) argues that Brazilian presidential decrees from February 2022 exacerbate a regulatory gap in the mining sector, allowing gold mining cooperatives to operate as industrial entities while benefiting from lenient regulations intended for vulnerable individual miners. The authors call for the revocation of these decrees to better protect the environment and improve oversight in the Amazon.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes the disparity between large-scale infrastructure projects and local quality-of-life infrastructure in the state of Pará, Brazil. It argues that the prioritization of logistics for commodity exports has neglected basic services such as sanitation, health, and education, particularly in low-density areas and regions surrounding planned major projects.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes the global state of coal-fired power plants as of April 2022. It highlights a stark divergence between the decline of coal in most OECD and non-OECD countries—accelerated by COP26 commitments—and a continued expansion of coal capacity in China. The document examines the impact of international funding withdrawals, the perceived failure of 'clean coal' technologies, and specific national trajectories in major emitters like India, Indonesia, and the United States.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes the global status of coal-fired power plants as of April 2022. It highlights a stark divergence between China, which continues to expand its coal capacity, and the rest of the world, where many countries are committing to 'No New Coal' and accelerating plant closures following COP26.

The report 'YÜKSELIŞ VE ÇÖKÜŞ 2022' provides a comprehensive tracking of global coal-fired power plants as of April 2022. It highlights a contradictory trend: while many countries and G20 nations have committed to ending international public financing for coal and phasing out existing plants following COP 26, China continues to expand its coal capacity. The document details the decline of coal projects in OECD and non-OECD countries (excluding China), the failure of 'clean coal' technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and specific national trajectories for the US, EU, and Turkey.

The April 2022 report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes the global state of coal-fired power plants, highlighting a stark contrast between the rapid decline of new coal proposals in most countries and the continued expansion of coal capacity in China.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and CUTS International, Geneva, analyzes the development-oriented elements of the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD). It examines the challenges of implementing Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) for developing countries, proposals for promoting sustainable investments through Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) and anti-corruption measures, and the potential role of home state measures in facilitating outward foreign direct investment.