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This policy briefing examines the impact of the coal mining boom in Mozambique, specifically in Tete province. It analyzes the role of multinational corporations like Vale, Rio Tinto, and Jindal Steel, the challenges of rapid infrastructure growth, and the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in promoting local development.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the draft South African Defence Review 2012, concluding that it is unrealistic due to a lack of fiscal planning and an overly rigid 30-year vision. The author argues that the draft fails to prioritize short-term operational needs, contradicts its own collaborative security goals by emphasizing autonomous defence, and ignores critical gender mainstreaming requirements.

This policy brief argues for the integration of disaster risk management into national economic and fiscal policies to combat the rising trend of global economic losses from disasters, which are primarily driven by increased human and asset exposure to natural hazards.

This report, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in 2012, synthesizes findings from the IPCC's Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation (SREX) with a specific focus on Asia. It examines the interplay between climate extremes, human vulnerability, and exposure, providing policy recommendations for Asian decision-makers to integrate disaster risk management (DRM) with climate change adaptation and sustainable development.

This policy brief examines Tanzania's efforts to develop a National Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) Strategy. It details the role of a National Taskforce, the impact of a $90 million partnership with Norway, and the challenges of stakeholder engagement and inter-ministerial coordination in preparing for a global REDD+ mechanism.

This policy briefing examines the role of Chinese state-owned and private financial institutions in Mozambique. It highlights the activities of the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank), the China Development Bank (CDB), and the Luso-Chinese fund Geocapital, noting that while these entities possess significant capital and political connections, they have struggled to attract substantial Chinese investment due to poor strategic planning and institutional capacity gaps within Mozambique.

This policy briefing examines the presence and operations of Indian mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically focusing on the copper, cobalt, tin, and tantalum sectors. It highlights the growth of small and medium-sized Indian firms, their reliance on self-funding rather than state or Western capital, and the environmental and political risks they face in the Katanga province.

This policy brief argues that climate change hinders the achievement of development goals by disproportionately affecting the 'climate-vulnerable poor'. It calls for the integration of poverty reduction and adaptation strategies, a stronger evidence base on climate-poverty links, and a cautious approach to mitigation that prioritizes developmental co-benefits.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluates the potential sustainable development benefits of 76 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) bioenergy projects in India, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis finds that benefits vary significantly by project type, with on-farm agricultural residue projects offering the highest potential for rural development, while industrial residue projects provide fewer benefits. The document highlights a lack of verification systems to ensure that claimed benefits are actually delivered.

This document is a policy brief on the energy transition in the European Union (EU), focusing on the role of the EU's 'Fit for 55' package and the 'REPowerEU' plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It discusses the necessity of scaling up renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and diversifying energy sources to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels following the invasion of Ukraine. The brief emphasizes the need for integrated planning, investment in infrastructure, and social safeguards to ensure a 'just transition' for workers and regions affected by the shift away from carbon-intensive industries.

This policy briefing examines the evolving relationship between the United States and Brazil, noting that while the US now recognizes Brazil as a genuine emerging power and a vital player in global politics, translating this awareness into a concrete 'special relationship' is hindered by divergent priorities in security, trade, and regional leadership.

This policy brief examines the potential and limitations of using private sector finance to support climate change adaptation in developing countries. It argues that while private finance has historically focused on mitigation, there is an emerging market for adaptation-specific products like 'climate bonds'. The document highlights that debt is a more versatile instrument than equity for adaptation projects and suggests that public finance is essential to bridge gaps in project visibility and to ensure funds reach the poorest countries, which are often overlooked by private investors.

This 2010 policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines how air pollution, energy production, and pesticide use threaten the ecosystem services necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It argues that the degradation of approximately 60 per cent of examined ecosystem services may prevent the eradication of hunger and poverty, particularly in developing regions.

This policy brief examines the role of green labelling, eco-certification, and fair trade in Namibia, identifying them as both competitive advantages for high-value niche markets and potential barriers to trade due to certification costs.

A policy brief summarizing a rapid trade and environment assessment for Namibia, emphasizing the need for high-value niche sector strategies and cross-sectoral coordination to achieve Vision 2030 goals.

This policy brief from the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the critical role of ecosystem services in buffering human populations against climate change and the risks associated with the loss of ecological resilience. It highlights how environmental degradation, combined with climate stressors, increases human vulnerability—particularly for poor and marginalised groups—and may trigger large-scale forced migration and humanitarian crises.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines technologies and maintenance practices to improve fuel efficiency in passenger vehicles and light trucks, noting a decline in average US fuel economy since 1987.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines strategic options for the International Coffee Organization (ICO) to integrate sustainability into the renegotiation of the International Coffee Agreement (ICA). It proposes enhancing participatory governance, improving market information for differentiated coffees, coordinating technical assistance, and implementing policy measures to internalize the social and environmental costs of production.

The 'Normas del IAI sobre Conflictos de Intereses y Estándares de Conducta Ética' is a policy document adopted by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) to maintain institutional integrity and public trust. It establishes rules for identifying and managing conflicts of interest regarding funding, budgeting, and grant administration, specifically targeting IAI staff, the Executive Council, and advisory committees.

This policy brief by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development examines resource-backed loans (RBLs) and the collateralisation of mineral resources in African countries. It explores how these financial mechanisms can unlock infrastructure funding for resource-rich but capital-poor nations, while warning of significant risks including debt sustainability crises, lack of transparency, and the erosion of competitive public procurement processes.