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Conditions for a resilient recovery in the UK
ClientEarth urges the UK government to mandate that companies receiving public recovery funds commit to TCFD reporting, net zero emissions by 2050, Paris-aligned business plans, linked executive remuneration, and restrictions on executive pay and capital distributions.
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Document type: Statement
Convention on Plastic Pollution
The report argues that existing fragmented governance is insufficient to tackle the transboundary crisis of plastic pollution, which causes an estimated $13 billion in annual environmental damage to marine ecosystems. It proposes a new global Convention structured around four pillars: monitoring and reporting, plastic pollution prevention, coordination with other international instruments, and technical and financial support. Key recommendations include the implementation of national plastic pollution reduction plans, global caps and phase-downs of virgin plastic production, and the establishment of a financial mechanism based on the polluter-pays principle to support developing countries.
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Document type: Report
A FISCAL STIMULUS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The paper contends that South Africa's current policy of austerity is economically destructive and proposes a R1 trillion fiscal stimulus over three years. It argues that the country has the fiscal space for expansion because its debt levels are comparable to emerging market peers and its productive capacity is underutilised. Using input-output modelling, the authors estimate an average fiscal multiplier of 1.68, suggesting that a stimulus of 10% of GDP (approximately R500 billion) could generate over R800 billion in economic expansion and nearly 3.5 million jobs. The proposed stimulus is guided by ten principles, including targeting high-multiplier sectors, reducing inequality, and ensuring environmental sustainability through a 'Green New Deal'. Financing is proposed through progressive taxation, rebuilding the capacity of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), leveraging Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and reforming monetary policy.
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Document type: Research paper
How To Retire Early
The report argues that coal is no longer the cheapest power source and that a significant portion of the global coal fleet is now uncompetitive compared to new renewables with storage. It proposes a three-part approach—refinancing, reinvesting in clean energy, and providing transition financing—to overcome the barrier of legacy contracts and noncompetitive tariffs. The authors suggest that by 2025, 78% of the global coal fleet will be uncompetitive, creating an opportunity for net financial savings of over $107 billion. The report details specific financial instruments, such as ratepayer-backed securitization and carbon bonuses, and provides regional analyses for the US, EU, China, and India.
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Document type: Report
International Response to Pandemics: Is There a Need for a New International Institution?
The author contends that the world's failure to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates a need for a dedicated international organization to treat pandemics as global security problems. This proposed institution would be a public-private enterprise featuring a Scientific Advisory Board, a 24/7 Situation Centre, and Rapid Response Assistance Teams. The author suggests using the Biological Weapons Convention as a legal framework and proposes that a coalition including the European Union, ASEAN, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia could provide the necessary leadership to establish the body.
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Document type: Statement
European recovery bonds and recovery fund: yes, if they are green and work for the most impacted
The document advocates for the issuance of common European debt to fund a sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. It proposes a 'Green Solidarity Fund' that would exclude fossil fuel activities and prioritize environmental protection and social equity. The author argues that a green recovery is only possible if it includes a rapid phase-out of coal, oil, and gas to meet Paris Agreement goals, suggesting that the debt could be reimbursed through a carbon frontier tax or financial transaction taxes.
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Document type: Statement
AN EMERGENCY RESCUE PACKAGE FOR SOUTH AFRICA IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Institute for Economic Justice argues that South Africa's initial R41 billion COVID-19 rescue package is insufficient and proposes a more realistic injection of at least R310 billion, plus R100 billion in short-term financing. The proposal focuses on four main spending areas: health funding (R20 billion), income support (R211.5 billion), wage guarantees (R60 billion), and business support (R150 billion). To fund this, the IEJ suggests a combination of short-term borrowing, utilizing the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) surplus, issuing 'social solidarity bonds', and implementing a solidarity tax on high earners. The plan also includes measures to stabilize the economy, such as managing capital flows and securing US Dollar swap lines.
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Document type: Fact sheet
AN EMERGENCY RESCUE PACKAGE FOR SOUTH AFRICA IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Institute for Economic Justice argues that the South African government's R41 billion rescue package is insufficient to counter a projected GDP fall of 6% to 8%. The brief proposes a total intervention of R411.5 billion, comprising R310 billion for direct economic injection and R100 billion for tax and payment deferrals. Key recommendations include a once-off Universal Basic Income (UBI) of R4,500 for all adults, expanded social grants, and a scaled-up wage support scheme (TERS) to prevent mass unemployment. To stabilize the macroeconomy, the brief suggests the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) continue purchasing bonds, implement capital flow management, and secure dollar swap lines with the US Federal Reserve. Financing options include special COVID-19 bonds, solidarity taxes on high earners, and the deployment of UIF surpluses. The document also advocates for South Africa to lead a G20 coalition to secure better financing terms and debt relief for emerging markets and least developed countries.
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Document type: Policy brief
Greening finance in Russia for a post-COVID future
Alexey Miroshnichenko of VEB.RF outlines the development of a Russian Green Finance Standard designed to mobilize private capital for the state's "Ecology" national project. The standard aims to create a sustainable finance market in Russia by offering incentives such as coupon subsidies and tax breaks, while aligning with international CBI and ICMA criteria to attract foreign investors. Key priorities include waste management, air pollution reduction, and the restoration of ecosystems like Lake Baikal and the Volga.
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Document type: Statement
Letter to Governments of the G20 Nations
The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) and various global leaders call on the G20 to implement urgent health and economic measures to combat COVID-19. The proposal includes committing $8 billion for immediate health gaps, $35 billion for weaker health systems, and significant financial relief for poor countries, including the waiver of $44 billion in debt repayments for Africa. Economic recommendations include an additional $500-$600 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and expanded resources for the World Bank and regional development banks to prevent a global depression.
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Document type: Press release
Support for direct access entities (ES)
The proposal seeks EUR 447,755 over 18 months to help Morocco bridge a significant financing gap for its NDC. The project, implemented by GIZ, focuses on creating a gender-sensitive financing strategy, developing investment plans for two priority sectors, establishing a financial sector coordination mechanism, and building the capacity of regional and municipal actors, including the Fond d’Equipement Communal (FEC), to develop bankable climate projects.
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Document type: Report
Appointments and Removals in Key Criminal Justice System Institutions
The document argues that South Africa's criminal justice system has been eroded by political manipulation and patronage, which has de-professionalised institutions and enabled impunity. It specifically examines the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The author contends that the current legal frameworks grant excessive discretionary power to the President and Ministers, blurring the political-administrative divide. To remedy this, the paper proposes the establishment of independent selection panels to recommend candidates based on objective, transparent criteria and the use of independent boards of enquiry for removals. It emphasizes that these reforms are necessary to restore the legitimacy and impartiality of the state's investigative and prosecutorial mandates.
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Document type: Policy brief
Position Paper on Appointment and Removal in the Public Service and Municipalities
The document proposes a structural shift in South African public personnel practices to insulate the administration from illicit political interference. It argues that while current laws formally exclude political criteria from appointments, in practice, political office-bearers manipulate the system to build patronage networks. To counter this, the paper suggests a four-stage appointment process—process planning, process administration, short listing, and appointment—where independent bodies (such as the Public Service Commission for the public service and new independent personnel committees for municipalities) act as a check on political power. The author advocates for an incremental 'covering in' mechanism to implement these reforms organ-of-state by organ-of-state to manage political resistance.
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Document type: Report
Manufacturing Electric School and Transit Buses: Creating Jobs and Economic Growth
The briefing argues that expanding the U.S. electric bus fleet would create manufacturing jobs, reduce carbon emissions by 7 million tons annually, and improve public health by replacing diesel engines. It proposes utilizing $20 billion in federal grants to replace 60,000 buses—approximately 10% of the national fleet—through existing programs like Clean Cities and the Low and No Emission Vehicle Program.
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Document type: Briefing
Zambia National Adaptation Planning
The proposal seeks $2,184,555 over 36 months to develop a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Zambia. The project aims to strengthen institutional coordination, integrate climate adaptation into national and sub-national planning and budgeting, and prioritize adaptation actions across key sectors. It focuses on moving beyond short-term projects to a long-term strategic framework aligned with Zambia's Vision 2030 and the 7th National Development Plan.
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Document type: Report
Bold action required in South Africa in the face of COVID-19 economic fallout
The Institute for Economic Justice argues that South Africa must implement bold, decisive economic stimulus measures focused on four objectives: supporting households and communities, protecting workers, sustaining businesses, and managing the economy for long-term transformation. The authors advocate for universal income transfers, emergency paid sick pay, conditional business relief, and a 'Green New Deal' to ensure a more equitable and sustainable recovery. They emphasize that financing these measures should avoid austerity-driven reprioritization and instead rely on solidarity taxation and increased borrowing.
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Document type: Research paper
A legal revolution for the rights of nature
The author advocates for a 'legal revolution' to address the climate and environmental crisis by granting legal personhood to species and ecosystems. This approach aims to replace the current system, where nature is treated as an object for exploitation, with a framework that recognizes planetary boundaries and holds corporate executives accountable through the criminalization of ecocide. The text highlights the work of the non-profit Notre Affaire à Tous in mobilizing citizens and pursuing legal action, such as the Affaire du Siècle, to force state accountability.
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Document type: Statement
Leveraging Payments for Ecosystem Services: Poplar River First Nation leads the way with innovative conservation
Poplar River First Nation (PRFN) seeks to implement payments for ecosystem services (PES) to support the conservation of its 862,000-hectare traditional territory, Asatiwisipe Aki. By leveraging nature-based solutions, the community aims to create a forest-based economy that provides climate and biodiversity co-benefits for the community and the province of Manitoba. To facilitate this, the study provides a draft PES agreement based on international frameworks, specifically referencing guidance from the Katoomba Group regarding carbon sequestration, biodiversity habitat, and watershed protection.
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Document type: Report
Renewable Heating Virtual Article 6 Pilot
The NewClimate Institute proposes a virtual Article 6 pilot in Khovd, Mongolia, to replace coal-based district heating with ground source heat pumps (GSHP). The project aims to reduce GHG emissions and air pollution while testing the application of Article 6 carbon market mechanisms, arguing that the project is additional due to high upfront costs and low local technological maturity.
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Document type: Research paper
National framework for leapfrogging to Energy Efficient Appliances and Equipment in Malawi (Refrigerators and Distribution Transformers) through regulatory and financing mechanism
The proposal seeks USD 347,838 over 18 months to develop mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labelling schemes for refrigerators and distribution transformers in Malawi. It aims to reduce electricity losses and GHG emissions by creating a policy roadmap, strengthening institutional capacity, and identifying financing mechanisms to facilitate market transformation toward higher efficiency products.
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Document type: Report