Search Climate Insights Directory

Signatory companies call on G20 leaders to lead the global climate fight by aligning national contributions with a 50% emissions reduction by 2030, ending coal power financing, and reforming public finance to support a nature-positive economy.

California is projected to fall 125 million metric tons of CO2 short of its 2045 targets, necessitating the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to address hard-to-abate industrial emissions and achieve net-negative emissions. The state possesses vast geologic storage potential, particularly in Central Valley saline aquifers, estimated at 30-417 gigatonnes of CO2. Beyond emissions, these technologies are presented as means to improve air quality by reducing sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, and to support workforce stability during the clean energy transition.

The policy brief proposes that Indonesia adopt a coal tax of IDR 78,700 (USD 5.50) per tonne, similar to India's model, to address the fact that coal accounts for 40% of the country's energy-related emissions. Such a tax would generate approximately IDR 49 trillion (USD 3.6 billion) annually, which could fund clean energy investments and support vulnerable households and coal workers. The author emphasizes that this is a simpler, faster alternative to complex carbon pricing systems and would help mitigate the 7,480 premature deaths caused annually by air pollution from coal-fired power stations.

ClientEarth US argues that climate change poses significant financial risks to corporations and the US economic system, necessitating bold SEC action to mandate adequate disclosures. In response to the SEC's March 15, 2021 Request for Public Input, the organization proposes seven recommendations intended to improve information quality for investors, promote international reporting consistency, and ensure that new rules are enforceable through regulatory proceedings and private litigation.

The author advocates for a permanent U.S. strategy of vaccine diplomacy, combining ambitious targets for rapid vaccine development and manufacturing with the diplomatic infrastructure needed for global distribution. The text suggests that maintaining 'warm' infrastructure through annual exercises and supporting organizations like Gavi can prevent future outbreaks from reaching pandemic scale and protect U.S. interests by limiting the emergence of dangerous mutations.

The document argues that Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by climate hazards, pollution, and economic disparities. It calls for a national Clean Energy Standard by 2035, the electrification of public transit and school buses, and the remediation of abandoned oil and gas wells. The authors demand that at least 40% of infrastructure investments be directed toward disadvantaged communities and call for the Department of Labor to establish heat illness standards to protect outdoor workers, particularly farmworkers.

The Canadian Climate Institute outlines nine recommendations for the federal government to enhance its climate strategy. These include integrating climate resilience into government cost-benefit analyses, improving climate risk data dissemination, prioritizing 'sure-bet' solutions like energy efficiency, and implementing a national sales quota for zero-emission vehicles. The document also advocates for targeted support for clean-tech industries, regional transition strategies for workers, and mandatory climate risk disclosures for public and private entities to ensure Canada remains competitive in a global low-carbon economy.

Ember argues that the EU should lead by example in reducing coal mine methane (CMM) emissions, proposing a differentiated approach to state aid based on the type of methane project. The organization opposes state aid for 'Drained CMM' from active mines to avoid extending mine lifetimes, but supports aid for Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) destruction and Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM) capture, provided strict safeguards are in place to ensure these measures do not increase coal production or profitability.

ClientEarth argues that the FCA's proposed disclosure requirements in CP21/17 and CP21/18 are insufficient to provide the granularity needed for informed investment decisions. The briefing recommends mandatory disclosures, the inclusion of Scope 3 emissions, and the alignment of financial accounts with the Paris Agreement and the UK's net-zero target. It specifically calls for expanding the scope of regulated firms and listed entities subject to these rules and introducing robust enforcement to prevent greenwashing.

A joint statement by five NGOs urging the UK Government to set 2022 fishing opportunities below scientific advice to combat overfishing and enhance marine ecosystem resilience.

The briefing proposes a coal tax for Indonesia to address the environmental and health costs of coal, which accounts for 40% of the energy sector's carbon emissions. Drawing on India's experience with a coal 'cess', the authors suggest a tax of IDR 78,700 (USD 5.50) per tonne, which could generate IDR 49 trillion (USD 3.6 billion) annually. This revenue could fund a just transition, compensate vulnerable households for rising electricity prices, and incentivize clean energy investment. The document notes that while Indonesia is considering an emissions trading scheme (ETS) and a carbon tax, these take longer to implement, making a targeted coal tax a more immediate and administratively simpler solution.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) advocates for federal action to stop the premature closure of U.S. nuclear plants, which provide over half of the country's clean electricity. Since 2012, nine reactors (over 6 GW) have retired early due to market conditions and low natural gas and renewable prices, leading to increased regional emissions. CATF supports legislative options like the Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit Act of 2021 and the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act (ANIA), provided they include 'guardrails' such as financial stress tests and reverse auctions to ensure support is limited to truly at-risk units.

The testimony advocates for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a vital tool for Pennsylvania to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It identifies Western Pennsylvania as the most geologically favorable region for CO2 storage, estimating a potential capacity of 75.6 gigatonnes in deep saline formations, though it notes this figure may be overly optimistic. The author suggests that initial CCS projects should target 15 identified steel, cement, and power plants in the west to minimize transport costs, proposing a 'hub' model to achieve economies of scale. The testimony also highlights the potential for Pennsylvania to use its natural gas resources to produce clean hydrogen via reforming with CCS. To enable this transition, the author calls for federal policy support, specifically the enhancement of 45Q tax credits to $85 per metric ton and the passage of the SCALE Act, as well as the adoption of a state-level Clean Energy Standard.

The document emphasizes that climate resilience in India's power sector is essential for sustainable development and economic growth. It recommends moving beyond disaster response toward adaptive planning and technical upgrades, such as energy storage and grid hardening, supported by innovative financing from financial institutions.

The document argues that while the European Central Bank's (ECB) revised monetary strategy acknowledges climate threats, its concrete actions and implementation timeline are insufficient. Reclaim Finance, Greenpeace, 350.org, and Koala Kollektiv recommend that the ECB immediately stop supporting companies incompatible with EU greenhouse gas reduction goals, specifically by excluding fossil fuel project developers from asset purchases and the collateral framework, and accelerate its implementation schedule to address climate risks.

The document advocates for a multifaceted approach to plastic pollution that combines a circular economy with the use of renewable, plant-based feedstocks to replace virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels. It emphasizes that because infinite recycling is impossible, some virgin plastic remains necessary for health and safety standards. To prevent new environmental issues, the Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance (BFA) urges policymakers to implement sustainability metrics—covering carbon emissions, water use, and impacts on wildlife and communities—to ensure plant-based plastics are responsibly sourced and managed.

The document warns that African oil and gas producing countries risk committing public funds to stranded assets by basing investment decisions on current price trends rather than energy transition scenarios. It highlights the vulnerability of National Oil Companies (NOCs) and the potential for revenue overestimation, specifically citing risks in countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Senegal. The author advocates for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to mandate the disclosure of project viability data and for governments to diversify their economies.

The document examines the potential for Indonesian subnational governments to issue green bonds to meet the national target of 23% renewable energy by 2025. While some provincial governments in Java are eligible based on Ministry of Finance criteria, issuance is hindered by complex bureaucratic procedures, a lack of profitable project pipelines, and investor preference for high credit ratings over 'green' labels. The authors recommend simplifying issuance requirements, implementing clearer central government policies on renewable energy tariffs and tax incentives, and targeting quasi-government institutions as initial investors.

The document advocates for a comprehensive EU directive on corporate due diligence to prevent environmental harm. It argues against size-based thresholds for companies, citing the seafood and timber industries as examples where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can cause significant damage. It emphasizes the necessity of a 'life cycle' approach to value chains, particularly for fossil fuels (addressing Scope 3 emissions and methane leakage) and plastics (addressing pellet pollution). Finally, it calls for mandatory, detailed public reporting to ensure corporate accountability, using the automotive sector's emissions and battery supply chains as a case for transparency.

Carbon Market Watch argues that environmental integrity under Article 6 requires the mandatory application of corresponding adjustments to all mitigation activities to prevent double counting. The briefing strongly opposes the carry-over of pre-2020 Kyoto Protocol units, asserting they would flood the market with up to 4 billion "junk credits" and increase global emissions. Additionally, it advocates for a share of proceeds (SOP) for adaptation that combines monetary and in-kind contributions, recommending that this levy apply to both Article 6.2 and 6.4 mechanisms to ensure stable finance for developing countries.