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Carbon Market Watch (CMW) assessed several market-based proposals for international shipping decarbonization, scoring them based on alignment with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal, emission reductions, and equity. The analysis highlights that while the IMO's 2023 strategy aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, current measures are insufficient. CMW identifies the proposal by Canada as the strongest (Score A+), citing its high carbon levy of 150 $/tCO2e, while criticizing the Bahamas et al. proposal (Score C) for its reliance on a flexibility compliance mechanism that disincentivizes decarbonization.

The report examines border carbon adjustments (BCAs) as a tool to prevent carbon leakage, synthesizing views from stakeholders in five countries. It analyzes the risks of carbon leakage—specifically in Canada's heavy industry—and evaluates the design of the EU and UK CBAMs. Key discussions include the challenges of product-level emissions measurement, the need for revenue to support decarbonization in developing nations, and the potential for domestic carbon pricing as a strategic response to foreign BCAs.

Reclaim Finance analyzes 243 sectoral targets from 30 global banks, concluding that most are ineffective due to flawed methodologies, partial coverage, and a lack of transparency. The report specifically criticizes the use of PCAF attribution factors, which can make emissions appear to drop even if real-world emissions remain flat. It recommends shifting toward targets based on financing volumes for fossil fuels, absolute sectoral portfolio emissions, and physical intensity for industrial sectors to drive genuine decarbonization.

The document uses EnergyScope modeling to evaluate how four Latin American countries can align with COP 28 global energy targets. It concludes that a literal tripling of capacity is not necessary for all countries to meet projected demand and that combining renewable expansion with doubled energy efficiency can reduce the required installed capacity.

The report analyzes four Latin American countries, finding that while a literal tripling of renewable capacity is unfeasible or unnecessary for Brazil, Chile, and Colombia due to their existing high renewable shares, it could meet Argentina's demand but remains practically unattainable. It proposes 'sustainable progression' scenarios that balance demand with renewable growth and energy efficiency, highlighting the roles of solar, wind, and bioenergy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The study analyzes climate change perceptions among Facebook users globally, dividing countries into high and low income/emission groups. It finds that while a high proportion of both men and women in low-income/emission countries are 'Alarmed' about climate change, a significant gender gap exists in high-income/emission countries, where women are more likely to be Alarmed and less likely to be Doubtful or Dismissive than men. Knowledge levels are generally lower in low-income/emission regions, and a global gap persists in understanding the human cause of climate change, though most respondents agree climate change is happening after receiving a brief description.

The report analyzes national MEL systems for climate adaptation in nine countries, noting progress since 2014 in integrating MEL into national adaptation plans (NAPs). While monitoring and reporting are common, evaluation and learning activities are less prominent. The study finds that the systematic integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) is insufficient, though Kenya and Vietnam provide examples of specific GESI indicators. It also emphasizes the link between national systems and global UNFCCC processes, such as the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience.

The paper analyzes e-government in Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles, and Tunisia, arguing that a modular approach focusing on user experience can bypass the slow progress of traditional 'whole-of-government' strategies.

China currently leads the global race in cleantech innovation, manufacturing, and electrification, though the United States and Europe are increasing investments to catch up.

The report analyzes MEL systems for climate change adaptation in Canada, France, Kenya, Namibia, Peru, Somalia, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. It finds that while all nine countries have initiated MEL efforts, most focus on monitoring and progress reporting, with evaluation and learning remaining less developed. The study emphasizes that MEL systems are iterative, context-specific processes rather than one-size-fits-all blueprints, and highlights a significant increase in the integration of MEL frameworks into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) over the last decade.

The report assesses the transition plans of Enel, ENGIE, EPH, Iberdrola, and Statkraft, finding that none have committed to phasing out fossil gas by 2035 as recommended by the IEA. While Iberdrola and Statkraft demonstrate better practices in transitioning to sustainable power systems, Enel, ENGIE, and EPH continue to develop fossil gas-fired plants and lack coal phase-out plans based on absolute closures.

The report argues that a proposed shift toward unverified company-led emissions reporting (Method 2) in Australian open-cut coal mines allows operators to significantly understate their climate impact. By analyzing eight operating and two proposed mines, Ember finds that some company-led estimates are up to 135 times lower than state-based averages, leading to the 'erasure' of millions of tonnes of CO2-e from national inventories. The document criticizes the Australian government for proposing to expand this self-reporting regime without implementing the Climate Change Authority's recommendations for mandatory top-down verification and increased transparency.

The briefing argues that Ukraine's reconstruction presents a 'build back better' opportunity to create a climate-resilient and inclusive society. It specifically advocates for the pragmatic implementation of energy-efficiency measures in residential buildings, suggesting that Ukraine avoid the planning inefficiencies seen in Bosnia and the scaling failures experienced in Croatia's post-earthquake recovery.

The report quantifies the massive energy and financial waste inherent in the fossil fuel system, noting that nearly two-thirds of primary energy is lost before providing useful services. It identifies fossil thermal power plants and internal combustion engines as the primary drivers of this waste and posits that the transition to renewables, localization, and electrification will undercut fossil fuels through superior efficiency and lower lifetime costs.

The report finds that most voluntary carbon market standards have inadequate or non-existent grievance mechanisms, leaving local communities vulnerable. While Gold Standard and the Green Climate Fund's Independent Redress Mechanism are identified as best practices, others like the Global Carbon Council lack any mechanism, and standards such as Verra, CAR, ACR, and ART suffer from shortcomings in accessibility, transparency, and independence.

The report evaluates the transition plans of Enel, ENGIE, EPH, Iberdrola, and Statkraft, finding that none have committed to phasing out fossil gas power in Europe or the OECD by 2035. While Iberdrola and Statkraft are highlighted as following better practices by focusing on sustainable power solutions, EPH is identified as an industry laggard with a strategy heavily reliant on coal and gas. Enel and ENGIE are described as having conflicting strategies that combine renewable growth with continued fossil gas development and reliance on immature technologies like hydrogen and CCUS. The analysis emphasizes that current CAPEX allocations for several utilities remain too high for fossil fuels to meet the IEA's Net-zero Emissions by 2050 scenario.

The document explores the application of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JET-P) in Colombia, analyzing international experiences from South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal. It identifies a significant financing gap, noting that public investment currently represents only 0.01% of required resources. The brief proposes a country platform to attract international public and private capital, while emphasizing the need for grants over loans to avoid increasing public debt. It prioritizes strategic projects such as energy communities and the phase-out of coal plants, while arguing against financing fossil fuel infrastructure or inefficient subsidies.

The document analyzes environmental mobilization in the Balkans, specifically focusing on the protection of the Vjosa River in Albania and the Jadar Valley in Serbia. It compares the grassroots, campaign-led approach in Albania, which led to the creation of a national park, with the mass protests and political integration seen in Serbia, which forced the withdrawal of mining permits. The text also highlights the European Union's inconsistent support, noting its strong backing for river conservation versus its more cautious approach to lithium mining due to the EU's energy transition needs.

The report compares a 'base case' trajectory for the Democratic Republic of Congo with several sectoral scenarios and a combined 'Agenda 2063' scenario. It finds that while the combined scenario significantly boosts GDP and reduces extreme poverty and inequality, it also leads to higher carbon emissions. Industrialization and manufacturing are identified as the most impactful drivers for long-term GDP per capita growth, while agriculture provides the strongest short-to-medium term gains. The report emphasizes the need for a green energy transition to mitigate the environmental costs of this economic growth.

In 2023, solar and wind power continued to grow, with solar producing a record 5.5% of global electricity and wind reaching 7.8%. China was the primary driver for both, accounting for 51% of solar growth and 60% of wind additions. Conversely, coal generation reached a record high of 10,434 TWh (35% of the global mix), largely due to droughts in China reducing hydropower output, which fell by a record 88 TWh. Fossil gas remained the second-largest source at 23%, with growth driven by the US. Nuclear generation saw a slight rebound to 9.1% of the mix, while bioenergy reached a record 697 TWh (2.4%). The report notes that while solar and wind are on a positive trajectory, coal and gas must decline sharply, and nuclear and hydro must accelerate growth to meet IEA Net Zero Emissions targets by 2030.