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The document argues that while a low-carbon future requires increased mining of specific minerals, South Africa must shift away from coal dependence toward a 'green industrialisation' strategy. It highlights how Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies can make mining less invasive and create new value chains in renewable energy components, while warning that automation and the abandonment of fossil fuels will necessitate large-scale worker reskilling to avoid social upheaval.

The report advocates for "subsidy swaps," where governments redirect financial support from fossil fuels to clean energy (renewables and energy efficiency). It argues that while removing fossil fuel subsidies alone can reduce emissions, swapping those funds into clean energy magnifies long-term climate benefits and supports a "just transition" for workers and communities. The document provides evidence from India, Indonesia, Zambia, and Morocco to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and suggests that governments should focus on large-scale on-grid renewables and leveraging private finance to maximize impact.

The document argues that Indonesia's coal price cap, designed to protect the finances of the state-owned utility PLN, acts as a subsidy that locks out renewable energy. By capping coal prices at USD 70 per tonne, the government reduces operational costs for coal plants, making it difficult for renewables to compete under a pricing system based on average generation costs (BPP). The brief suggests alternative policies, such as windfall taxes on coal or 'polluter pays' principles, to support PLN without disadvantaging clean energy.

The report reviews 819 studies on ecotechnologies for nutrient recovery in the Baltic Sea Region, finding that while energy recovery is mature in wastewater and manure-based systems dominate agriculture, economic viability is heavily dependent on global market prices for phosphate rock and natural gas. It argues that current EU policies remain rooted in linear waste management and calls for harmonized regulations to promote a circular economy for nutrients.

The document analyzes the causes of financial distress in India's coal power sector, noting that approximately 18 per cent of installed capacity is 'stressed'. It identifies current drivers such as coal shortages and the financial instability of energy distribution companies (DISCOMs), while predicting future pressures from water scarcity, air pollution regulations, and the increasing cost-competitiveness of renewables. The author argues that government subsidies and preferential loans artificially mask these market signals. To prevent the burden of asset stranding from falling on the workforce, the brief suggests implementing complementary policies including general employment schemes, targeted social protection, and specific financing mechanisms.

The report argues that shifting subsidies from kerosene to off-grid solar is economically viable and socially beneficial for India's rural poor. It details three primary subsidy pathways—targeting households, manufacturers, or financial institutions—and provides a framework for administration, funding, and beneficiary targeting to achieve '24x7 Power for All'.

The document examines the crisis of 'stressed' coal power assets in India, where approximately 21% of operational capacity was identified as non-performing in 2018. It identifies current drivers of stranding, such as the financial distress of distribution companies (DISCOMs) and coal shortages, alongside future risks including water scarcity, air pollution regulations, and the increasing cost-competitiveness of renewable energy. The authors argue that government subsidies and preferential financing have artificially dampened market signals, prolonging the life of unviable assets. Finally, the brief advocates for a 'just transition' framework to prevent the burden of asset stranding from falling on the millions of workers in the coal value chain, particularly in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

RMI research indicates that clean energy portfolios are now cost-competitive with new natural gas power plants. Consequently, over $70 billion in planned gas-fired power plant construction and $30 billion in new interstate pipelines face significant stranded cost risks, as these assets may become uneconomic by 2035 and lead to increased gas delivery costs.

The document estimates that failing to meet 2030 transport sector emission targets could cost Germany between 3 and 36 billion euros, primarily through the purchase of emission rights from other EU member states.

The document details the economic and environmental impact of transitioning to clean transportation in Rhode Island. It estimates that a total investment of nearly $14 billion by 2050 will yield nearly $19 billion in returns, resulting in a cumulative net benefit of over $5 billion. Key drivers of this transition include vehicle electrification, improved fuel efficiency, and low-carbon fuels, which together are projected to avoid 38.7 million metric tons of CO2 and reduce fossil-based liquid fuel use by 4 billion gallons by 2050.

The review concludes that the Eskom report significantly underestimates the health impacts and economic benefits of pollution abatement due to flawed modelling, incorrect response function selection, and an inappropriately high discount rate. The reviewers estimate that the benefits of action would exceed costs by a factor of 5 or more, which would reverse the original conclusions of the Eskom CBA.

The document examines the link between community land tenure and global sustainability goals, highlighting that while indigenous and rural communities manage over 50% of the world's land, only 10% is legally recognized. It presents evidence that secure tenure reduces deforestation and carbon emissions more cheaply than technological carbon capture. The author calls for legal reforms, simplified formalization procedures, and a more equitable playing field between communities and corporations to protect these critical carbon sinks and support rural livelihoods.

Climate Central's analysis of U.S. weather data from 1970 to 2018 reveals a broad warming trend, with 91% of assessed stations seeing winter temperatures rise by at least 1°F. This warming threatens the winter sports economy, which supported over 191,000 jobs and contributed $11.3 billion to the national economy in the 2015-16 season. The report highlights a decline in below-freezing days and divergent snowfall trends, with significant decreases in the Western U.S. and increases in the Great Lakes region. Future projections suggest that unchecked emissions could rob states like Colorado of more than a month of below-freezing days by midcentury.

The document examines the persistent instability in Lesotho, focusing on the politicisation of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), the failure of frequent elections to provide legitimacy, and a small economy heavily reliant on government spending. It argues that while security sector reform and electoral changes are necessary, long-term stability requires diversifying the economy and improving the relationship with South Africa to reduce the competition for state resources.

The report examines South Africa's nascent electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting a strong existing automotive manufacturing base that could be leveraged for EV production. While global EV sales are growing exponentially, South Africa faces significant barriers including high import duties, lack of policy certainty, and a lack of affordable products for the middle class. Key opportunities are identified in electric bus manufacturing, lithium-ion battery production, and passenger vehicle exports. The document also details the role of the Western Cape as a greentech hub and outlines the transition from the Automotive Production & Development Programme (APDP) to the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2021-2035.

The report examines the South African utility-scale renewable energy market, focusing on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and the 2018 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). It highlights the transition from a coal-dominated energy mix toward wind and solar, detailing the economic impact of the REIPPPP, emerging opportunities in municipal procurement and project refinancing, and the role of the Western Cape as a greentech hub.

The report highlights the role of water scarcity and climate change as primary drivers for the adoption of agricultural technology (agtech) in South Africa. It identifies significant growth opportunities in precision agriculture, undercover farming, renewable energy, and conservation agriculture, particularly within the Western Cape's high-value export crop sector. The document also outlines the regulatory landscape, including water restrictions, carbon tax, and land reform policies, while providing a directory of green finance resources.

The South African waste sector is transitioning toward a resource-efficient economy driven by legislative changes and increasing landfill costs. While disposal remains dominant—with 90% of waste landfilled according to 2011 data—significant opportunities exist in the Western Cape for the beneficiation of organics, e-waste, plastics, and builder's rubble. The report highlights the City of Cape Town as a primary hub for these opportunities due to its high waste generation and the highest landfill gate fees in the country. Key drivers include the implementation of Industry Waste Management Plans (IndWMPs) and provincial organic waste diversion targets, while barriers include low household separation rates and the high cost of hazardous waste licensing.

The document examines the discovery of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean and the subsequent formation of political alliances between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt. It evaluates three primary monetisation strategies: the East Med pipeline to Europe, a pipeline to Turkey, and a triangular strategy using Egypt as a gas hub. The author argues that while these projects are politically desirable for regional security and EU diversification, they face severe technical, financial, and geopolitical obstacles—including high construction costs, seismic risks, and volatile global gas prices—that may render them commercially unviable.

The Global Commission on Adaptation's report, 'Adapt Now', presents climate adaptation as a human, environmental, and economic imperative. It argues that current responses are insufficient and calls for a 'triple dividend' approach—avoiding losses, gaining economic productivity, and securing social-environmental benefits. The report details specific strategies for food security, natural environments, water management, urban areas, infrastructure, and disaster risk management, while proposing a 15-month 'Year of Action' to jump-start these transitions through eight dedicated Action Tracks.