Search Climate Insights Directory
1,026 results
SANITATION, WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The report advocates for a paradigm shift in sanitation and wastewater management, moving from a disposal-centric model to a circular economy approach that recovers water, nutrients, and energy. It details the technical, institutional, and financial frameworks necessary to implement sustainable systems that protect human health and the environment while providing economic benefits.
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Document type: Report
COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth
The author asserts that the Paris agreement's success is rooted in the collapsing cost gap between clean and fossil energy and the increasing profitability of low-carbon investments. The text highlights that private sector investment is driving climate finance, which grew 18% to $391 billion in the previous year. Specific examples are provided of economic opportunities in the U.S., Europe, India, China, Indonesia, and Brazil, suggesting that the transition to low-carbon energy and sustainable agriculture can unlock trillions in economic value.
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Document type: Statement
Economic Implications of Climate Change Adaptations on Mine Access Roads in Northern Canada
The document assesses the economic implications of climate change on the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road, a mine access road in Northern Canada constructed primarily over frozen lakes. It utilizes a specific analysis framework developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to examine vulnerabilities, costs, and benefits.
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Document type: Research paper
CHINA–AFRICA CO-OPERATION BEYOND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES: THE CASE OF CHINESE AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE IN WEST AFRICA
The document examines China's shift from extractive industries toward diversified economic co-operation in West Africa, specifically in agriculture. It contrasts Chinese assistance with Western aid, highlighting a 'win-win' South-South model based on China's own domestic agricultural success. While traditionally focused on technical assistance and food crops, recent trends show an increase in state-owned enterprise (SOE) involvement in cash crops and biofuels. The authors recommend that China focus on equitable investments and that West African governments encourage agro-industrial upgrading to add value to the regional agro-business chain.
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Document type: Policy brief
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The report estimates that the cost of inaction regarding climate change in Uganda's agriculture, water, energy, and infrastructure sectors will range between US$273 billion and US$437 billion from 2010 to 2050. These costs are estimated to be 24-46 times greater than the proposed adaptation budget. The study identifies water and energy as the sectors with the highest costs of inaction, while infrastructure is expected to require the most adaptation investment in the long term. Key recommendations include prioritizing the government's Costed Implementation Strategy and mainstreaming climate adaptation into national and district development plans.
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Document type: Report
Economic assessment of the impacts of climate change in Uganda: Key results
The report argues that the cost of inaction regarding climate change in Uganda is significantly higher than the cost of adaptation, estimating annual losses between US$3.1 bn and 5.9 bn by 2025 compared to an adaptation cost of US$406 m over five years. It identifies critical vulnerabilities in water availability, agricultural exports (particularly coffee), biomass energy supply, and infrastructure resilience, while highlighting that many proposed adaptation measures are 'no regrets' investments that provide immediate development benefits.
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Document type: Executive summary
Central Kalimantan’s Oil Palm Value Chain: Opportunities for Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability Gains
The document analyzes the economic value and operational gaps in Central Kalimantan's oil palm sector, highlighting significant under-utilization of midstream mill capacity and limited downstream refining. It identifies a wide range of business models, from smallholder farmers to fully integrated multinationals, and argues that integrated models are better equipped to manage financial, production, and market risks. The authors recommend a 'landscape management approach' via the PALM Program to transition the sector toward sustainable, high-productivity practices without further deforestation.
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Document type: Research paper
Factory Southern Africa? SACU in Global Value Chains Summary Report
The report analyzes the integration of SACU countries—Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland—into global and regional value chains. It finds that while the region is generally at the margins of GVCs, there are significant opportunities in the automotive and apparel sectors. The authors argue that South Africa can serve as a 'gateway' for the region, linking smaller member states to global networks through advanced services and infrastructure. Key barriers identified include geographical remoteness, small market scale, restrictive trade policies (particularly in agribusiness), and gaps in technical skills. The report concludes that GVC participation positively correlates with labor productivity, especially through backward linkages (imported inputs), and suggests a policy framework focused on economic densification, skills upgrading, and open regionalism.
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Document type: Report
3 Steps Virginia Can Take to Meet—and Then Exceed—its Clean Power Plan Targets
Virginia is required by the U.S. Clean Power Plan to reduce power sector emissions by 23 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. The document argues that by improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy use to meet voluntary goals, and maximizing the output of existing natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants, the state could reduce emissions by up to 43 percent by 2030. These actions are presented as cost-effective measures that could increase GDP, provide billions in net benefits, and generate revenue through the sale of unused emissions allowances.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The report finds that malaria cases in Tororo and Kabale are projected to more than double by 2050, driven primarily by population growth and secondarily by rising temperatures. Economic costs are expected to at least double, with Tororo's annual costs potentially rising to between US$20.1 million and US$560.5 million, and Kabale's to between US$1.55 million and US$41.7 million. While the evidence base for climate-malaria linkages in Uganda is limited, the study suggests that temperature increases will be particularly significant in the highland region of Kabale. Recommended adaptation strategies include strengthening disease surveillance, improving drainage in infrastructure projects, and continuing the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), both of which are identified as cost-effective interventions.
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Document type: Case study
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The report examines climate variability and projections for Kampala, finding that while annual rainfall has remained stable, temperatures rose by approximately 1ºC between 1979 and 2005. Future projections suggest temperature increases of 1.5ºC (RCP 4.5) to 3ºC (RCP 8.5) by 2095. The study highlights that flooding is the most significant climate impact, exacerbated by the encroachment of human settlements into wetlands and poor urban drainage. Economic estimates indicate that annual flood damages could rise from US$1.3–7.3 million in 2013 to US$33.2–101.7 million by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario. The cost of climate-proofing buildings and roads between 2015 and 2050 is estimated at US$3.2 billion (RCP 4.5) to US$3.7 billion (RCP 8.5), with residential buildings accounting for 72% of these costs. A cost-benefit analysis of drainage improvements in four catchments showed mixed results, with only two projects yielding a positive net present value. The report recommends revising building codes and the Kampala Physical Development Plan, strengthening the enforcement of Environmental Impact Assessments to protect wetlands, and integrating informality into climate resilience strategies.
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Document type: Case study
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The report examines climate change impacts in the Karamoja region of Uganda through case studies of three villages: Oryeotyene North ward (agricultural zone), Nakayot (agro-pastoralist zone), and Lopedot (pastoral zone). It finds that recent droughts and floods have caused production losses of 50% to 100% for many households, with the 2014 drought being particularly severe. The study estimates that without adaptation, future extreme events could lead to significant losses in crop and livestock value by 2050, while long-term temperature and rainfall trends may reduce yields for maize and beans. Livestock is identified as providing greater resilience than crops, as animals can be moved to other regions during crises. Recommended adaptation priorities include improving water availability, capacity building, and crop diversification.
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Document type: Case study
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The study examines the vulnerability of Arabica coffee in Bududa, Uganda, to climate variability and projected climate change. It finds that yields have declined due to poor management and extreme weather, including droughts and landslides. The report argues that transitioning from 'Business as Usual' (BAU) to Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)—defined here as planting shade trees, mulching, and trench construction—significantly improves the internal rate of return (IRR) for farmers, even under future climate scenarios. While costly, the study concludes that a combined programme of CSA and institutional support is economically justified, with a projected IRR of around 36%.
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Document type: Case study
Economic Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change in Uganda
The report assesses climate change risks for the Mpanga River catchment, focusing on the AEMS-Mpanga hydroelectric plant and water supply for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. It finds that energy production is more vulnerable than water supply, with potential annual welfare costs from electricity shortages reaching US$98 million by 2035-2040. While water shortages in the Rushango area could cause annual losses up to US$188,000, the energy sector's losses dominate. Adaptation measures, such as improved water resource regulation and catchment protection, are deemed cost-effective, requiring only marginal reductions in losses to yield positive returns. However, implementation is hindered by funding gaps, lack of political will, and poor river flow data.
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Document type: Case study
THE PEARL DISTRICT AN URBAN DEVELOPMENT CASE STUDY OF THE PEARL DISTRICT AND BREWERY BLOCKS IN PORTLAND, OREGON
The document analyzes the transformation of Portland's Pearl District from a deindustrialized warehouse area into a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood. It highlights the synergy between transit-oriented development, historic preservation, and innovative financing mechanisms like Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The Brewery Blocks are presented as a premier example of sustainable design, featuring LEED-certified buildings and a district cooling system. The report concludes that prioritizing livability, human capital, and stakeholder collaboration is essential for sustainable urban growth.
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Document type: Case study
Supply-side climate policy: the road less taken
The research paper argues that climate policy has historically over-emphasized demand-side measures, such as carbon pricing and energy efficiency, while neglecting the supply side of the fossil fuel economy. The authors identify three primary barriers to supply-side action: political opposition from powerful fossil fuel interests, territorial GHG accounting rules that under-credit supply-side reductions, and a common perception that restricting production merely causes 'leakage' to other regions. The paper proposes a typology of supply-side policies, including producer subsidy reform, conservation payments for leaving reserves undeveloped, and ring-fenced cap-and-trade systems for production rights. It suggests that integrating supply-side measures can widen the mitigation cost curve, reducing the cost of achieving emission targets and mitigating 'carbon lock-in' and 'stranded-asset' risks. The authors highlight the case of Norway, where a combined supply-demand strategy could potentially achieve global emission reductions at one-third the cost of a demand-only approach.
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Document type: Research paper
Harvesting the Economic and Climate Benefits of Clean Fuels
The document outlines the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning Oregon's transportation sector from petroleum to clean fuels, specifically electricity and biofuels. It highlights the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) and the state's potential to produce advanced biofuels from waste, residues, and energy crops. Central to this transition is the Clean Fuels Program, which aims for a 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions per unit of fuel by 2025 and aligns with regional policies in California and British Columbia to create a larger market for low-carbon alternatives.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Iran’s Invisible Opportunity for Energy and Security
The report posits that Iran's nuclear power program is economically unviable and creates security ambiguities that could be resolved by shifting toward energy efficiency and renewables. It suggests that international cooperation in these sectors would align with Iran's economic interests, reduce the domestic case for nuclear power, and potentially halt a regional nuclear arms race. The author highlights Iran's significant wind and solar potential and compares this transition to experiences in Argentina and Brazil.
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Document type: Report
Rooftop solar panels: benefits, costs, and smart policies
Rooftop solar in the United States experienced rapid growth between 2008 and 2014, driven by a 45% decrease in household system prices from 2010 to 2014 and the rise of third-party ownership models. The technology provides significant environmental benefits, including zero carbon emissions and minimal water use during electricity generation, while supporting a domestic industry that employed over 170,000 people by 2014. Growth is further sustained by federal and state policies such as net metering, feed-in tariffs, and a 30% federal investment tax credit.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Exploring the economic case for climate action in cities
The analysis of five cities indicates a strong economic case for investing in cost-effective low-carbon measures, which could reduce urban emissions by 15–24% over 10 years with an average payback period of approximately 2 years. While these investments offer significant savings relative to city GDP, the authors warn that population and economic growth in rapidly growing cities could offset these carbon savings in as little as 7 years.
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Document type: Research paper