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The report proposes an 'accelerated scenario' for Fort Collins to reach an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, twenty years ahead of its original 2050 target. This path involves reducing building energy use by 31%, achieving a carbon-neutral electricity system, and reducing transportation energy use by 48%. The analysis indicates that while this requires higher upfront capital, it would result in a net present value benefit of $260 million by 2030 and $2.0 billion by 2050 compared to business-as-usual. Key strategies include the deployment of distributed solar PV, increased wind capacity, smart growth urban planning, and the adoption of electric vehicles.

The paper argues that fossil-fuel subsidies in Emerging and Developing Asia, totaling US$104 billion in 2011, represent a significant opportunity to finance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contends that these subsidies are regressive, primarily benefiting wealthier populations while undermining investments in renewable energy and public health. Using case studies from the Philippines and Indonesia, the document demonstrates how transitioning from universal subsidies to targeted social welfare programs and fuel taxation can improve fiscal health and social equity. The author recommends that the SDGs explicitly include a goal to phase out inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies by 2030 to encourage national reforms.

The report analyzes data from 4,293 surveys to determine the economic viability of LDAR programs. It finds that while many individual facilities may face a net cost for a survey, the aggregate effect across a group of facilities is positive due to the high value of repairing major leaks. The study concludes that LDAR using IR cameras is a low-cost abatement method for methane and VOCs, with the most economic strategy being to repair almost all identified leaks.

The document examines the evolution of the EU ETS through its first three phases, focusing on how carbon pricing affects the international competitiveness of energy-intensive industries. It analyzes the phenomenon of 'carbon leakage'—where production relocates to countries with laxer environmental rules—and argues that while this risk exists for specific sectors like steel and cement, it is often mitigated by free allowance allocations and broader economic restructuring trends. The author suggests that for countries like South Korea, the EU experience shows that the risk of leakage is manageable if policy focuses on the most vulnerable sectors and the decarbonization of the energy mix.

The document analyzes Mozambique's foreign policy across three periods: liberation and civil war, post-conflict consolidation, and the current era of attracting foreign direct investment. It highlights how Mozambique's 'pragmatic non-alignment' allowed it to maintain diverse partnerships with Western donors, emerging powers like China and Brazil, and regional partners such as South Africa. While the country is viewed as a post-conflict success story, the paper warns that corruption, inequality, and a lack of domestic accountability threaten long-term stability as the country transitions toward financial independence driven by vast coal and natural gas discoveries.

The report details a multi-stakeholder forum focused on transitioning West Virginia from a coal-dependent economy to a diversified one. It identifies key assets such as natural gas, tourism, and a strong workforce, while highlighting the need for state-level leadership and policies like the proposed West Virginia Future Fund. The document emphasizes the role of innovation, STEM education, and energy efficiency in creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.

The document analyzes green industrial policy—policies supporting industries that produce environmentally preferable goods—within the context of the global trading system. It identifies various market failures, such as environmental externalities and capital market imperfections, that justify government intervention. However, it warns of governance failures, including rent-seeking and the risk of picking unsuccessful 'winners.' The author argues that while traditional industrial policy is often mercantilist, green industrial policy can provide global benefits, potentially justifying special trade rules or exemptions for climate-related measures and least-developed countries.

The author expresses skepticism that current green technologies, such as renewables and electric vehicles, can drive a 'Green Industrial Revolution' (GIR) similar to the steam engine or electricity. While the potential market for energy services is substantial, the author argues that these technologies are unlikely to produce the drastic direct productivity gains (price drops) or the profound indirect economic reorganizations necessary to stimulate a decades-long growth wave. Instead, the author suggests that significant growth would require either hypothetical technological breakthroughs or 'techno-autonomous' reorganizations like the functionality economy.

The document analyzes the evolution of Russia-Angola relations from the Cold War era to 2013, noting a strong political and military bond that has not yet translated into significant bilateral trade. While state-owned enterprises like ALROSA and VTB have found success, Russian SMEs face high barriers to entry in Angola. The authors argue that both nations must institutionalize their cooperation and diversify economic ties beyond hydrocarbons to achieve a fully-fledged strategic partnership.

The authors contend that mandatory minimum building codes are essential for public safety and environmental sustainability. They advocate for a three-year update cycle to keep pace with building science and technology, arguing that current codes—specifically the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—significantly reduce energy waste and operational costs for homeowners. The paper highlights the role of the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in creating consensus-based standards. It also emphasizes that statewide adoption of these codes reduces disaster-related losses and supports the competitiveness of U.S. building suppliers against international competitors, particularly those in Europe.

The report challenges the claims that small modular reactors (SMRs) are inherently safer and more cost-effective than large-scale nuclear plants. It argues that SMRs suffer from negative economies of scale and that vendors are pressuring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to weaken safety, security, and emergency planning standards to make the technology financially viable. The author warns that reducing security staffing or shrinking emergency planning zones could increase public risk, especially in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi accident.

The document updates the 2011 subsidy estimates for EU biofuels, reducing the total estimated support from €9,272–€10,653 million to €5,515–€6,896 million. This correction stems from an overestimation of the volume of biofuels eligible for fuel excise tax exemptions. While budgetary support figures for bioethanol and biodiesel were lowered, other support elements, such as market transfers, remain unchanged. The report also details the calculation methodologies for excise tax exemptions and market price support via blending mandates.

Angola is implementing a tax reform programme to increase non-oil tax revenues to 20% of GDP by 2017, aiming to reduce its acute dependence on oil. The reform includes merging national tax and customs agencies, updating tax codes, and introducing new property and consumption taxes. However, the document highlights significant obstacles, including a narrow tax base, lack of fiscal decentralisation, endemic corruption, and a weak taxpaying culture. While political will exists, the ease of collecting oil revenues may reduce the urgency for the sweeping reforms needed to address persistent underdevelopment and high inequality.

The document examines the SA-EU Strategic Partnership, highlighting the EU's role as South Africa's leading regional trade partner and a major source of foreign direct investment. It contrasts youth unemployment challenges in both the EU and the SADC region, noting South Africa's goal to create 11 million jobs by 2030. The briefing also discusses the impact of migrant labour and remittances from South Africa to other SADC nations, specifically Zimbabwe, and notes a 24% decline in South African FDI from 2011 to 2012.

The document asserts that the United States can save billions of dollars annually by implementing the National Climate Action Plan, noting that the costs of climate inaction—such as extreme weather damages—are already significant. It highlights four key areas for emissions reductions: power plants, energy efficiency, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane, arguing that the resulting public health and economic gains exceed regulatory costs. The text further claims that EPA regulations often cost less than projected and can stimulate industry investment by providing a clear regulatory framework.

The speech emphasizes that climate change is no longer a specialized environmental issue but a cross-sectoral risk affecting national security, health, and infrastructure. It highlights the need to rethink worst-case scenarios as temperature increases may exceed previous estimates, and argues that Canada requires a national adaptation approach to move beyond piecemeal provincial efforts. The author calls for 'climate proofing' infrastructure and using tax policy lessons from the fossil fuel sector to attract private investment into resilience.

EESI advocates for the continued implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), asserting that it is essential for displacing petroleum-based fuels and fostering the growth of advanced and cellulosic biofuels. The document argues that conventional ethanol provides the necessary infrastructure and economic foundation for the emerging cellulosic industry. EESI contends that factors other than the RFS—such as the 2012 Midwest drought, global meat demand, and commodity market speculation—are the primary drivers of corn and soybean price volatility. The organization highlights the RFS's role in rural economic development, job creation, and the reduction of toxic aromatic emissions in urban areas, while supporting the EPA's 2012 decision to deny a waiver request for the standard.

The document examines the evolving relationship between France and Senegal, highlighting a shift from exclusive ties to a more diversified partnership under President Abdoulaye Wade. While France remains the primary economic partner and donor, the paper details periods of diplomatic tension, the reduction of French military presence, and a renewed cordiality following the 2012 elections of Macky Sall and François Hollande.

The research paper investigates whether the South African Customs Union (SACU) is ready to transition from a Common Monetary Area (CMA) to a full monetary union. Using Southern African Development Community (SADC) convergence criteria, the authors find that while there is strong convergence in inflation, national debt, and reserve holdings, significant volatility and lack of discipline in fiscal deficits—particularly in Lesotho and Swaziland—remain a primary hurdle. The study suggests that a monetary union would be beneficial and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) could continue to lead monetary policy, provided fiscal coordination is improved.

The document finds that while trade among BRICS nations has grown, intra-BRICS FDI remains low and lacks strategic policy direction. Most BRICS countries rely on traditional investors from the EU, US, and Japan, though China, India, and Brazil have increased resource-seeking investments in Africa. The briefing recommends collaborative research, comparative studies of investment frameworks, and improved statistics to foster sustainable, development-oriented FDI within the bloc.