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The document argues that while climate change does not cause hurricanes, it fuels stronger North Atlantic storms and increases their damage through sea level rise and heavier rainfall. It highlights specific risks to US military installations, power grids, and historic sites, while noting that low-income and minority communities face disproportionate hazards and recovery challenges.

Loans4SME is a proposed technology-driven peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform designed to bridge the USD 44 billion debt financing gap for Indian SMEs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. By connecting borrowers directly with high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, the platform aims to bypass traditional banking barriers such as stringent collateral requirements and slow sanction times. The instrument features a proprietary credit scoring algorithm that incorporates forward-looking financials and alternative data, which the report claims is more robust than traditional bank models. The analysis estimates that a 5% market share could mobilize USD 2.2 billion in private capital and add 800 MW of solar rooftop capacity by 2022. While deemed highly actionable with a feasibility score of 2.67/3, the report identifies regulatory uncertainty as a high-risk challenge since P2P lending remained unregulated in India at the time of publication.

The document analyzes the implementation and impact of FinScope, a nationally representative survey in South Africa designed to make financial markets work for the poor. It details how the survey moved from a 2002 pilot to a sustainable, syndicate-funded model that provided essential data for the South Africa Financial Sector Charter. The study highlights a significant increase in financial inclusion from 61% to 86% between 2004 and 2014, though it notes the difficulty of attributing this change solely to the survey. It also discusses the replication of the FinScope model in 23 other countries and the emergence of similar tools like the World Bank's Global FinDex.

The WWF-Mondi Wetlands Programme (WWF-MWP), established in 1991, has spent 25 years catalysing wetland conservation in South Africa. The programme evolved from a local project in KwaZulu-Natal to a national initiative, and eventually part of a global partnership between WWF and Mondi. Key achievements include the development of a scientifically defensible wetland delineation method adopted by the forestry industry and government, the creation of the SUSFARMS® sustainable sugarcane management system, and the catalysing of the state-run Working for Wetlands programme. The programme has shifted its focus from specific wetland sites to a broader 'landscape approach' to water stewardship, engaging dairy, sugar, and forestry sectors to improve water security and ecosystem resilience.

The 'Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar' project is a cross-cutting mitigation and adaptation initiative requesting US$53.5 million from the Green Climate Fund. It employs a three-pronged financial approach: a US$15.3 million grant for public sector capacity building and sustainable agriculture, a US$35 million equity investment in a US$50.5 million private sector Investment Fund managed by Althelia, and a US$3.2 million grant to establish a national Climate Change Trust Fund. The project targets the Ankeniheny-Zahamena (CAZ) and Ambositra-Vondrozo (COFAV) forest corridors, aiming to reduce 10 MtCO2eq of emissions, provide 33 MW of renewable energy capacity, and benefit 562,000 direct beneficiaries. Key innovations include the use of a first-of-its-kind EIB Green/Climate Bond to mobilize private capital for a least developed country.

The Universal Green Energy Access Programme (UGEAP) is a proposed USD 500 million investment fund managed by Deutsche Bank AG to increase electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program focuses on three categories: solar home systems, green mini-grids, and industrial renewable energy solutions. It utilizes a two-tiered capital structure (Class A and Class B) to leverage private sector investment, with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) providing subordinated B-Capital to act as a risk buffer. The program will be rolled out in two phases, initially targeting Benin, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, before expanding across Sub-Saharan Africa. UGEAP intends to provide long-term debt through local financial institutions using Funding and Risk Participation Agreements (FRPA) and syndicated loans to overcome structural barriers in local financial markets.

The document argues that poor environmental governance by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) leads to systemic violations of environmental rights in South Africa's mining sector. It highlights severe impacts on water resources, including acid mine drainage and the depletion of aquifers, and notes the destruction of strategic water source areas (SWSAs). The CER identifies critical failures in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, citing insufficient timeframes for public participation and a lack of independence among practitioners. It recommends transferring environmental regulation of mines from the DMR to environmental authorities, implementing free prior and informed consent (FPIC) for communities, and establishing 'no-go' areas for mining in ecologically sensitive zones.

The review identifies significant scientific gaps and contradictions in the groundwater and wetland assessments for the proposed Yzermyn Colliery. Key concerns include the underestimation of drawdown effects on sensitive wetlands, the likelihood of post-closure mine decant with high sulphate levels, and contradictions in wetland sensitivity ratings. The author argues that current models fail to quantify impacts on groundwater-dependent ecosystems and downstream users, recommending further field work and more comprehensive numerical modelling.

The review identifies significant contradictions and scientific gaps in the groundwater and wetland assessments for the proposed Yzermyn Colliery. It argues that the mine is likely to decant acidic water and that the drawdown of the shallow aquifer will negatively impact groundwater-dependent ecosystems and wetlands, contradicting claims in the amended EIAR that such impacts would be limited or mimic drought conditions.

The document evaluates FSD Kenya's role in expanding financial inclusion from 27.4% in 2006 to 66.7% in 2013. It highlights successes in capacity building for banks (notably Equity Bank), facilitating the regulatory environment for M-Pesa, and developing public infrastructure like credit information sharing and an interbank payments switch. However, it notes failures in the SACCO sector and limited impact on the 'real economy' (agriculture and SMEs) due to misaligned incentives. The study concludes that while the financial system is more inclusive, the primary beneficiaries have been those above the poverty line and the supply-side providers.

The National Program for fuel efficiency and emissions standards is a cornerstone of Connecticut's strategy to reduce transportation emissions, which account for 40 percent of the state's total. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that the program has already saved Connecticut drivers $324 million since 2011 and reduced oil consumption by 97 million gallons. By 2030, the program is projected to lower the state's global warming emissions by 4.5 million metric tons per year, save consumers $1.5 billion in gas expenses, and create over 4,000 jobs, increasing the state's GDP by more than $1 billion.

The document assesses the impact of the US National Program's fuel efficiency and emissions standards on Massachusetts, highlighting reductions in oil consumption, consumer cost savings, and greenhouse gas emissions. It warns that a federal midterm review of the 2022–2025 standards could jeopardize these benefits, which include projected GDP growth and job creation by 2030.

The National Program for fuel efficiency and emissions standards is a cornerstone of Maryland's strategy to reduce transportation emissions, which account for 38 percent of statewide emissions. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that the program has already saved Maryland drivers $535 million in fuel costs since 2011 and reduced annual transportation-related emissions by 754,000 metric tons. By 2030, the program is projected to lower the state's global warming emissions by 9.1 million metric tons per year, create over 6,000 jobs, and increase the state's GDP by more than $1.3 billion.

The National Program for fuel efficiency and emissions standards is a cornerstone of New Jersey's strategy to reduce transportation emissions, which account for 41 percent of statewide emissions. The program has already reduced annual transportation-related emissions in the state by 935,000 metric tons and saved drivers $648 million in fuel costs since 2011. By 2030, the program is projected to lower New Jersey's global warming emissions by 9.3 million metric tons per year, create over 15,000 jobs, and increase the state's GDP by more than $1.5 billion.

The National Program for fuel efficiency and emissions standards is a cornerstone of New York's strategy to reduce transportation emissions, which account for 33 percent of statewide emissions. The program has already reduced annual transportation-related emissions in New York by 2 million metric tons and saved drivers $1.5 billion in fuel costs since 2011. By 2030, the program is projected to lower the state's global warming emissions by 21 million metric tons per year, save consumers $7 billion in gas expenses, create over 40,000 jobs, and increase the state's GDP by more than $6 billion.

The document assesses the impact of the US National Program's fuel efficiency and emissions standards on Pennsylvania, highlighting reductions in global warming emissions, oil consumption, and consumer costs. It argues that maintaining these standards through 2025 is essential for the state to meet its climate goals and stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased GDP.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine faces significant risks from sea level rise, with projections indicating a rise of 3.5 to 5.9 feet by 2100. Without preventive measures, the installation is expected to experience frequent tidal flooding, the loss of over 25% of its land area in the highest scenario, and increased vulnerability to storm surges from Category 1 and 2 hurricanes. The document argues that there is a growing gap between current military preparedness and these threats, calling for increased funding and high-resolution modeling from Congress and the Department of Defense.

Naval Station Norfolk is located in a sea level rise hot spot where seas are projected to rise between 4.5 and 6.9 feet by 2100. Projections indicate that by 2050, some areas could flood 280 times per year, and by 2100, up to 60% of the station's land area could be exposed to flooding during extra-high tides. In the highest scenario for 2100, a Category 4 storm could leave 95% of the base under more than 10 feet of water. While the Navy has invested in raising piers and participating in regional studies, the document argues that a large gap remains between current preparedness and future threats, calling for increased funding for high-resolution modeling and detailed mapping.

The document projects that sea levels at NSB Kings Bay will rise between 3.7 and 6.1 feet by the end of the century, leading to more frequent tidal flooding and severe storm surge. Under a highest-scenario Category 4 storm in 2100, nearly 95 percent of the base could be flooded, with over half of that area under 20 feet of water. The author argues that there is a large gap in military preparedness and calls for Congress and the Department of Defense to provide high-resolution modeling, funding for tide gauge networks, and resources for detailed mapping and adaptive planning.

The study finds that the entry of sugarcane mills in Mato Grosso do Sul triggers significant local economic growth, including a 30% increase in municipal GDP and a 40% rise in employment three years after construction. While sugarcane expansion primarily displaces cattle pastureland, it creates positive productivity spillovers for soybean and corn crops. Additionally, the research indicates a decrease in deforestation in hosting municipalities, potentially due to increased environmental scrutiny and law enforcement associated with large-scale industrial investments.