Search Climate Insights Directory

The document argues that a Basic Income Grant (BIG) is affordable and sustainable for South Africa, potentially reducing poverty by up to two-thirds and increasing GDP growth from 2.2% to between 2.8% and 3.5% by 2030. It presents three modelling scenarios (low, medium, and high ambition) funded through a combination of wealth taxes, a social security tax, and increased VAT revenue generated by stimulated consumption. The analysis suggests that the net cost of a UBIG could be as low as 50% of its gross cost due to the 'multiplier effect' and tax clawbacks.

The report evaluates the impact of SO2 emissions from large solid fuel combustion installations in South Africa, primarily those operated by Eskom and Sasol. It concludes that implementing stricter emission standards is technologically feasible and economically beneficial for society due to significant reductions in public health costs, despite the high capital costs for plant operators. The panel recommends a flexible regulatory approach where emission limits are tailored to the remaining lifetime of each plant, suggesting that plants operating beyond the mid-2030s should meet stricter limits of 250 mg/Nm3 or 500 mg/Nm3, while those retiring sooner may be granted more lenient limits of 1000 mg/Nm3. The report highlights that 'expedited retirement' of older coal capacity could reduce retrofit costs by approximately 25% and minimize electricity tariff increases.

The analysis finds that renewable energy growth is positively associated with India's GDP, employment, and energy security, while helping to reduce the fiscal deficit and net energy imports. Despite these benefits, the report projects that India will likely miss its 175 GW renewable energy target by 2022, instead reaching it between 2027 and 2033 depending on the scenario. Under an optimistic scenario, renewable energy could add up to 4.52 million domestic jobs by 2042.

The report provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of 40 low-carbon interventions in Mexico, focusing on electricity, oil and gas, end-use energy, transport, and agriculture and forestry. It argues that Mexico can stabilize its greenhouse gas emissions at 2008 levels by 2030 while maintaining economic growth, provided it overcomes institutional and regulatory barriers. The study highlights 'win-win' interventions with positive economic returns and significant co-benefits for public health and energy security.

The report analyzes 40 low-carbon interventions in Mexico's electric power, oil and gas, energy end-use, transport, and agriculture and forestry sectors. It finds that implementing these measures could stabilize emissions at 2008 levels by 2030, avoiding approximately 477 Mt CO2e relative to a baseline scenario. Many of these interventions are 'no-regrets' options with positive economic returns, though their scale-up is hindered by institutional, regulatory, and financial barriers.

The analysis indicates that India can achieve its 2070 net-zero target without compromising economic development, though the transition will create uneven regional and sectoral impacts. Key challenges include the need for economic diversification in fossil fuel-dependent regions, increased demand for skilled workers in specialized manufacturing, and the risk of exacerbating vulnerabilities in sectors like construction. Additionally, the decline in fossil fuel tax revenues will necessitate new public revenue mobilization strategies.