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This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the risks associated with Nigeria's strategic focus on expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, specifically the potential for stranded assets and the hindrance of economic diversification.

A June 2024 briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) examines methane emissions from abandoned coal mines in the European Union (EU), highlighting significant data gaps and the potential for substantial unreported emissions. The report estimates that underground mines closed since 2015 could emit approximately 200 kilotonnes of methane per year, with Poland identified as the largest contributor.

This executive summary outlines pathways to increase private investment in natural infrastructure within the Canadian Prairies to address a growing water-related infrastructure funding gap.

This document is an extract from a detailed analysis by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) regarding a draft text (TN/RL/W/278) on fisheries subsidies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It evaluates the potential of these proposed rules to promote sustainable development by preventing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, while balancing the diverse interests of member nations.

The Stockholm Environment Institute's (SEI) Finance for Sustainable Development (FSD) Program, established in 2022, focuses on bridging the gap between micro-level business viability and macro-level climate and development finance policies. The program specifically targets low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) to identify how sustainable projects can generate private economic value and attract private-sector investment through research, advisory services, and training.

The research paper argues that China is justified in its skepticism toward the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project. The author contends that the project would undermine China's energy security by increasing dependence on a single source, create unnecessary capital expenditure due to market oversaturation in the Bohai Economic Rim, and conflict with China's goal to peak carbon emissions by 2030.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute outlines seven key elements under negotiation for the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), which is intended to replace the previous $100 billion annual goal. The document details the tensions between developed and developing nations regarding the target amount, the list of contributing countries, the time frame for achievement, and the inclusion of loss and damage funding.

This briefing by RMI explores how distributed solar, particularly rooftop solar (RTS) and decentralized renewable energy (DRE), can alleviate the financial distress of India's electricity distribution companies (Discoms) while helping the country meet its 2030 renewable energy targets and modernize its grid.

This briefing by RMI explores how the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) Program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), can be used for "capital recycling" to accelerate the clean energy transition. The author argues that by using low-interest federal loans to displace costly utility equity and refinance "low-quality" rate base components (legacy fossil fuel costs), utilities can reduce ratepayer costs while maintaining sustainable shareholder earnings. The document provides a five-step implementation framework and applies it to case studies of utilities in Iowa and Missouri, while also detailing federal compliance requirements such as NEPA.

This research paper by Ember analyzes draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) from EU Member States to determine if current national ambitions align with the REPowerEU plan and the Fit-for-55 package. The analysis finds that while renewable energy targets have increased significantly since 2019, the EU is still projected to fall short of its 2030 goals for renewable electricity share, solar capacity, and wind capacity.

This briefing from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) describes the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP), which provides zero-interest loans to eligible entities to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification improvements for rural households and small businesses. The document includes a side-by-side comparison of current law and a May 2024 House Agriculture Committee discussion draft, highlighting proposed expansions to eligible borrowers, the inclusion of manufactured home replacements, and the introduction of grants for technical assistance and repairs.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) advocates for the use of "comprehensive wealth"—a measure of natural, human, social, produced, and financial capital—to complement GDP in measuring national progress and guiding decision-making for long-term well-being. The report analyzes data from 1995 to 2020 for Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago to demonstrate insights into development paths that are not apparent through GDP alone.

This report analyzes how multilateral development banks (MDBs) can ensure that green hydrogen production in Global South countries leads to sustainable development rather than extractive trade relations or environmental stress.

This research paper by the NewClimate Institute examines the financial requirements for a just transition of the power sector in Mexico, focusing on the phase-out of fossil gas, the expansion of renewable energy, and the social support needed for workers and communities.

This synthesis report by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines climate change adaptation policies and locally-led adaptation (LLA) strategies in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. It highlights the gap between national climate goals (NDCs) and local implementation, emphasizing that while communities are actively adapting, they are often excluded from decision-making and lack the financial and technical resources necessary for sustainable resilience.

This briefing by RMI explains how electric utilities can use Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) to mitigate project risks and secure federal financing, specifically through the Department of Energy's Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) program. It argues that meaningful community engagement and commitments to labor and equity reduce the likelihood of project cancellations, address workforce shortages, and improve a utility's social license to operate.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines global trends in the governance, management, and reprocessing of tailings from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). It highlights the severe environmental and health risks associated with the indiscriminate use of mercury and cyanide, the lack of specific regulatory frameworks for tailings management at international, regional, and national levels, and the potential for recovering critical minerals from these waste products.

This executive summary, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in May 2024, proposes a new framework for designing international investment treaties. Rather than focusing on the flaws of existing regimes, the document suggests a 'roadmap' approach that identifies urgent policy problems in international investment governance and evaluates whether treaties are the appropriate tool to solve them, emphasizing sustainable investment, the regulation of project impacts, and international cooperation.

This policy briefing examines the role of skills governance within South Africa's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem to support the emerging green hydrogen (GH2) economy. It advocates for a shift from a jobs-centric education model to one based on 'economic wellbeing,' which integrates paid work with caregiving, environmental stewardship, and state infrastructure. The document proposes systemic innovations, including the use of green economy skills incubator hubs, innovative financing like social impact bonds, and the implementation of a Universal Basic Dividend (UBD) to ensure the wealth generated from common resources in the GH2 transition is equitably distributed.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the governance challenges facing critical mineral supply chains in Africa. It argues that while the global energy transition increases demand for minerals like lithium and cobalt, a lack of transparency and accountability risks causing environmental and socio-economic harm. The document advocates for the implementation of the African Mining Vision and a coordinated approach between national governments, private companies, and civil society to ensure the energy transition does not entrench global inequalities.