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The document examines how the proposed international treaty on plastic pollution intersects with global trade, focusing on the transformation of supply chains, the risk of disguised protectionism, and the implementation costs for developing nations. It highlights that the global plastics trade was valued at $1.1 trillion in 2023, with over 78% of plastics traded internationally. The briefing analyzes four key areas: proposed treaty obligations (such as restrictions on chemicals of concern and waste trade), the use of non-discrimination language to prevent arbitrary trade barriers, the fiscal and technical challenges for parties—particularly MSMEs in developing countries—to meet new standards, and the treaty's relationship with other international agreements like the WTO and various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). It concludes that trade-related measures under MEAs have historically been compatible with WTO rules.

The report details how the Trump EPA used a rare Clean Air Act provision to grant pollution exemptions to 52 facilities owned by 25 companies, including BASF, Shell, and Westlake. It highlights that these exemptions undermine the HON Rule, which aimed to reduce carcinogenic emissions by nearly 80%. The document further links these regulatory rollbacks to significant lobbying expenditures by the chemical industry and the American Chemistry Council, noting that several companies are expanding the very facilities that received exemptions.

The document assesses the failure of South Africa's current free basic services (FBS) framework to provide a meaningful social wage for the millions of households living below the poverty line. It identifies three primary barriers: exclusionary municipal indigent policies, benefit levels (especially electricity) that are too low to meet developmental access needs, and restrictive conditions that hinder productive activities. The brief advocates for a redesign of the FBS and indigent register system that remains compatible with national budget constraints.

The report argues that allowing African exporters to use Article 6 carbon credits to reduce their EU CBAM liabilities would address equity concerns, retain climate finance within Africa, and provide policy flexibility. It notes that current CBAM regulations only permit deductions for explicit carbon prices (taxes or ETS), making Article 6 credits ineligible. The document highlights the significant economic risks CBAM poses to African GDP and the specific challenges African nations face in implementing traditional carbon pricing due to their emissions profiles and administrative constraints. It concludes with recommendations for the EU to amend its regulations to include high-integrity international credits, specifically those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Africa, to align with the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

The document examines the intersection of climate change, housing quality, and health in Toronto, proposing that an equity-focused Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) policy can mitigate health risks for marginalized communities. It highlights how retrofits—such as switching from gas to electric heating and stoves, improving insulation, and adding mechanical ventilation—can reduce asthma risks, protect against extreme temperature events, and lower outdoor air pollution. The brief warns against the risks of tenant displacement and 'renovictions' and recommends strong tenant protections, the creation of Community Accountability Boards, and the integration of health metrics into BEPS monitoring to ensure benefits are shared equitably.

ClientEarth and nine other organisations challenge the European Commission's 'Sixth Omnibus on chemicals' proposal, asserting that it introduces dangerous exceptions for carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances (CMRs) in cosmetics and rolls back hazard communication rules in the CLP Regulation. The briefing contends that these changes violate the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, fail to genuinely improve EU competitiveness, and were developed without the legally required public consultations, relying instead on industry-dominated workshops.

The document examines how climate change is creating a home insurance crisis in the U.S., characterized by skyrocketing premiums and widespread policy non-renewals. It asserts that 'Big Oil' companies, who knew about the risks of fossil fuels as early as 1954, are responsible for these conditions. The report highlights specific state-level crises in Florida, California, and Hawaiʻi, and advocates for policy solutions—such as subrogation and legislative surcharges—to shift the financial burden from policyholders to the fossil fuel industry.

Russia is attempting to form a non-Western climate coalition through BRICS, the SCO, and the EAEU to define 'sovereign' climate priorities that protect its fossil fuel exports. The document argues that Russia's approach is obstructionist, relying on the recalculation of forest carbon sinks to meet neutrality goals on paper rather than implementing genuine mitigation. While Russia pushes for shared carbon markets and 'technological neutrality' to prolong fossil fuel use, its Asian partners have largely rejected deep regulatory harmonisation. Meanwhile, Russian non-fossil fuel exporters maintain independent ESG agendas to remain competitive against foreign carbon border adjustments, despite the government's lack of a domestic carbon price.

Carbon Market Watch proposes extending the EU ETS to include all departing flights from the European Economic Area (EEA), non-CO2 aviation effects, and private jets. The brief argues that the current limited scope—covering only intra-EEA flights—fails to address the sector's full climate impact and misses significant revenue opportunities. By implementing these extensions and applying carbon price multipliers for private jets, the EU could generate substantial funds to finance e-kerosene development, upgrade railway infrastructure via the Trans-European Transport Core Network (TEN-T), and meet international climate finance targets. The author specifically recommends replacing support for biofuels with a focused e-kerosene scheme extended to 2040.

The report examines the intersection of Japan's energy policy and national security, arguing that a rapid shift toward renewable energy—potentially reaching a 70% electricity share by 2035—would mitigate risks from volatile fossil fuel supply chains and enhance diplomatic and military autonomy. It identifies critical vulnerabilities in current maritime fuel routes and suggests that the resulting cost savings from reduced imports could fund defense procurement. While acknowledging challenges such as China's dominance in clean energy supply chains and cybersecurity risks, the document asserts these are manageable through diversification and technical innovation. It recommends stronger coordination between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense to integrate climate security into national strategy.

The fact sheet examines how loopholes in the international tax system allow multinational corporations (MNCs) and the super-rich to avoid taxes, resulting in an estimated US$492 billion in global revenue losses for governments in 2024. It critiques the OECD/G20 Two-Pillar Solution for favoring developed nations and lacking transparency, while advocating for the 'Taxing the Super Rich' initiative and the establishment of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to ensure more democratic and progressive global taxation.

This fact sheet from the Institute for Economic Justice examines the structural causes of the African debt crisis, the impact of high interest rates on public services, and the limitations of G20 initiatives. It argues that the crisis is rooted in a 'rigged global system' and calls for systemic reform and debt cancellation through movements like Jubilee 2025.

The document asserts that global hunger is caused by a profit-driven system rather than food scarcity, highlighting the role of the 'ABCD firms' and financial speculators in driving up prices. It links food systems to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions and notes the severe impact of climate-driven droughts in Southern Africa. While acknowledging previous G20 efforts, it criticizes the lack of systemic reforms, such as regulating food speculation or implementing buffer stocks. Under its G20 presidency, South Africa has established a Food Security Task Force to study commodity price volatility and stabilization techniques.

The document analyzes the systemic difficulties G20 nations face in transitioning from fossil fuels, citing economic dependencies, infrastructure lock-in, and social risks to workers. It notes a failure to meet 2009 G20 commitments to phase out subsidies, with G7 and developing nations spending hundreds of billions in 2023. The text emphasizes South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency as an opportunity to champion a people-centered approach involving green industrial hubs and socio-economic safeguards for coal-dependent regions.

The document argues that G20 climate finance often prioritizes private profit over public welfare, trapping vulnerable nations in debt through loan-based funding and 'de-risking' strategies. It calls for a shift toward grant-based funding and public investment based on the 'polluter pays' principle to ensure a just energy transition.

This fact sheet defines green industrial policy (GIP) as government strategies to promote sustainable industries and phase out greenhouse gas emitters. It highlights the success of China's electric vehicle industry as a model for GIP but warns that developing countries face significant financing, skills, and technological barriers. The document emphasizes the role of the G20 in shaping global GIP principles, particularly under South Africa's agenda, which focuses on leveraging critical minerals to drive inclusive economic growth and manufacturing in Africa.

The document advocates for Universal Social Protection Floors (SPF) as a means to ensure basic healthcare and income security globally. It highlights South Africa's role during its G20 Presidency to promote a voluntary framework for SPFs and the integration of social protection with industrial strategies. The text emphasizes the need for political will and funding, noting that only 12% of global development targets are currently on track.

The building sector accounts for 18% of Canada's GHG emissions, necessitating a focus on upgrading approximately 11 million existing residential buildings. Achieving net-zero requires a balance of deep energy retrofits (DERs), fuel-switching to heat pumps, and expanding clean electricity. An annual investment of CAD 10-15 billion until 2040 could generate 200,000 jobs and CAD 48 billion in economic development. The document recommends strengthening building codes, implementing PACE financing, and integrating energy efficiency with affordable housing policies.

The report analyzes the tension between national cybersecurity measures—such as data localization, technical standards, and technology bans—and the goal of open digital trade. It finds that while cybersecurity is essential for trust in the digital economy, divergent domestic regulations create market fragmentation and trade barriers. The document evaluates the lack of specific cybersecurity rules in WTO treaties, the emergence of 'soft' aspirational provisions in Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), and the significant 'cyber capacity' gap facing developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It concludes with recommendations for evidence-based domestic frameworks and enhanced international technical assistance to bridge the digital divide.

The report examines how technology transfer for climate change adaptation is handled within the UNFCCC and WTO frameworks, noting that these policy domains have largely evolved in isolation. It defines adaptation technology as comprising hardware, software, and orgware, and highlights that while trade is recognized as a driver for transfer, it is rarely explicitly integrated into national adaptation plans (NAPs) or technology needs assessments (TNAs). The author identifies significant divergences between developed and developing countries over intellectual property rights (IPRs) and the role of government incentives. Analysis of Small Island Developing States' BAEF reports reveals that high import duties and reliance on foreign imports are key barriers. The report recommends involving trade experts in the NAP process and developing actionable guidance to operationalize technology transfer.