Search Climate Insights Directory

The NewClimate Institute finds that Germany's plan to build eleven LNG terminals with a total capacity of 73 bcm per year far exceeds the amount of gas needed to compensate for lost Russian pipeline imports. The report asserts that with continued energy efficiency and pipeline imports from neighbors, no new LNG terminals would be required. Building all planned terminals would likely result in stranded assets and undermine the energy transition by diverting resources from renewable energy and efficiency measures.

The NewClimate Institute asserts that Germany's planned LNG terminals are not necessary to meet gas demand following the loss of Russian imports and would likely become stranded assets. The report suggests that current demand could be met through continued imports from neighboring countries and increased energy efficiency, warning that full implementation of the 11 planned terminals would jeopardize the 2045 climate neutrality goal and violate the Paris Agreement.

The briefing argues that adopting a 45% renewable energy target by 2030 would halve EU fossil gas imports compared to the 40% target in the Fit for 55 plan, resulting in €43 billion in additional savings in 2030 and an estimated €200 billion between 2025 and 2030. It warns that relying on LNG diversification creates new dependencies and exposes the EU to global price shocks and high methane emissions, particularly from the US. The analysis highlights that countries like Italy, France, and Poland would see significant cost reductions, while warning that Poland's current plans for increased gas power generation could lead to power shortages and reduced competitiveness.

The report argues that current DFI and MDB frameworks for the land sector are insufficient for Paris alignment, often prioritizing economic development and efficiency over transformative climate action. Analysis of finance in Argentina, Egypt, and Viet Nam reveals that over half of DFI funding since 2015 lacked adequate climate risk safeguards, with significant risks linked to deforestation and GHG-intensive commodities.

The report finds that the fashion industry remains heavily dependent on synthetic fibres, with 25% of analyzed brands increasing their use. It highlights a critical lack of transparency in supply chains and criticizes the reliance on PET bottle recycling as a 'false solution' that does not reduce overall synthetic volumes. Most brands fail to address microfiber pollution or invest significantly in fiber-to-fiber recycling, while some continue to source polyester from coal-based production despite climate pledges.

The report analyzes the funding needs of China's power sector as it transitions from coal-dependency toward renewable energy under the '30·60' dual carbon goals. It highlights the role of transition finance, specifically Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) and transition bonds, in supporting high-carbon sectors. The document compares international standards from the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) with Chinese domestic frameworks, arguing that credible transitions require science-based targets, transparent KPIs—preferably greenhouse gas emissions—and robust internal and external monitoring to avoid 'greenwashing'.

The policy brief provides a detailed 'radiography' of the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code, focusing on the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) and the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA). It identifies a significant gap between the initial registration of properties and the final stage of environmental regularization, noting that while registration is consolidated, the analysis of data remains a primary bottleneck. The authors highlight extreme heterogeneity among states, with a few leaders like Mato Grosso and Pará, and others remaining stagnant. The document outlines systemic challenges across individual, institutional, technical-economic, and legal dimensions and recommends a national implementation plan, strengthening of the SICAR system, and better integration with agricultural credit and anti-deforestation policies.

The report argues that while COVID-19 accelerated the deployment of biosurveillance tools, current systems remain too focused on specific known threats and lack the integration needed for true early warning. It details the structural and technical requirements for an ideal system—including metagenomic sequencing and AI-driven digital surveillance—and evaluates progress in the U.S. and various global regions. The authors recommend a shift toward pathogen-agnostic tools, increased funding for biodefense, and the establishment of regional hubs and international mechanisms to coordinate global responses to natural, accidental, or deliberate biological events.

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, European states have proposed 195 bcm/y of additional LNG import capacity to reduce reliance on Russian gas. While 9.1 bcm/y is already online and 33 bcm/y is under construction, the briefing warns that global market tightness will keep prices high until 2026. Furthermore, 15- to 20-year supply contracts signed in 2022 may undermine the EU's goal to reduce gas demand by 35% by 2030. The document also notes a lack of concrete evidence for converting this new infrastructure to hydrogen, despite claims by German project promoters.

The report investigates the management of urban flooding in selected cities in Ghana, specifically focusing on the Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi areas. It examines the extent to which Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) prioritize green infrastructure and engage residents in flood-prone communities to enhance city resilience. While local authorities generally recognize the importance of green spaces for flood control, the study finds that many residents do not prioritize green spaces on their own properties due to concerns about waste dumping, crime, and economic pressure to build shops. However, there is a strong overall willingness among residents to participate in decision-making processes if they trust the governance system and see their input implemented.

The report identifies that Canada's federal adaptation governance is currently 'weak' and fragmented, primarily operating at the director general level with limited connection to senior decision-makers. It argues that the upcoming National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) provides a critical opportunity to revitalize this structure. The authors suggest several options for improvement, including establishing a dedicated DM-level committee for adaptation, creating a formal legal mandate through legislation, and developing a specialized knowledge-brokering unit. The report emphasizes that success depends on sufficient funding, senior-level leadership, and a deeper understanding of the distinct characteristics of adaptation compared to climate mitigation and emergency management.

Ethiopia is not on track to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with poverty and hunger projected to remain high due to conflict in Tigray, climate change, and economic shocks. The report argues that a sustainable food system transformation is possible with an additional annual public investment of USD 4.6 billion from 2023 to 2030. This funding would target increasing agricultural productivity, transitioning to healthier diets, and enhancing climate resilience. A significant financing gap exists between short-term emergency food assistance and the long-term investments required for systemic resilience. Key recommendations include prioritizing on-farm interventions, scaling up sustainable livestock intensification to reduce GHG emissions, and integrating nutrition education with social protection programs.

Between 2012 and 2021, the North Region of Brazil received R$ 30.6 billion (US$ 11.1 billion) for land transport infrastructure, representing 17% of the national total tracked. Public sources provided 78% of this funding, with the federal government as the primary source. The rail sector was the largest beneficiary in the North, receiving 55% of resources, heavily driven by the Carajás Railroad. In contrast, public budget funds in the North were overwhelmingly directed to highways (99%), primarily for maintenance and operation (79%). While private finance via incentivized debentures grew nationally, it accounted for 22% of the North's flows. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) contributed R$ 3 billion, with the New Development Bank (NDB) being the most active in the region. The report emphasizes that without improved governance and rigorous socio-environmental analysis, these investments risk driving deforestation in the Amazon.

Earthjustice evaluates COP27 as having 'lackluster outcomes' regarding fossil fuel phase-outs but notes a 'breakthrough agreement' to create a loss and damage fund. The author emphasizes the significance of the Climate Justice Pavilion in fostering connections between youth activists and foundational environmental justice leaders, and notes the positive momentum from U.S. climate legislation and Brazil's recommitment to the Amazon.

Good Governance Africa evaluates COP27, noting the establishment of a fund for vulnerable developing countries as a major achievement but criticizing the lack of accountability from the Global North. The statement highlights that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing only 4% of global emissions. It identifies critical gaps in adaptation finance, noting that the $100 billion pledge remains unmet and that $300 billion is needed by 2030. The document also critiques African disunity over the role of gas in energy transitions, poor local governance in disaster management, and the failure of oil-wealthy nations like Nigeria and Angola to achieve sustainable development due to corruption.

The We Mean Business Coalition expresses disappointment that COP27 failed to include a proposal to phase down all fossil fuels, despite recognizing the 1.5°C limit. While the Coalition welcomes progress on financial support for vulnerable communities, the recognition of a just transition to renewable energy, and the role of business in the 2030 Work Program, it warns that current national commitments are insufficient to drive the necessary emissions reductions by 2030.

The paper examines how chronic fiscal imbalances and external shocks have increased public debt in five African nations, arguing that deepening domestic financial markets and ending financial repression are essential for long-term debt sustainability despite short-term fiscal tensions.

The report assesses the current state of climate target-setting among the world's largest financial institutions, arguing that portfolio-level net zero targets are insufficient for achieving 1.5°C. It highlights that 'universal owners'—large asset managers with global exposure—possess significant but underutilized leverage to influence the real economy. The document identifies three primary channels for influence: exclusion, divestment, and engagement, noting that current adoption of climate-relevant exclusion and divestment policies remains low among the top 50 asset managers and owners.

The 2022 U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) frames climate change as a "top-tier threat" and a potentially "existential" problem for all nations, placing it on par with geopolitical challenges. The document notes that the NSS incorporates climate risks and solutions across all aspects of national security and foreign policy, including regional strategies and carbon pollution reduction. While the briefing concludes that the NSS successfully recognizes the interdependence of natural systems, it also identifies "several contradictions which should be improved." The NSS specifically highlights the urgency of the current decade to prevent global temperatures from crossing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold.

The report evaluates Ghana's export processing zones (EPZs) across economic, environmental, social, and technological dimensions, finding that the current model lacks integration with broader industrial policies and neglects sustainability standards. Key gaps include a lack of low-carbon incentives, minimal technology adoption, and inadequate corruption controls. The author recommends the development of a comprehensive strategic policy by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the use of public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure, and the implementation of carbon finance policies to help Ghana meet climate targets.