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The document details the operational and structural differences between Article 6.2 (bilateral/multilateral agreements), Article 6.4 (a UN-overseen global carbon market), and Article 6.8 (non-market approaches). It highlights the role of 'corresponding adjustments' in preventing double-counting and the specific financial contributions required under Article 6.4, such as the Share of Proceeds for the Adaptation Fund and the Overall Mitigation of Global Emissions. The author emphasizes that establishing high standards for credit quality and transparency is essential for the success of these markets at COP29.

The European Union is finalizing its COP29 position, focusing on securing a new global climate finance target to replace the expiring $100 billion annual commitment and advocating for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The EU intends to push for increased funding for developing countries, encourage contributions from highly polluting nations like China, and seek specific phase-out dates for coal, gas, and oil.

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is planning an estimated US$123.6 billion in new LNG infrastructure, primarily concentrated in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. Mexico has the world's third-largest planned LNG export buildout at 73.6 mtpa, largely intended to export U.S. gas from the Permian Basin. Argentina is proposing the 30 mtpa Argentina GNL Terminal to export gas from the Vaca Muerta shale basin, a project described as a "carbon bomb." Brazil is pursuing the world's fourth-largest LNG import expansion at 36.5 mtpa to reduce reliance on Bolivian gas and mitigate hydropower instability during droughts. These developments risk creating stranded assets and locking the region into gas dependence, contradicting IEA recommendations that the LNG trade peak this decade to limit warming to 1.5“. The report argues that the region's abundant renewable resources offer a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel volatility.

The document analyzes how 'plastic recycling claims'—including circular loop symbols and statements like '100% recyclable'—misrepresent the limited efficacy of plastic recycling. It highlights that 91% of global plastic waste was not recycled in 2019 and that soft plastics are particularly difficult to recycle, often ending up as fuel or incinerated. The briefing concludes that such claims deceive the 'average consumer' and undermine the waste hierarchy, urging regulators like the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to require evidence based on 'real world conditions' to substantiate these claims.

The steel industry accounts for 11% of global CO2 emissions, but decarbonization is hindered by financial institutions' reliance on outdated myths. The briefing argues that the next six years are critical for transformation and urges financial institutions to restrict funding for metallurgical coal and coal-based steel projects while increasing investment in fossil-free technologies.

The document argues that the steel sector, which accounts for 11% of global CO2 emissions, can be decarbonized rapidly through technological progress, but is hindered by outdated beliefs among financial actors. It lists ten misconceptions—including the idea that the sector is inherently 'hard-to-abate' or that non-fossil steel is too expensive—and urges financial institutions to stop funding coal-based steel projects in favor of fossil-free alternatives.

The briefing highlights three priority areas for the 79th UN General Assembly and Climate Week: the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise, climate finance negotiations, and the Summit of the Future. It emphasizes the security implications of sea-level rise for Pacific Island states, the critical funding gap for developing nations facing debt crises, and the potential for the 'Pact for the Future' to address the climate-security nexus in UN peace operations.

The document unpacks the IPCC's findings on how systemic inequalities—including gender, race, and socio-economic status—increase vulnerability to climate change. It argues that adaptation efforts are more effective and less likely to be maladaptive when they incorporate inclusive participation, diverse knowledge systems, and a focus on climate justice. The brief uses illustrative examples from Africa to demonstrate how marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Peoples and women, experience disproportionate impacts and how community-based, human rights-based approaches can generate social co-benefits.

The document translates the technical findings of the IPCC's Working Group II report into accessible messages, emphasizing that vulnerability to climate change is driven by systemic inequalities. It argues that adaptation efforts are more effective and just when they integrate gender, equity, and justice, and warns that ignoring these factors leads to 'maladaptation'. The briefing advocates for inclusive participation, the integration of indigenous and local knowledge, and a shift toward 'climate-resilient development' that addresses the root causes of vulnerability.

The document argues that the steel sector is no longer 'hard-to-abate' due to advancements in green hydrogen and electric arc furnaces. It challenges the distinction between metallurgical and thermal coal, warns against reliance on CCUS, and highlights the risk of stranded assets. The briefing urges financial institutions to adopt strict sectoral policies to end financing for new blast furnaces and metallurgical coal projects while increasing investment in sustainable alternatives.

The document examines TotalEnergies' use of the bond market to secure long-term financing, noting a trend toward abnormally long maturities extending to 2064. It argues that these bonds provide the company with unrestricted funds to pursue fossil fuel expansion, contrary to IEA Net Zero scenarios, while creating systemic and financial risks for the banks and investors involved. The report identifies specific financial institutions facilitating these issuances and calls for a total cessation of support for companies developing new oil and gas projects.

The document argues that the EU is currently in breach of the Aarhus Convention because the public and environmental NGOs lack a viable legal mechanism to challenge state aid decisions that violate environmental law. It explains that current CJEU admissibility standards effectively exclude NGOs, and that national court actions are insufficient substitutes. The briefing addresses business concerns, stating that a new review procedure would not be suspensive (meaning aid can still be granted and spent during litigation) and would not compromise confidential business information. It evaluates three options proposed by the Commission to grant access to justice, favoring the amendment of the EU Aarhus Regulation as the most legally certain and democratic solution.

The document distills evidence from the IPCC WGII report to highlight how systemic inequalities increase climate vulnerability and argues that inclusive, justice-based adaptation planning leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

The document synthesizes research from the IPCC's Working Group II to highlight how gender, equity, and justice are critical to effective climate adaptation. It identifies highly vulnerable groups—including women, children, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities—and argues that ignoring these social dimensions leads to 'maladaptation.' The briefing advocates for inclusive participation, the integration of indigenous and local knowledge, and a rights-based approach to ensure that adaptation efforts are equitable and sustainable.

The chemicals industry accounts for 4% to 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a level comparable to the steel industry. While chemicals are essential for 96% of manufactured goods and over 75% of emission reduction technologies, their production relies heavily on fossil fuel feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. RMI advocates for a systems approach to decarbonization focusing on reducing petrochemical demand through circular economy principles, improving process and energy efficiency via renewables and hydrogen, and transitioning to defossilized feedstocks to avoid over-reliance on carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The briefing outlines four critical areas for the 75th NATO Summit to ensure the Alliance's future operating environment is resilient: planning for military responses to climate hazards, implementing the 2021 Action Plan on Climate and Security, operationalizing the nexus between climate and human security, and navigating the energy transition to reduce strategic vulnerabilities.

The memorandum examines the ITLOS advisory opinion, which establishes that anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions constitute marine pollution under UNCLOS. It highlights the 'stringent' due diligence required of States to protect the marine environment, the role of the best available science (specifically IPCC reports), and the principle that the Paris Agreement does not supersede UNCLOS obligations. The document also discusses the necessity of environmental impact assessments that account for cumulative and socio-economic impacts, and cautions against marine geoengineering that might transform pollution types.

The document compares current law with the House version of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), highlighting proposed changes to grant selection criteria, loan guarantee limits, and discretionary funding. It notes that the Senate version is pending. REAP provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades.

The document highlights the failure of top-down conservation funding in Madagascar, where biodiversity loss continues despite international investment. It advocates for community-led financing models, citing the Beolobe regranting mechanism and the MIHARI LMMA Network as pathways to increase local agency. The briefing identifies critical risks to these funds, including fraud, lack of legal status for community organisations, and threats to environmental defenders, while recommending the development of Blue Business incubators to link community leaders with private investors.

The document compares the current legal framework of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with proposed changes from the House Agriculture Committee. Key updates in the House version include the addition of precision agriculture conservation activities as a basis for supplemental payments and the inclusion of costs for precision agriculture technology in payment determinations. It also outlines a new 'State Assistance for Soil Health' grant program for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, providing up to $100 million annually to eligible States and Indian Tribes, prioritizing those with climate action plans that include soil health.