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The global chemicals industry, a $4.7 trillion sector responsible for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, requires urgent innovation to decouple from fossil fuels. RMI and Third Derivative identify three primary innovation pathways: 'Make Less' (circular economy and materials substitution), 'Make Better' (electrification and process efficiency), and 'Make New' (defossilized production using CO2 conversion and biomass). Despite the potential, the sector is undercapitalized, with only 3% of climate tech venture capital directed toward chemicals and plastics over the last five years. Key barriers to scaling include high capital costs, feedstock availability, and a 60% drop in global clean industry investment in 2024. The report emphasizes the role of strategic partnerships with incumbents, non-dilutive funding, and low-carbon certifications in accelerating the commercialization of these technologies.

The report evaluates corporate climate alignment using the CCIF, finding that while mitigation efforts (such as GHG reporting and renewable energy procurement) are common, there is a critical lack of detailed climate adaptation planning. Analysis of 483 debt issuers reveals that no company performed well across all three CCIF objectives, and only 14% have an adaptation and resilience plan. Sector-level data shows utilities as the highest performers in reporting and transition, while healthcare and automotive sectors suffer from significant data gaps. Case studies of companies in China, India, South Korea, and Singapore highlight the use of internal carbon pricing and science-based targets, but emphasize the need for better Scope 3 emissions tracking and quantitative physical risk assessments.

The report applies the AIIB-Amundi Climate Change Investment Framework (CCIF) to evaluate climate-related financial risks and opportunities across sectors, companies, and debt issuers. The analysis reveals a strong focus on climate mitigation and greenhouse gas measurement, but a significant deficiency in climate adaptation planning and implementation. Notably, no analyzed company performed well across all three CCIF objectives: mitigation, adaptation, and financial contribution.

The gender assessment for the Peruvian Amazon Eco Bio Business Facility (EBBF) identifies systemic gender inequalities in Peru's forestry and agricultural sectors, including limited land ownership, high rates of informal employment, and significant gaps in education and decision-making power. It highlights that women in the Amazon face particular vulnerabilities due to lower Spanish language proficiency and higher poverty levels. To address these, the document proposes six mitigation measures: requiring portfolio companies to create gender-specific action plans, promoting women's leadership in eco and bio businesses, ensuring equitable access to project benefits, implementing a gender-sensitive complaint mechanism (including SEAH protocols), strengthening the capacity of project management units, and establishing a monitoring system for the Gender Action Plan (GAP).

The report argues that the traditional 'Countering Violent Extremism' (CVE) framework is flawed and 'toxic' because it relies on discredited theories of a linear path to radicalization. Instead, it advocates for a 'resilience' model led by civil society organizations (CSOs) and social services, with law enforcement acting only as a supporting partner focused on criminal behavior. Key findings emphasize that there is no causal link between religious ideology and violence, and that effective interventions require 'alternative narratives' that acknowledge the 'kernel of truth' in grievances. The document also highlights a significant 'trust gap' between governments and CSOs, suggesting that transparency and the protection of civil liberties are essential for effective collaboration.

The document identifies trade policy and administrative barriers as the primary non-tariff barriers (NTBs) on the North-South Corridor between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Key obstacles include foreign exchange (FX) controls, administrative delays at the Beit Bridge border, and high transport costs. Sector-specific analysis reveals that Zimbabwean exports (nickel, cotton, tobacco, and manufactured goods) are heavily impacted by FX remittance requirements, while South African exports (fuel, vehicles, and steel) are hindered by Zimbabwean FX shortages and price controls. The briefing also highlights infrastructure issues, such as trucking queues at Durban harbour costing transporters ZAR150,000 per hour and the lack of maintained rail infrastructure.

The report finds that 48% of Fortune 500 companies have set climate or energy targets, with a notable increase in the smallest quintile of the index. Leading sectors include Consumer Staples, while the Energy sector significantly lags. The report highlights a shift toward science-based targets and 100% renewable energy commitments, noting that 190 companies reported $3.7 billion in annual cost savings from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in 2016. It provides recommendations for companies, policymakers, investors, and the electricity sector to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.