Search Climate Insights Directory
27 results
Supply and sustainability of carbon offsets and alternative fuels for international aviation
The report evaluates the feasibility of ICAO's 'carbon neutral' goal for international aviation growth from 2020 onward. It finds that a selective approach to carbon offsets—focusing on high-integrity projects like methane avoidance—could meet 70–90% of projected demand (3.3–4.5 Gt CO2e) between 2020 and 2035. Including medium-confidence projects would further increase supply to 5.1 Gt CO2e, with REDD+ potentially adding 2.4 Gt CO2e. Alternative biofuels offer lower cumulative reductions (0.1–0.3 Gt CO2e) and face significant challenges regarding land use change and sustainable development, particularly with oilseed crops.
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Document type: Research paper
The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics
The document examines the role of northern Europe, particularly Sweden, in the global production of iron ore and copper. It analyzes how global demand, dominated by China, creates 'boom and bust' cycles that impact local economies and environments. Using Chile as a comparative case, it highlights how resource scarcity and social resistance can limit production, while China's market dominance creates geopolitical dependencies for exporting nations. For northern Europe, the brief suggests that stable regulatory frameworks and assured ancillary resources may attract investment, though stakeholders must remain wary of the social and political implications of foreign mining companies.
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Document type: Briefing
Comparing Sanitation Systems Using Sustainability Criteria
The report argues that no sanitation system is universally sustainable and must be assessed based on specific local contexts using a multi-criteria analysis. By comparing various on-site alternatives against a '0 alternative' (connection to a centralized wastewater treatment plant) in Sweden, South Africa, and Mexico, the study finds that dry urine-diversion systems consistently outperform centralized systems in environmental metrics, such as nutrient recovery and water conservation, although they often rank lower in socio-cultural acceptability and household-level health risks due to the requirement for manual handling of waste.
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Document type: Report
Sustainable Tourism in St. Lucia
The report evaluates the sustainability of St. Lucia's tourism sector under trade liberalization. While tourism is a primary driver of GDP and employment, the sector suffers from high foreign exchange leakage due to foreign ownership and package tours. Environmental concerns include rising energy consumption and wastewater mismanagement, while GATS obligations are identified as potential barriers to domestic regulatory autonomy.
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Document type: Report
Seven Questions to Sustainability
The document presents the 'Seven Questions to Sustainability' framework, developed by MMSD North America to evaluate the long-term sustainability of mining and minerals projects. The framework covers engagement, people, environment, economy, traditional activities, governance, and synthesis. It is intended for use across all project phases—from exploration to post-closure—to aid in appraisal, planning, financing, and reporting for stakeholders including industry, governments, and indigenous groups.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Cotton-growing regions of the world
The document provides a geographic overview of the top 15 cotton-producing countries as of 2016, categorizing them by production levels and their status regarding Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) compliance.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Tea-Growing Regions of the World
The document provides a data-driven overview of the top 15 tea-producing countries as of 2016, categorizing them by production levels, Human Development Index (HDI), and their status regarding Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) compliance.
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Document type: Fact sheet