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The analysis finds that while FDI in the SADC region is heavily driven by natural resource endowments and GDP, secondary activities (manufacturing and construction) are the primary drivers of job creation and inclusive growth. The paper highlights a mismatch between export potential and FDI in sectors like aquaculture and meat, while identifying strong growth opportunities in agro-processing and a potential revival in textiles driven by sustainable sourcing. It concludes that while services are growing, they provide significantly fewer jobs than industrial activities, validating the SISR's focus on industrialisation.

In 2019, global coal-fired electricity generation fell by 3%, contributing to a 2% decrease in power sector CO2 emissions, the largest declines since 1990. While coal collapsed in the EU and US, generation rose in China, which now accounts for half of global coal generation. Wind and solar generation grew by 15% in 2019, reaching 8% of the world's electricity, meeting the annual growth rate required by the Paris climate agreement. However, the document notes that the US transition is partly a switch to gas, whereas the EU is moving directly from coal to renewables.

The 2020 Global Electricity Review reports a record 3% fall in global coal-fired electricity generation and a 2% drop in power sector CO2 emissions in 2019. While coal collapsed in the EU and US, generation rose in China, which now accounts for over 50% of global coal generation. Wind and solar generation grew by 15%, providing 8% of the world's electricity. However, the report argues that these declines are largely due to one-off factors and that current progress is insufficient to meet the IPCC's 1.5°C scenario, which would require coal generation to collapse by 11% annually until 2030.

The report finds that while global coal capacity grew by 34.1 GW in 2019, this was primarily driven by China, as capacity in the rest of the world continued to shrink. Global coal plant utilization hit a record low of 51% in 2019. The report highlights a shift in financing, with Western commercial banks largely exiting project finance for coal, while Japanese and Chinese public finance continue to support new developments. Significant retirements occurred in the US and EU, though some OECD nations like Japan and South Korea continue to develop new capacity.

The report finds that while the global coal fleet grew by 34.1 GW in 2019, this was primarily driven by China, as the fleet outside China shrank for the second consecutive year. Most leading indicators of growth, including construction starts and pre-permit development, continued to decline globally. The report highlights a shift in financing, with Western commercial banks exiting project finance for coal, while Chinese public finance and Indian state-backed institutions continue to support new capacity. Despite these trends, the report argues that coal power use must fall by 80% by 2030 to align with the 1.5C warming limit of the Paris climate agreement.

The report finds that while global coal capacity grew by 34.1 GW in 2019, this was primarily driven by China, where 68.3 GW of new capacity began operating. Outside China, the global coal fleet shrank for the second consecutive year. Pre-construction pipelines are declining globally, with significant drops in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In OECD countries, capacity has declined since 2011, though Japan remains a major driver of new coal power. Financing is becoming more restrictive, with no direct project finance from major US, European, or Australian banks for 2019 constructions, although public financing from China and India continues to support new projects.

The report finds that while global coal capacity increased by 34.1 GW in 2019—driven primarily by China—overall planning and construction are declining globally. It highlights a significant shift in the OECD, where the US and EU are accelerating closures, while Japan remains a major supporter of new coal projects both domestically and abroad. The document also notes a critical gap between current trends and the IPCC's requirement to reduce coal power by 80% by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C.

The report finds that while global coal capacity saw a net increase of 34.1 GW in 2019 due to Chinese additions, overall indicators for new projects have declined for four consecutive years. It highlights a significant shift in the OECD, where closures in the US and EU are outpacing new builds, and notes that Japan has become the most active OECD nation in new coal development. The document also details the increasing role of public finance from China, Japan, and South Korea in funding overseas coal projects as commercial banks withdraw support. In China, capacity continues to grow despite low average utilization rates of around 50% and government efforts to limit new permits.

The report finds that while global coal capacity saw a net increase of 34.1 GW in 2019, this was driven almost entirely by China. Excluding China, the global coal industry declined for the second consecutive year. The report highlights a significant shift in financing, with Western commercial banks withdrawing direct funding for new coal, while Chinese and Indian state-backed institutions continue to provide critical capital. Regional analysis shows sharp declines in pre-construction capacity in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, though some countries like Japan and Turkey continue to pursue coal development despite international pressure.

The document analyzes the legal frameworks and practical trends associated with terminating bilateral investment treaties (BITs), specifically focusing on the roles of termination and survival clauses. It details three primary methods of termination—by consent with renegotiation, by consent without renegotiation, and unilateral termination—while providing strategic considerations for states to mitigate investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) risks. The guide also suggests modern drafting approaches for new BITs to avoid the pitfalls of 'tacit renewal' and long survival periods.

The report details a comprehensive water assessment for the CORPOCHIVOR region in Colombia, employing the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system to analyze the Garagoa, Lengupá, Guavio, and Upía sub-basins. It establishes a baseline of water availability and demand, identifies critical micro-basins such as those in Úmbita and Ciénaga, and projects impacts under climate change scenarios to 2040. Key findings highlight a general lack of water retention capacity, deteriorating water quality in main river channels, and a discrepancy between official water concessions and potential actual demand in agricultural areas.

Analysis of 242 U.S. cities since 1970 shows that 81% have warmed by at least 1°F, with the highest increases in the Southwest. Additionally, 80% of 195 analyzed cities are experiencing their average last freeze earlier in the season, contributing to longer growing seasons and associated increases in seasonal allergies and pest activity.

The 2010s saw a significant surge in billion-dollar disasters in the U.S., accounting for nearly half of all such events and costs since 1980. The decade recorded 119 billion-dollar disasters with costs exceeding $800 billion, with notable spikes in central states like Texas, Illinois, and Missouri. The document links these trends to climate change—specifically warmer oceans and a wetter atmosphere—and notes that pre-disaster adaptation spending saves an average of $6 in recovery costs.

Sustainable investing is transitioning from a niche approach to a mainstream financial practice, with global assets under sustainable mandates projected to reach USD 160 trillion by 2036. While adoption is increasing in developed countries, the sector faces challenges regarding capacity at financial institutions and the integration of sustainability into passively managed portfolios. Key future drivers include the centrality of climate risk, the guidance provided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of innovative financial instruments.

The document outlines how the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) integrates climate change into its monitoring of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It details the Committee's use of General Comments, Joint Statements, and State reporting procedures to hold States accountable for climate-related impacts on rights such as health, food, and water. Key findings emphasize that States must implement emissions cuts reflecting the "highest possible ambition," regulate private actors to prevent climate harm, and ensure that high-income States provide climate finance to developing nations beyond existing official development assistance. The briefing also analyzes trends in the Committee's Concluding Observations from 2008 to 2019, noting a higher frequency of climate-related recommendations for developed countries and a strong focus on mitigation, adaptation, and international cooperation.

The report finds that while renewable energy investment reached USD 322 billion in 2018, it must almost triple to USD 800 billion by 2050 to meet climate goals. Investment is heavily concentrated in China, the US, and Western Europe, with a dominance of solar PV and onshore wind. The private sector provides 86% of capital, primarily through project developers. Off-grid renewables, though growing, represent less than 1% of total energy access finance, with Sub-Saharan Africa as the primary destination.

The report updates global climate finance averages for 2017/18 to USD 574 billion per year and provides a preliminary 2019 estimate of USD 608–622 billion. It highlights that mitigation dominates finance (93%), with renewable energy as the largest sector. The document also analyzes the disruptive effects of COVID-19, noting a tension between 'green' recovery packages and significant stimulus funding for carbon-intensive sectors.

The 2020 Global Green Economy Barometer evaluates the shift toward sustainable and equitable economic systems. While it notes accelerating energy transitions, a rise in green bonds, and the emergence of wellbeing budgets in countries like New Zealand, it argues that the 'brown economy' still dominates. The report highlights that fossil fuel subsidies reached US$ 5.2 trillion in 2017 and that global energy intensity is declining at only 0.4% per year, far below the 4-10% needed for mid-century decarbonization. It calls for systemic reforms to move beyond GDP, value natural capital, and ensure a just transition for marginalized populations.

The document highlights that current WTO disciplines fail to constrain high levels of trade-distorting support in major economies like the US, EU, China, and India, while hindering the ability of other members to invest in food security. It proposes simplifying rules through new overall limits tied to agricultural output, increased transparency, and special treatment for developing countries.

The document examines the link between armed conflict and forced displacement in Africa, noting that the number of forcibly displaced people more than doubled from 11 million in 2013 to 25.7 million in 2019. It assesses the African Union's (AU) 'Silencing the Guns' initiative, arguing that while infrastructure like the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the Panel of the Wise exists, implementation is hindered by a lack of conceptual coherence and poor governance. The brief highlights that governance deficiencies, corruption, and the illicit trade of firearms—with over 40 million civilian-held firearms in Africa—drive conflict and displacement. It recommends that the AU move from early warning to early action, improve interdepartmental coordination, and address the structural root causes of conflict to facilitate durable solutions like repatriation.