Search Climate Insights Directory

Based on data from 1,763 companies, the report shows that low-carbon investments, particularly in energy efficiency and renewables, can deliver significant internal rates of return (IRR). It highlights that 'forward-thinking' companies—those aligning targets with climate science—outperform peers financially. However, it notes that most corporate targets remain insufficient to meet the 2°C global temperature rise limit, calling for stable, long-term policy frameworks to incentivize more expensive, transformational decarbonization.

The We Mean Business Coalition presents a series of policy asks across key sectors—including energy, transport, industry, and the built environment—to align global economies with a 1.5°C trajectory. The document highlights existing corporate commitments, such as the 900+ companies aligning with 1.5°C targets, and calls for government action on carbon pricing, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, and the implementation of just transition plans. It emphasizes that a green recovery from COVID-19 can boost GDP and employment while addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

The paper examines the fragmented landscape of emissions intensity benchmarks and accounting methodologies for the cement and steel industries, which together contribute approximately 15% of global emissions. It argues that the current 'patchwork' of differing thresholds and methodologies increases compliance costs for businesses and hinders the international trade of low-carbon materials. To enable market growth and effective industrial decarbonization, the author advocates for greater harmonization, improved data quality, and interoperability across global standards.

The document argues that a low-carbon product standard for the U.S. steel industry, featuring an emissions intensity benchmark and tradable credits, can drive the adoption of abatement technologies. It recommends covering intermediate steel products (sheets, plates, bars, beams, pipes, and tubes) and including Scope 1, 2, and significant Scope 3 emissions in the benchmark. To prevent carbon leakage and protect competitiveness, the author suggests applying the standard to all steel products produced and sold in the U.S., including those from importers of upstream and downstream products. The paper emphasizes that while such a standard is a significant tool, a suite of complementary policies—including R&D funding, carbon pricing, and production tax credits—is necessary for full sector decarbonization.

The analysis identifies that U.S. petroleum refineries, which contribute approximately 3% of all U.S. emissions, can deeply decarbonize through fuel switching to clean hydrogen, electrification, and carbon capture, utilization and storage. In the long term, the paper argues that refineries can shift to renewable feedstocks to produce low-carbon fuels for aviation, shipping, and trucking, potentially reducing fuel carbon intensities by up to 80%.

This report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) outlines a strategic pathway for China to achieve deep decarbonization by 2050, focusing on the critical transition period of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). It argues that adopting a 'Strengthened Ambition Scenario' (SAS) can lead to significant economic and social benefits, including a net social gain of 6.5 trillion yuan in 2050 and the avoidance of 1.89 million premature deaths annually by that year. The report emphasizes the role of key economic regions—the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area—in leading the national transition by peaking emissions early.

WRI Indonesia's 2025-2032 strategy focuses on three core systems: energy, cities, and food, land and water. The organization aims to support Indonesia's goal of 8% GDP growth and a 43% emissions reduction by 2030 through industrial decarbonization, urban redesign, and ecosystem restoration. Key initiatives include promoting responsible critical mineral extraction, expanding green urban spaces, and securing land rights for Indigenous Peoples to enhance forest protection. WRI Indonesia employs a "count it, change it, scale it" methodology to integrate data-driven research with policy implementation across national and local government levels.

The document argues for a tradable low-carbon cement standard in the United States that uses emissions intensity benchmarks to reward low-carbon producers and penalize high-emitters. It suggests that such a targeted approach could be more effective than economy-wide carbon pricing for the cement sector. The proposed standard would cover Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O per unit of clinker and mineral additives. Key design recommendations include starting the benchmark slightly below current average intensity, tightening it annually, and implementing price floors and ceilings for credits. The author emphasizes that this standard must be part of a broader policy suite, including innovation and demand-stimulation policies, to fully decarbonize the cement-concrete value chain.