Search Climate Insights Directory

The TNRC project provided a comprehensive framework for integrating anti-corruption measures into conservation, producing over 170 knowledge resources and training 1,200+ NGO staff. It emphasizes a three-step approach: learning basics, conducting corruption-aware situation analysis, and adapting programming through six thematic pillars. Key achievements include the creation of the Countering Environmental Corruption Practitioners Forum and the institutionalization of anti-corruption strategies within WWF and TRAFFIC.

The document outlines the two primary types of carbon markets—cap-and-trade and carbon crediting systems—and distinguishes between compliance markets, which are based on obligatory targets, and voluntary markets used for corporate social responsibility. It highlights the role of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in establishing new international market mechanisms. The text critically assesses carbon offsetting, particularly REDD+ forestry projects, noting that they often generate exaggerated credits and lack adequate safeguards. It concludes that carbon credits cannot scientifically be proven to reliably neutralise one tonne of CO2 and recommends that companies move toward a 'climate contribution' or 'beyond value chain mitigation' (BVCM) model to provide climate finance without making misleading offsetting claims.

The IPAG-3 meeting focused on improving direct access to GCF funding for Indigenous Peoples, integrating indigenous knowledge into climate risk assessments, and ensuring the GCF Indigenous Peoples Policy is strictly applied in project proposals. Key outcomes include a commitment to a 2024 global structured dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, advice on staffing potential GCF regional offices with internal expertise rather than consultants, and requests for the Independent Redress Mechanism to build capacity for Indigenous Peoples on grievance mechanisms.

The document explains the distinction between cap-and-trade systems (ETS) and baseline-and-credit mechanisms, detailing the evolution from Kyoto Protocol markets to the Paris Agreement's Article 6. It critiques carbon offsetting for enabling greenwashing and failing to reduce absolute emissions, while highlighting the specific shortcomings of CORSIA and REDD+. The guide advocates for a shift toward a 'climate contribution' approach where credits are cancelled without offsetting claims to support global climate action.

The document explains the distinction between emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon credit attribution mechanisms, detailing the evolution from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement. It critically assesses the effectiveness of various market mechanisms, including Article 6.2 and 6.4, CORSIA, and REDD+, highlighting systemic risks such as 'hot air', double counting, and greenwashing. The guide argues against the use of offsets for carbon neutrality and proposes a 'climate contribution' approach instead.

The document explains the difference between cap-and-trade systems and carbon credit mechanisms, detailing the evolution from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement. It critiques carbon offsetting as a tool for greenwashing and argues for a shift toward 'climate contributions' where credits are retired without claims of neutrality.

The document serves as a comprehensive primer on carbon markets, distinguishing between emissions trading systems (cap-and-trade) and credit-based mechanisms. It details the evolution from the Kyoto Protocol's mechanisms to the Paris Agreement's Article 6, while critically assessing the risks of carbon offsetting, such as 'greenwashing' and the 'hot air' problem. The guide also examines the CORSIA framework for aviation and the private certification standards of the voluntary market, ultimately advocating for a shift from offsetting to a 'climate contribution' model.

The GCF Board's 37th meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, resulted in the approval of 15 funding proposals totaling USD 736.4 million and the adoption of the 2024 administrative budget of USD 112.4 million. Key strategic outcomes include the endorsement of the Readiness Strategy 2024–2027, which allocates USD 501.5 million to enhance country ownership and direct access, and the confirmation of USD 9.3 billion in pledges for the second formal replenishment (GCF-2). The Board also established an ad hoc Committee on Human Resources Matters to address systemic compensation and policy issues. Significant discussions occurred regarding the potential for a regional presence to reduce operational bottlenecks and the ongoing debate over the financing of results-based payments for REDD+, which was deferred to the next meeting.

The document outlines a 36-month readiness project implemented by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) to address technical and institutional gaps in GHG management for Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Suriname's focus is on institutionalising national carbon monitoring and reporting frameworks, including upgrading the Dondru database and supporting Direct Access Entity (DAE) accreditation. Trinidad and Tobago's focus is on enhancing capacity for carbon capture and storage (CCS), developing a national carbon dioxide storage atlas, and preparing for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The project also includes integrated studies on blue carbon sequestration in mangrove forests for both nations.

The report demonstrates a causal link between Amazonian deforestation and reduced hydroelectric output in Brazil, affecting plants both within the Amazon and in distant regions like the Paraná Basin. Through case studies of the Teles Pires and several Paraná Basin plants, it quantifies energy and financial losses, highlighting that 17 of Brazil's 20 largest hydroelectric plants are exposed to the 'flying rivers' mechanism. The document argues that forest conservation is essential for national energy security and suggests targeted restoration policies based on land tenure categories.

The 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment finds that the world is off track to meet 2030 goals to stop and reverse deforestation and degradation. In 2023, 6.37 million hectares of forest were permanently lost, with tropical humid primary forest loss 38% higher than required to be on track. Key drivers include unsustainable production of agricultural commodities and extractive industries, often fueled by demand from industrialized nations like China and the EU. While some progress is noted in forest governance and the expansion of protected areas, significant gaps remain in funding for Indigenous peoples and local communities. The report argues for a radical shift from exploitative consumption models toward circularity and rights-based governance to safeguard critical ecosystems.

The 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment finds that the world is far from meeting its 2030 goals to stop and reverse deforestation and degradation. In 2023, 6.37 million hectares of forest were permanently lost globally, with tropical regions in Africa and Asia failing to meet their targets. Primary forest loss remains alarmingly high, and forest degradation affects an area ten times larger than that of permanent deforestation. The report identifies unsustainable production and consumption—particularly of agricultural commodities, fossil fuels, and minerals—as primary drivers. While some progress is noted in countries like Brazil and Indonesia, and through new EU regulations like the EUDR, the report highlights a massive gap between 'green' and 'grey' financing, with trillions in harmful subsidies continuing to drive ecosystem loss. It emphasizes the critical role of Indigenous peoples and local communities, who face significant violence and limited direct access to funding despite their role as forest guardians.

The 2024 assessment finds that global goals to end deforestation and forest degradation by 2030 remain out of reach, with 6.37 million hectares of forest permanently lost in 2023. While some progress is noted in countries like Brazil and Indonesia, global pressures from unsustainable production—particularly agriculture and mining—persist. The report highlights a critical gap between 'green' and 'grey' financing, noting that environmentally harmful subsidies far outweigh investments in forest protection. It also emphasizes the ongoing struggle for indigenous land rights and the increasing threat of human-induced forest fires. The document recommends a radical shift in consumption patterns, the reallocation of harmful subsidies, and the implementation of rights-based governance to protect global forest ecosystems.

The 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment finds that the world is far from meeting its 2030 goals to stop deforestation and degradation. In 2023, 6.37 million hectares of forest were permanently lost, with tropical Asia and Africa seeing significant increases. The report highlights that unsustainable production of agricultural commodities and minerals remains the primary driver of loss, often impacting Indigenous Peoples and local communities. While some progress is noted in Brazil and Indonesia, and through new EU regulations like the EUDR, global efforts are hampered by a massive gap between 'green' and 'grey' financing, with trillions in harmful subsidies continuing to incentivize forest destruction.

The 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment finds that the world is off track to meet 2030 forest goals, with 6.37 million hectares of forest permanently lost in 2023. Deforestation is primarily driven by commodity production, including agriculture and mining, with significant demand from industrialized nations like China, the EU, and the U.S. While some progress has been made in forest law enforcement and the establishment of protected areas, the report highlights a massive gap between 'green' and 'gray' finance, noting that environmentally harmful subsidies reach USD 2.6 trillion annually. The assessment emphasizes the critical need for rights-based governance and direct funding for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to ensure sustainable forest management.

The report examines the socio-environmental crises and communication barriers in the Amazonian regions of Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia. It highlights how extractivism, deforestation, and political influence marginalize local voices, particularly those of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. The document argues that community radio is the most effective tool for amplifying local knowledge and ensuring participation in climate policy, provided that challenges regarding financial sustainability, language diversity, and safety for journalists are addressed.

The report examines how extractive industries, deforestation, and political interests degrade the Amazon rainforest and marginalize local voices in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. It highlights the critical role of community radio in amplifying indigenous and grassroots knowledge, while identifying systemic barriers such as lack of connectivity, language discrimination, and safety risks for environmental defenders.

The report provides a snapshot of the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code in 2023, highlighting the roles of the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) and the Environmental Compliance Program (PRA). While some states like Minas Gerais, Pará, and São Paulo have made significant strides through automated analysis tools and improved communication with landowners, the overall process remains bottlenecked at the analysis stage. The document also details the registration of traditional territories and the introduction of a specific module for agrarian reform settlement plots.

The report outlines the strategic positions of African nations and multilateral structures at COP28, emphasizing the Nairobi Declaration and the AU's Climate Change and Resilient Strategy and Action Plan. It details the leadership of specific countries in areas such as green hydrogen (Morocco, Kenya), critical minerals (Namibia), and forest restoration (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Republic of Congo), while analyzing the influence of negotiating blocs like the G77 and China, BASIC, and the LDC group in securing climate finance and adaptation support.

The document defines REDD+ and traces its evolution from a UNFCCC results-based finance mechanism to the use of private standards like the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) for generating tradable carbon credits. It asserts that REDD+ projects, primarily located in the Global South, frequently overestimate their climate impact due to methodological flexibility in baseline setting, leakage, and permanence. The author argues that biological carbon storage cannot fully offset fossil fuel emissions and calls for more stringent, science-aligned standards and alternative financial avenues for forest conservation.