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A Critical Assessment of the G-20 Food Security Agenda
This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the alignment of the G-20 food security agenda with the interests of the African continent. The analysis finds that while the G-20's commitments broadly align with African policy processes—particularly regarding food-price volatility, agricultural productivity, and nutrition—the G-20 has been slow to implement regulatory reforms and provide significant funding for African agriculture. The author argues that the G-20 often overlooks systemic issues requiring internal reform, such as biofuel policies and commodity speculation, which significantly impact food security in developing regions.
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Document type: Research paper
G-20 Food Security in Africa: Measures to Strengthen the G-20 Agenda
This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the G-20's global food security agenda and its effectiveness in Africa. While the G-20 has established frameworks to address price volatility and agricultural productivity, the document argues that a lack of implementation of regulatory reforms and the persistence of protectionist trade practices within G-20 member states limit the actual impact on African food security.
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Document type: Policy brief
Biofuels—At What Cost?
This document is an addendum to the report 'Biofuels—At What Cost? A review of costs and benefits of EU biofuel policies', published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in August 2013. The addendum provides corrected 2011 estimates for EU biofuel subsidies, specifically revising the figures for fuel excise tax exemptions, and details the calculation methodologies used for budgetary support and market price support.
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Document type: Report
Biofuels in Zambia: Panacea or Problem?
This research paper examines the failure of the biofuels sector in Zambia, where government goals of poverty reduction and energy security were undermined by a lack of policy safeguards, poor infrastructure, and the inability of small-scale farmers to access international markets.
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Document type: Research paper
Support Strong Farm Bill Conservation Programs and Policies
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) urges representatives to support a strong conservation title in the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 to improve the sustainability of agricultural and biofuel production.
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Document type: Statement
Support Strong Farm Bill Energy Programs with Mandatory Funding
A letter from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute to members of the House of Representatives urging the inclusion of mandatory funding for energy programs within the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013 to support bio-based industries and renewable energy.
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Document type: Statement
Support Strong Farm Bill Energy Programs with Mandatory Funding
A letter from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) to U.S. Senators urging the inclusion of $1.3 billion in mandatory funding for the energy title of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 to support sustainable bio-based products and energy industries.
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Document type: Statement
Comments on the Renewable Fuel Standard Assessment White Paper: Agricultural Sector Impacts
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) submitted comments to the U.S. House of Representatives advocating for the maintenance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as written. EESI argues that the RFS is critical for reducing petroleum dependence, improving urban air quality by reducing aromatic air toxics, and fostering rural economic development. The document contends that factors other than the RFS—such as extreme weather, global meat demand, and commodity speculation—are the primary drivers of corn and soybean price volatility.
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Document type: Statement
Investment Incentives for Renewable Energy: Case study of Indonesia
This case study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) assesses investment incentives for renewable energy in Indonesia, specifically focusing on geothermal power, hydropower, biomass power, and biofuels. It examines the institutional, regulatory, and financial frameworks intended to attract investment and identifies significant barriers, including inter-ministerial conflict, market distortions caused by fossil fuel subsidies, and a lack of technical capacity among bidders and financial institutions.
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Document type: Case study
101212_96_group_letter_to_omb-ab096405f800ba79.pdf
A group of environmental and conservation organizations wrote a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing the EPA's proposal to approve Arundo donax (giant reed) as a qualified advanced biofuel feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, citing significant ecological and economic risks.
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Document type: Statement
Requests to Waive the Renewable Fuel Standard
This briefing examines the debate over whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) following a severe heat wave and drought in the United States that reduced corn yields and increased prices. While livestock and poultry producers argue a waiver would lower corn prices and food costs, the document suggests that such a move could increase gasoline prices, heighten dependence on imported oil, and discourage investment in advanced biofuels.
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Document type: Briefing
The Planetary Water Drama: Dual Task of Feeding Humanity and Curbing Climate Change
This research paper examines the conflict between global freshwater requirements and the dual goals of carbon sequestration and food production by 2050, concluding that the water costs of sequestration would exceed planetary boundaries and worsen river depletion.
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Document type: Research paper
Should the Renewable Fuel Standard be waived in times of drought?
This statement examines whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in response to a 2012 drought in the United States that damaged corn and soybean crops. While livestock and dairy producers have petitioned for a waiver to lower corn feed prices, the document argues that such a move would have minimal impact on prices while severely harming the biofuels industry and its long-term goals.
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Document type: Statement
What Does the Farm Bill Have to do With America’s Energy Security? | Article | EESI
This op-ed argues that the 2012 Farm Bill is critical for U.S. energy security, specifically through the funding of bioenergy and rural energy efficiency programs to reduce dependence on petroleum imports.
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Document type: Statement
Biofuels and their potential to aid the UK towards achieving emissions reduction policy targets
This research paper evaluates the potential of biofuels to help the UK meet emission reduction targets set in the Low Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP) and EU obligations, using a hybrid life-cycle assessment across four scenarios.
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Document type: Research paper
Don’t Suppress Military-Led Innovation
Amory Lovins criticizes a Senate Armed Services Committee vote that restricts the U.S. Department of Defense from purchasing alternative fuels that cost more than traditional fossil fuels, arguing that such restrictions stifle military-led innovation and potential civilian economic savings.
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Document type: Statement
Support Strong Farm Bill Energy Programs
A letter from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute to Senator Whitehouse urging support for mandatory funding for energy programs within the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 (S. 3240) to reduce petroleum dependence and stimulate rural economic growth.
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Document type: Statement
Chapter 3: Land
This chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) report analyzes the increasing pressures on global land resources driven by population growth, economic development, and globalization, while discussing the necessity of improved governance and capacity building for sustainable land management.
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Document type: Report
Tallinna Autobussikoondise linnaliinibusside alternatiivkütuste kasutuselevõtu asjaolude selgitamine: Uuringu lõpparuanne
This report evaluates the feasibility, costs, and environmental impacts of transitioning the Tallinn Bus Company fleet to alternative fuels—specifically biodiesel, bioethanol, and hybrid technologies—to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
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Document type: Report
Should We be Concerned about Competition between Food and Fuel?
This policy brief analyzes the impact of biofuel consumption mandates in the United States and the European Union on global food commodity prices, examining the 'food versus fuel' debate and proposing mechanisms to mitigate price volatility.
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Document type: Policy brief