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The report argues that accelerating the retirement of coal plants in Illinois in favor of clean energy technologies will improve public health, reduce carbon emissions, and lower electricity bills without compromising grid reliability.

The report argues that accelerating the retirement of coal plants in Illinois, beyond the mandates of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), would significantly improve public health and provide economic gains. Modeling shows that replacing coal with wind, solar, and energy storage is affordable and does not compromise grid reliability, as demonstrated by a case study of the Waukegan plant. The analysis highlights that pollution-burdened communities of color and low-income residents stand to benefit most from this transition.

The report analyzes twelve sustainability standards for infrastructure, categorizing them into project screening tools (e.g., SuRe, Envision, CEEQUAL, ISCA, IFC Performance Standards) and accounting tools (e.g., SASB, TCFD, GHG Protocol, UN PRI). It evaluates these tools based on comprehensiveness, objectivity, clarity, transaction costs, and traction. The study finds that the industry lacks a single global standard, with investors often using multiple tools depending on the project's local context and regulatory regime. It highlights a fundamental tension between 'preservationist' public sector assessments, which determine if a project should be built, and 'conservationist' investor metrics, which focus on implementing projects in the most sustainable way possible.

WRI transitioned its $40 million endowment to a sustainable investment strategy starting in 2014, moving from a focus on maximizing financial returns to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The organization rejected a simple divestment approach in favor of a holistic ESG integration strategy and a 15% 'impact' carve-out for private equity solutions. To manage this complexity, WRI shifted its governance model to an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) partnership with Goldman Sachs. Despite challenges with inconsistent ESG data and a lack of sustainable products in certain asset classes, WRI reports that its new portfolio has performed nearly identical to its benchmark with slightly lower risk.

The briefing outlines a sustainable finance instrument designed to transition Indian auto-rickshaw drivers from conventional vehicles to electric ones. By providing 100% debt financing, eliminating collateral requirements, and offering lower interest rates (22%-24% per annum), the instrument aims to replace the current rental model and predatory informal loans. The proposed NBFC structure will pool equity, commercial debt, and concessional capital, utilizing a community-driven loan appraisal and collection system to mitigate default risks. A pilot project targeting 500 vehicles in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Chitradurga is planned to demonstrate the model's viability and environmental impact, with a long-term goal of capturing 5% of the Indian market to avoid 9 million tons of carbon emissions.

The statement by EESI Board Chair Jared Blum asserts that Senator John McCain's early efforts to sponsor bipartisan legislation and lead Senate hearings on global warming created a benchmark for prescience and gave credibility to the business case for renewable energy and energy efficiency. This leadership influenced petroleum-based industries, energy efficiency sectors, and Republican-led states to consider CO2 reduction. The document further links McCain's concerns to the current recognition of climate change as a direct threat to U.S. national security, as codified in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Clean Air Task Force opposes the EPA's proposed replacement of the Clean Power Plan, arguing it violates the Clean Air Act and would lead to approximately 1,000 avoidable deaths per year by extending the operation of old coal plants.

The report highlights the necessity for cities to target existing buildings to meet zero-carbon goals, suggesting that packaging policy elements can drive job creation and tax revenue. It cites a case study with a tier 1 city where a cost-optimized point-of-sale policy is projected to save over $4 billion in lifetime energy costs and reduce building sector CO2e emissions by 67 percent, supporting a broader 2050 goal of an 80 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction.

ClientEarth warns the BP Pension Fund trustees that ignoring climate-related financial risks may constitute a breach of fiduciary duty and jeopardize member retirement outcomes. The letter outlines material risks associated with fossil fuel assets, highlights emerging market standards for climate-aware investing among OECD asset owners, and provides a detailed set of recommended actions for the fund to safeguard its assets and align with the Paris Agreement.

ClientEarth warns the Ford Pension Fund trustees that failing to consider climate change as a material financial risk may constitute a breach of fiduciary duty. The letter outlines the financial risks of fossil fuel assets, the opportunities in low-carbon investments, and emerging market standards among OECD asset owners. It concludes with a detailed set of recommended actions, including asset reallocation away from coal and the adoption of TCFD-aligned reporting.

ClientEarth argues that the Lloyds Bank Pension Scheme trustees may be failing their fiduciary duties by not sufficiently addressing climate risk. The letter outlines the material financial risks of climate change, particularly for fossil fuel assets, and the opportunities in the low-carbon transition. It provides a framework for action, including reallocating assets away from coal and high-carbon sectors, adopting TCFD-aligned reporting, and pursuing active stewardship of portfolio companies.

The document argues that climate change represents a material financial risk that pension trustees must consider to fulfill their legal duty to act in the best interests of members. It highlights the vulnerability of fossil fuel assets, the potential for low-carbon investment returns, and emerging market standards among OECD asset owners. ClientEarth provides a detailed framework for the scheme to evaluate risk, reallocate assets away from coal and high-risk fossil fuels, and implement active stewardship and TCFD-aligned reporting.

ClientEarth warns the Shell Contributory Pension Fund trustees that failing to strategically manage climate risk may breach their fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of members. The letter asserts that climate change is a material investment risk and provides evidence that fossil fuel assets, particularly coal, are highly exposed to financial losses. It highlights emerging market standards among OECD asset owners, including the use of TCFD frameworks and divestment policies. ClientEarth recommends specific actions: evaluating physical and transitional risks, reallocating capital away from coal and risky fossil fuels, and pursuing active stewardship to align portfolio companies with the Paris Agreement.

ClientEarth argues that the Tesco Pension Scheme trustees may be breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to identify and mitigate specific climate change risks. The letter asserts that climate risk is a material financial risk and provides evidence that fossil fuel assets, particularly coal, are highly exposed to losses. It further claims that low-carbon investing does not compromise returns and that market standards are shifting toward robust climate governance and divestment. ClientEarth recommends a series of actions, including reallocating capital away from coal and risky fossil fuels, adopting TCFD-aligned reporting, and implementing active stewardship policies to ensure portfolio resilience.

A coalition of over 115 organizations, including the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, calls on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to reinstate climate policy and meet legislated emissions targets. The letter highlights the increasing financial and human costs of climate change in Ontario, citing record heat waves, floods, and forest fires, and notes that Ontario is Canada's second most carbon-polluting province.

The Life After Coal Campaign (LAC) argues that new coal-fired power plants in South Africa are irrational, costly, and contrary to international climate obligations. The campaign highlights the severe water externalities of coal, the health risks associated with the proposed Khanyisa power station, and the financial risks of stranded assets as global investment shifts away from thermal coal. LAC advocates for a just transition that prioritizes renewable energy, protects workers' livelihoods, and ensures Eskom's active role in a sustainable energy system.

The author advocates for a 'sufficiency' paradigm to replace the pursuit of infinite economic growth, which is deemed incompatible with planetary boundaries. The text proposes a shift toward an economy where the Global North reduces its material and energy throughput to allow the global poor to meet their basic needs. Key policy mechanisms suggested include 'cap-and-rationing' systems for resources and carbon, a transition from labor-based to resource-based green taxation, and the implementation of maximum income ceilings to curb conspicuous consumption and speculation.

The document outlines the economic necessity for South Africa to transition toward low-carbon manufacturing, identifying specific opportunities in renewable energy, transport, agriprocessing, water, and the circular economy. It emphasizes the need for policy clarity, local procurement, and a 'just transition' that protects workers and informal waste pickers.

The document details how climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves across the United States, leading to severe health risks and societal disruptions. It highlights the vulnerability of specific populations, such as the elderly and outdoor workers, and the role of the urban heat-island effect. The text argues that stabilizing carbon emissions and adhering to the Paris Agreement can significantly reduce the projected increase in extreme temperatures and the frequency of heat waves by mid-century.

The document examines the global landscape of high-speed rail (HSR), highlighting the extensive networks in China, Japan, and Europe compared to the limited development in the United States. It defines HSR as new lines exceeding 250 km/h (160 mph) and existing lines exceeding 200 km/h (120 mph). The text details China's rapid expansion, which is expected to reach 38,000 km by 2025, and Japan's long-standing safety record with the Shinkansen. In the U.S., only California is currently building a full HSR system, with the first phase expected by 2029. The report argues that HSR is more energy-efficient than cars and planes, offering a path to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced oil demand.