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The document examines South Africa's efforts to shift toward a low-carbon growth trajectory through various policy frameworks like the National Development Plan and the Green Economy Accord. It highlights a fundamental tension: while the government aims for a green transition to create jobs and reduce emissions, the country remains heavily reliant on coal-fired power and extractive industries to address urgent poverty and unemployment. The paper also explores South Africa's potential to lead other African nations in green investment and policy development.

The document discusses the shift toward regulatory-based climate policies in both Canada and the U.S., emphasizing the need for 'equivalency' in measuring carbon reductions across different provincial and state systems. It analyzes the economic impact of proposed Canadian oil and gas regulations, noting that a 40/40 target (40% reduction with a $40 price ceiling) would cost significantly more than a 20/20 target. Finally, it suggests Canada is unlikely to meet its 17% emissions reduction target for 2020 due to delayed oil and gas regulations and increasing energy sector emissions.

The report finds that while global warming is not a top national priority for most Americans, there is broad support for specific clean energy policies, such as renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles. However, confidence in government's ability to address the issue remains low, and significant polarization exists between political parties and different psychological segments of the population.

The document examines India's adoption of the G-20's 'green growth' framework, which posits that economic growth and environmental sustainability are compatible. While the Indian government integrates this into its Five-Year Plans through technocratic solutions like renewable energy missions and energy efficiency schemes, a counter-discourse argues that such growth continues to marginalize the poor and deplete natural capital. The author highlights a contradiction between India's G-20 alignment and its stance in multilateral climate forums, where it emphasizes historical responsibility and the need for financial support from developed nations.

The document examines how environmental taxes and fiscal reforms can fund renewable energy, analyzing eight international case studies to provide policy recommendations for China. It argues that dedicated (earmarked) tax revenues can increase transparency and investor confidence, and that well-designed EFR measures do not necessarily hinder economic growth. For China, the report suggests transitioning from electricity surcharges toward a system based on natural resource and carbon taxes to ensure long-term funding stability for renewable energy.

The report examines how China can transition from relying on electricity surcharges to using environmental taxes and carbon pricing to fund renewable energy. By analyzing eight international case studies, it argues that EFR measures can be pro-growth if revenues are recycled effectively and that earmarking revenues increases transparency and investor confidence. The document suggests that China should consider a carbon tax and natural resource taxes to provide stable, long-term funding for its renewable energy targets, while implementing governance structures to ensure accountability and avoid the 'stop and go' investment cycles seen in some other jurisdictions.

The report examines how environmental taxes and other market-based instruments can fund renewable energy deployment. Through eight case studies from diverse economies, it argues that EFR can generate a 'double dividend' by reducing pollution while providing stable funding for green energy. It highlights the importance of revenue recycling to maintain economic competitiveness and the role of earmarking in increasing policy transparency and public acceptance. For China, the report suggests transitioning from electricity surcharges to a system based on natural resource and carbon taxes to ensure long-term investment stability.

This briefing describes how fiscal policy instruments—such as taxes, subsidies, and market mechanisms—can incentivize sustainable actions and discourage unsustainable practices. It highlights Germany's revenue-neutral motor vehicle tax based on CO2 emissions and discusses the applicability of similar province-specific fiscal mechanisms within the Canadian context, specifically for Manitoba.

The report finds that current algal biofuel technologies are not yet economically or environmentally superior to fossil fuels, citing low energy return on investment (EROI) and high greenhouse gas emissions. While theoretical yields are high, large-scale commercialization is estimated to be years or decades away. The document argues that viability depends on integrating production with wastewater treatment, industrial flue gas for CO2, and the development of marine algae strains via molecular engineering to reduce freshwater and land demands.

The report examines industrial policy as a tool for structural economic transformation, contrasting traditional methods—such as import substitution and export promotion—with 'green industrial policy' designed to address environmental externalities. It argues that while market forces are generally preferred, government intervention is justified by market failures like coordination gaps and credit imperfections. The author identifies best practices, including the use of performance-based 'sunset clauses' and close government-industry collaboration. Green industrial policy is presented as a 'second-best' alternative to carbon pricing, requiring larger-scale intervention to stimulate both supply and demand for environmentally friendly technologies.

The document outlines a proposed carbon tax for South Africa, starting at R120 per tCO2-eq in 2015 with annual increases of 10% through 2019. It argues that a carbon tax is more suitable than an emissions trading system (ETS) in the short term due to the oligopolistic nature of the domestic energy sector. The design includes a basic tax-free threshold of 60%, with additional allowances for trade-exposed and process-emission sectors, and the possibility of using carbon offsets to reduce tax liability. Economic modelling suggests the tax would have a largely neutral impact on GDP and employment if revenues are recycled effectively through tax shifting or government investment. The paper also details complementary flagship programmes in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transport to support a just transition.

The policy brief analyzes four regulatory scenarios for Canada's oil and gas sector, pairing emission-intensity improvements (20% to 40%) with price ceilings ($20 to $60). It argues that a 40% intensity standard with a two-tiered price ceiling ($30 and $60) provides an optimal balance by delivering 42 megatonnes of compliance in 2020 at an average cost of $28 per tonne. The author notes that while higher intensity targets increase costs, the average cost per barrel remains low (under $1), suggesting that such regulations would not significantly deter industry investment, as project hurdle rates already account for a $40 marginal cost.

The report finds that while South African institutional investors increasingly recognize the relevance of ESG factors, integration remains slow and inconsistent. Many investors rely on narrow proxies for climate risk, such as carbon taxes, while largely ignoring physical risks and water scarcity. The study highlights a systemic lack of demand from asset owners and a prevalence of short-termism in performance evaluation, which hinders the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite these barriers, a majority of respondents acknowledge that portfolios are heavily exposed to climate-vulnerable sectors, particularly through state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet, leading to the conclusion that many assets may be mispriced.

The research examines the 'green paradox'—where climate policies may inadvertently accelerate fossil fuel extraction—within a two-period model that incorporates learning-by-doing (LBD) in the renewable energy sector. The authors find that while a present carbon tax consistently reduces current fossil fuel use, the impact of renewable energy subsidies is ambiguous and depends on the strength of the LBD effect. Specifically, large LBD effects can trigger the green paradox by significantly reducing future demand for fossil fuels, thereby incentivizing resource owners to increase extraction in the present. The paper concludes that a carbon tax is the most reliable tool for reducing immediate CO2 emissions, suggesting that tax revenues should only be used to fund subsidies if the LBD effect is small.

The report finds that while a majority of Americans believe clean energy and global warming should be priorities for the U.S. government, support for specific policies varies. High support exists for renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient products, while revenue-neutral carbon taxes see limited support. Partisan divides are significant, particularly regarding the Keystone XL pipeline and the priority level assigned to global warming.

The report finds that while a majority of Americans prioritize clean energy and global warming action, support for specific policies has declined since 2008. There is strong support for renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient products, but limited support for revenue-neutral carbon taxes. Significant partisan divides exist, particularly regarding the Keystone XL pipeline and the priority level of global warming.

The document aggregates data from multiple polling organizations, indicating a general rise in American concern regarding climate change and a growing belief in its human causes. While there is broad support for renewable energy and power plant emission regulations, public support for carbon taxes and cap-and-trade measures remains low. The data highlights significant demographic variations, with higher levels of concern and support for government action among Democrats, minorities, and younger adults compared to Republicans.

The report examines how carbon pricing mechanisms—such as carbon taxes and emissions trading systems—affect the competitiveness of the mining and metals sector. It focuses on aluminium, copper, iron ore, and coal across the EU, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the US. The analysis highlights that electricity-intensive processes, like aluminium smelting, are most vulnerable to indirect costs passed through from power grids. The report advocates for a principles-based approach to policy design to prevent carbon leakage and maintain international competitiveness, recommending a transition toward a harmonized global emissions system.

The document argues that the consumption patterns of the growing middle class in developing countries are a critical determinant of the global ability to limit temperature rise to 2°C. It suggests that because traditional carbon pricing is often difficult to implement in these contexts, targeted technology and innovation policies—focusing on urban planning, transport, and energy efficiency—are necessary. Using case studies on Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the brief emphasizes that success depends on addressing the political economy and building local capabilities rather than relying solely on economic incentives.

The Vietnam Green Growth Strategy (VGGS), approved in September 2012, seeks to restructure the economy for resource efficiency and sustainable growth. It sets specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption per unit of GDP by 2020, 2030, and 2050. Implementation is managed by an Inter-ministerial Coordinating Board and supported by a blend of public, private, and international financing, including the Green Climate Fund and potential carbon taxes.