Search Climate Insights Directory

This RMI fact sheet outlines the climate impact of the aluminum industry and the necessary steps to decarbonize the sector to meet a 1.5°C pathway, focusing on the transition to renewable energy and the improvement of recycling practices.

This industry brief by GreenCape identifies ten critical pain points facing large-scale, centralised Black Soldier Fly (BSF) agriculture operations in South Africa. It analyzes the failures of previous pioneers to provide guidance for future developers and investors on avoiding common pitfalls related to value propositions, feedstock procurement, energy costs, and regulatory compliance.

Stora Enso is transitioning from a declining paper business to a renewable materials company, targeting the food and building sectors. Through partnerships with entities like Tetra Pak and the creation of innovation accelerators, the company aims to derive 15% of its revenue from new products. While it has successfully launched recycling infrastructure in Poland and developed sustainable alternatives to plastics, it continues to face financial pressures and the challenge of scaling niche products for mainstream adoption.

This report by RMI examines the emissions and waste impacts of synthetic fiber use in the clothing textile industry and identifies barriers to adopting bio-based and recycled fiber alternatives.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) provides an annotated analysis of the Zero Draft of the international plastics treaty. CIEL argues for the use of legally binding language ('shall'), the inclusion of production capacity freezes, a grouping approach to chemicals to avoid regrettable substitutions, and the establishment of a global plastic pollution fee. The analysis emphasizes a full life cycle approach, the protection of human rights, and a just transition for workers across the entire plastic value chain.

This policy brief by the Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS) examines options for international trade-related cooperation to address plastic pollution, specifically focusing on single-use plastics. It analyzes existing national legislative approaches, proposes criteria for identifying problematic plastics, and outlines pathways for collective action through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the development of a global plastics treaty.

This briefing by RMI analyzes the potential for the Great Lakes region to lead the electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chain. While the region possesses historical automotive strengths and significant R&D capacity, it faces competition from the 'Battery Belt' in the Deep South and gaps in state-level industrial policies. The document outlines the four stages of the supply chain—upstream, midstream, downstream, and reuse/recycling—and provides a gap analysis of regional policies compared to federal initiatives, urging Great Lakes states to coordinate on strategic coordination, production incentives, and end-of-life regulations to maintain competitiveness.

This document is a transcript of keynote remarks delivered by Hon. Keisal Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on 14 September 2023. The speech outlines the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on small-island developing states (SIDS) and proposes four key priorities for international cooperation to align global trade with sustainability and climate justice.

This policy brief by RMI argues that a circular battery economy—focused on repurposing and recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries—is essential to mitigate human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The document outlines five critical policy areas: supply chain traceability, material transport and storage, manufacturing and production, recycling, and reuse, emphasizing that cohesive national and international policies are required to make these processes economically viable and scalable.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) provides a comprehensive compilation of existing definitions from Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), international organizations, and regional norms to support the negotiation of a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution.

This briefing note provides a preliminary review of global trade flows across the entire plastics life cycle, from feedstocks and chemical additives to finished products and waste, to inform international negotiations on plastic pollution.

This briefing by RMI argues that transparency in reporting the types of scrap used in metal production—specifically distinguishing between pre-consumer and post-consumer scrap—is essential for achieving 1.5°C climate-aligned decarbonization goals in the steel and aluminum sectors.

The Aluminum Emission Reporting Guidance, published by RMI in April 2023, provides a standardized methodology for aluminum producers to report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the product level. The guide aims to increase transparency and enable the development of a market for low-carbon aluminum by establishing fixed system boundaries and requiring the use of primary data to ensure comparability across the supply chain.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the implications of the European Green Deal (EGD) for the African private sector. It explores how Africa's abundance of critical minerals and renewable energy potential—particularly for green hydrogen—positions the continent as a strategic partner for the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The document identifies financial, technological, and capacity-building opportunities for African companies, while warning against the risk of Africa remaining a mere resource supplier in an unequal partnership.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the strategic intersection between the European Green Deal (EGD) and the African private sector. It explores how the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 creates opportunities for African companies in green hydrogen, critical minerals, and sustainable technology, while warning of potential 'lock-in' effects where Africa remains a mere resource supplier.

This guide by RMI outlines the climate impact of the plastics industry, emphasizing that plastic production is a significant source of carbon pollution due to its reliance on fossil fuels. It discusses the necessity of accurate carbon accounting, the potential for decarbonization through renewable energy and electrification, and the climate implications of various plastic waste disposal methods.

A guide produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si’. The document outlines the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, air pollution, and unsustainable consumption, advocating for a fundamental shift from exploitative economic models to stewardship and social justice.

A guide produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Holy See's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si’. The document outlines the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social injustice, advocating for a radical shift from an exploitative relationship with nature to one of stewardship and care.

This guide, a joint initiative by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Holy See's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, outlines the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social injustice. Inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato si’', the document advocates for a fundamental shift from an economy of exploitation and fossil fuel dependence to one based on care, circularity, and social equity to ensure a livable planet for future generations.

This guide, a joint initiative by the Holy See and the Stockholm Environment Institute, outlines the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and social injustice. Inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si’, it advocates for a fundamental shift from an exploitative relationship with the planet to one based on protection and care, emphasizing the need for systemic economic changes and a transition to clean energy to ensure a sustainable future for all.