Search Climate Insights Directory

The document identifies critical knowledge gaps in the official Global Stocktake (GST) process, particularly regarding the definitions of equitable implementation, Paris-consistent financial flows, and adequate adaptation responses. It recommends that an independent Global Stocktake (iGST) focus on synthesizing existing data, fostering a common understanding of these ill-defined concepts, and providing forward-looking, country-specific recommendations to raise climate ambition.

The global stocktake is a five-year review process under the Paris Agreement designed to assess collective progress in reducing emissions, building resilience, and aligning financial support. Agreed upon at COP24, the process consists of three phases: information collection (2022), technical assessment, and the communication of findings by the end of 2023. While intended to spur increased ambition for 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the document notes a lack of clarity regarding the integration of 'loss and damage' and the definition of 'equity' in evaluations. Non-state actors and initiatives like the independent global stocktake (iGST) are highlighted as critical for providing the data and accountability necessary to enhance the process.

The proposal seeks funding for a 24-month project to enhance Uzbekistan's institutional capacity to manage climate finance. Key objectives include revising the coordination mechanism following the transfer of the NDA role to the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade, developing a comprehensive Country Programme, and supporting the accreditation of at least one national entity as a Direct Access Entity (DAE). The project also aims to establish a monitoring and evaluation system for climate finance flows and develop at least two new project concept notes for GCF submission.

The proposal outlines a 12-month program to expand Peru's access to Green Climate Fund (GCF) financing by supporting the accreditation of the state-owned development bank COFIDE and enhancing the fiduciary functions of the existing accredited entity, Profonanpe. Key activities include addressing COFIDE's gaps in environmental and social safeguards (ESS) and gender mainstreaming, and preparing Profonanpe for new on-lending and blending functions. The total requested budget is USD 832,058, with Profonanpe serving as the implementing institution and delivery partner.

The report argues that renewable energy mini-grids are often the most cost-effective solution for rural electrification in Kenya compared to national grid extension. While Kenya's current strategy focuses on grid extension, the report suggests that integrating mini-grids into national planning could accelerate electrification, create local jobs, improve energy security, and reduce CO2 emissions by 0.14-0.48 MtCO2e per year.

The report examines the legal framework protecting Sami reindeer husbandry from hydropower exploitation in Sweden. It details the historical marginalisation of Sami rights, the current permit process under the Environmental Code, and the implications of new 2019 legislation requiring the review of existing hydropower plants for modern environmental conditions. The analysis highlights the challenges Sami villages face in being recognised as stakeholders and the financial burdens of legal proceedings during reviews.

The World Resources Institute condemns the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, arguing that the move ignores scientific and economic evidence and undermines the U.S. competitive advantage in the low-carbon economy.

The document outlines how gender and social inclusion are addressed across four major international frameworks: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It highlights that while SDG 5 is dedicated to gender equality, other frameworks like the Paris Agreement integrate gender primarily in adaptation and preamble sections rather than mitigation. The Sendai Framework emphasizes inclusive policies and the needs of disproportionately affected people in disaster risk management.

The Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme, a partnership between FMDQ Securities Exchange, Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), and FSD Africa, aims to develop a corporate green bond market in Nigeria over three years. Since its June 2018 launch, the programme has facilitated capacity building for regulators, investors, and issuers, and supported the creation of the SEC's Green Bond Listing Rules. Key achievements include the issuance of the first CBI-certified corporate green bond in Africa by Access Bank PLC and a long-tenured green infrastructure bond by North South Power. The report emphasizes the need for financial incentives, such as tax credits, to offset the costs of external reviews and to attract private capital to bridge Nigeria's significant infrastructure gap.

The report finds that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 59% attributing it to human activities. While 66% express worry and 64% believe it affects U.S. weather, there is a significant gap in understanding the scientific consensus, with only 22% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Personal experience with climate effects is reported by 46% of respondents, and a majority perceive extreme weather as a risk to their local communities.

The November 2019 survey indicates that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 59% attributing it to human activities. While 66% express worry and 64% believe it affects U.S. weather, social engagement remains low, as 59% rarely or never discuss the topic with family and friends. There is a notable gap in understanding scientific consensus, with only 22% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming.

The report finds that China is the primary driver of global coal power expansion, adding 42.9 GW of capacity between January 2018 and June 2019 while the rest of the world saw a decrease of 8.1 GW. This growth was largely fueled by a surge in provincial-level approvals between 2014 and 2016. Despite some central government restrictions, nearly half of the projects ordered to be suspended in 2017 have continued development. The report argues that to meet the IPCC's 2°C warming limit, China would need to reduce its coal capacity to 600 GW or less by 2030, contradicting industry proposals to increase the capacity ceiling to 1,400 GW by 2035.

The document introduces a review of REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation), noting that over 50 countries have initiated strategies, subnational governments have tested jurisdictional programs, and more than 350 projects have been implemented globally to provide results-based incentives for reducing tropical deforestation.

The Green Climate Fund country programme for Equatorial Guinea establishes a flexible framework for climate action, identifying key vulnerabilities in agriculture, energy, and forestry. It details a portfolio of seven priority projects—ranging from natural gas public transport to mangrove restoration—designed to prompt a national paradigm shift toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The document emphasizes the need for international financing, as the country cannot fund this transition independently, and highlights the critical role of gender mainstreaming in climate resilience.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing groundWork and Earthlife Africa, has formally alerted the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) to critical flaws in the EIA process for the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (EMSEZ) in Limpopo. The CER argues that the project's potential for 'astronomical' environmental, health, and climate impacts—including the proposed 3,300 MW thermal power plant—makes it a matter of national importance. They contend that the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) is an inappropriate competent authority and that the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries should instead oversee the process. The CER specifically highlights risks to water-stressed regions, air quality in priority areas, and South Africa's international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, requesting that the scoping process be restarted and preceded by a strategic environmental assessment (SEA).

The document argues that explicit consideration of the water cycle is essential for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation. It outlines a six-step process for integrating water into NDCs, including establishing institutional arrangements, assessing priorities, and aligning with finance processes. The guide emphasizes that effective water management can improve water security, lower emissions, and support carbon sequestration through actions such as managing the water-energy nexus and preserving wetlands.

The document advocates for the integration of nature-based solutions (NbS)—including green and natural infrastructure—into U.S. national infrastructure planning. It highlights that NbS are often more cost-effective and resilient than traditional 'gray' infrastructure, providing significant benefits in flood mitigation, heat reduction, and carbon sequestration. The text provides specific economic data on the cost-savings of living shorelines and green storm drainage systems compared to concrete alternatives, while emphasizing the co-benefits of improved water quality and public health.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) endorses the IMF's Fiscal Monitor report, which identifies carbon pricing as the most efficient tool for climate mitigation. The WRI highlights the report's finding that carbon pricing could prevent 725,000 premature deaths from air pollution in G20 countries by 2030, while noting that the current global average carbon price of $2 per ton is insufficient to limit warming to 2°C.

The report confirms that the Lao PDR Emissions Reduction Programme, managed by GIZ, is classified as an Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Category B project. It documents the public disclosure of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), and other critical frameworks including the Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). These documents were made available in English and Lao on various websites and as hard copies at the Lao Women’s Union offices in Houaphan, Luang Prabang, and Sayabouri provinces, as well as the GIZ office in Vientiane.

The document argues that while the world faces unprecedented security risks from climate change, it also possesses unprecedented foresight through predictive modeling. However, a 'governance gap' exists because this information is not effectively translated for security decision-makers or aligned with security policy timelines. To address this, the authors propose the R2P2 framework, which consists of three principles: Assessment & Anticipation (creating a global climate security assessment hub), Elevation & Translation (establishing leadership by security practitioners to brief decision-makers), and Coordination & Alignment (bridging climate and security policy windows).