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The September 2021 Global Update from Climate Action Tracker reports that global climate action continues to lag behind the requirements for limiting warming to 1.5°C. While some countries have updated their NDCs, the 2030 emissions gap remains significant (20-23 GtCO2e). The report introduces a new rating system where only The Gambia is rated as overall 1.5°C compatible, while most developed nations are rated as 'Insufficient' or worse due to inadequate climate finance and policy implementation. It further critiques the lack of transparency and robustness in most national net zero targets and highlights the continued reliance on coal and gas in several major economies.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the political challenges hindering the coordination of climate finance at both global and national levels. It focuses on the overlapping roles of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and how domestic bureaucratic politics in recipient countries like Kenya and Zambia affect the implementation of climate finance.

Ghana's Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2020-2030 outlines a strategy to transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy through 47 adaptation and mitigation programmes across 19 policy areas. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64 MtCO2e by 2030, create over one million green jobs, and benefit approximately 38 million people.

This briefing by RMI's Center for Climate-Aligned Finance analyzes the increasing trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the financial sector, where large firms are acquiring smaller companies to gain expertise in climate risk and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) domains.

This policy brief explores how African pension funds can be leveraged to address the electricity access gap in Africa by investing in renewable energy-backed (RE) bonds. It argues that while there is a significant opportunity to align long-term pension obligations with long-lived energy infrastructure, systemic barriers regarding investment vehicles, regulatory frameworks, and government environmental policies must be addressed to unlock this capital.

This political statement by Friends of the Earth International advocates for a 'Renewable Energy Plan for a Just Recovery' to make Africa 100% independent in renewable energy by 2050. The plan seeks to address energy poverty, the impacts of climate change, and the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic through community-led energy systems and a transition away from fossil fuels.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the feasibility of using municipal green bonds to support Indonesia's goal of achieving a 23% renewable energy contribution in its energy mix by 2025. While identifying a strong case for these instruments based on energy targets and the fiscal capacity of certain local governments, the paper highlights significant bureaucratic, regulatory, and market-driven barriers that have prevented their issuance to date.

This briefing by RMI proposes the creation of a Clean Transition Financing Program via the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) to mitigate the financial burdens on ratepayers and frontline energy communities during the United States' transition to a clean economy.

This case study by the NewClimate Institute examines the role of technical assistance in transforming the finance sector, specifically focusing on the development of green bond markets in China and Kenya.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the policy processes and priorities for African nations leading up to COP26. It emphasizes the necessity of aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-term Low Emissions Strategies (LTSs) with net-zero trajectories and COVID-19 green recovery plans to achieve a climate-resilient world by 2050.

A World Resources Institute briefing analyzing the outcomes of the UN Climate Change subsidiary bodies sessions held online prior to COP26. The document reports that progress on implementing the Paris Agreement was uneven and limited, hampered by both virtual logistical challenges and deep political divides between nations.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) calls for Canada to increase its international climate finance contributions and prioritize adaptation for vulnerable countries, arguing that current levels are insufficient given Canada's high per capita emissions.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes 517 energy-related policies approved by G7 nations and invited guests between January 1, 2020, and March 3, 2021. It evaluates whether COVID-19 recovery spending aligns with climate goals and 'build back better' pledges.

This research paper proposes a phased, risk-based framework for development finance institutions (DFIs) to align their indirect investments—those channeled through financial intermediaries (FIs)—with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The authors argue that while DFIs have focused on direct project financing, the substantial volume of intermediated lending creates a risk of supporting climate-misaligned activities. The proposed framework relies on four pillars: mitigation, adaptation, governance, and transparency.

Ember's message to the 2021 P4G Seoul Summit emphasizes that achieving 100% clean power is a prerequisite for global carbon neutrality by 2050, citing the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 report.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on green finance and development, contrasting the robust recovery packages in the global North with the funding gaps and systemic challenges in the global South. It highlights the risk that urgent health-sector spending may undermine environmental sustainability and advocates for institutional reforms, increased South-South cooperation, and coordinated global efforts to bridge the climate finance gap.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative proposes 'Recovery Bonds' as a mechanism for sovereign nations to raise capital for climate-resilient, post-COVID-19 economic recovery, specifically focusing on sovereign green bonds and bonds linked to fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR).

The Framework for Sustainable Finance Integrity is a consultation draft by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) designed to provide guardrails, minimum benchmarks, and leadership benchmarks to ensure the financial sector's transition to net zero and sustainability is credible and impactful. It addresses the lack of universally accepted standards and the siloed nature of existing financial coalitions, proposing a structured approach to measure progress across targets, implementation, and transparency.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sovereign debt in low- and medium-income countries and proposes the use of Debt for Climate (DFC) swaps to create fiscal headroom for green recovery and climate action.

A briefing by the World Resources Institute (WRI) analyzing the World Bank Group's draft Climate Change Action Plan through 2025, arguing that the plan is insufficient and proposing five specific areas for improvement to better align with the Paris Agreement and net-zero goals.