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The GCF Secretariat conducted a review of the initial proposal approval process based on experience from the first several rounds of funding. Key issues identified include low quality of funding proposals, inconsistent policy decisions, and long processing times ranging from one to 18 months. The report recommends shifting toward strategic programming and a more structured concept note phase to improve 'quality at entry'. Proposed changes include a new prioritization queue for funding proposals, a revised project cycle that requires NDA confirmation of concept notes, and the development of an online submission portal. The Board is also asked to consider a two-stage approval process and a more robust policy for project restructuring and cancellation.

WWF and the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) are implementing a standardized process to create freshwater basin report cards. These tools synthesize complex data into accessible grades to empower stakeholders and improve management. The process involves six steps: stakeholder engagement, indicator selection, threshold definition, scoring, communication, and score improvement. A 2016 case study of Colombia’s Orinoco River Basin, which received a B-minus grade, demonstrates the model's application in addressing threats like land-use change and extractive industries.

The document argues that climate change impacts will make the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) "almost impossibly challenging" for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) unless there is an urgent increase in the ambition of climate and development actions. The analysis is based primarily on evidence from the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and aims to inform negotiations regarding the post-2015 agenda, development financing, and a new climate change agreement.

The document contrasts ConocoPhillips' claims of uncertainty regarding climate change's effects on public health with findings from the IPCC and the U.S. National Climate Assessment. It further highlights contradictions between the company's public acknowledgments of human-induced warming and its support for climate-denying trade groups and opposition to U.S. climate legislation.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that increasing Minnesota's renewable energy standard to 40 percent by 2030 would drive over $6 billion in new capital investments and reduce reliance on imported electricity without significantly impacting retail rates. The analysis indicates that such a policy would increase wind capacity to nearly 6,000 MW and utility-scale solar to over 600 MW by 2030. While a strengthened RES helps position the state to comply with the EPA's Clean Power Plan, the report notes that coal would still provide 38 percent of electricity in 2030 without additional policy actions. The authors recommend combining the strengthened RES with an increased energy efficiency standard of 2 percent annually by 2020.

The repository provides examples of adaptation indicators and their application contexts, categorized into four focus areas: climate parameters, climate change impacts, adaptation actions, and adaptation results. These examples are drawn from the first generation of proposed national adaptation monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and include details on relevance, limitations, data needs, and sources. The repository is a product of a comparative analysis of ten systems.

The document serves as an introduction to infographics created by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI). These materials are derived from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), which involved 830 expert authors from 85 countries. The specific infographics are part of a guide titled 'What’s in it for Africa' and are intended to facilitate global understanding and discussion regarding climate impacts under different emissions scenarios.

The IAI activities plan for 2014-2015 focuses on institutional restructuring, the monitoring of CRN3 projects, and the leadership of the Latin American Future Earth Network. Key initiatives include a training event in Panama, the closure of a MacArthur Foundation project on Andean biodiversity, and participation in IPBES and UNFCCC processes, including planned events for the CoP in Lima.

The document evaluates the utility of shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) for climate change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability (IAV) research. It identifies shortcomings in previous social-environmental scenarios and proposes an expanded research agenda for SSPs.

Friends of the Earth president Erich Pica alleges that the US State Department has displayed gross negligence and a pro-pipeline bias in the Keystone XL review process. The organization claims the State Department hired Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a firm with deep ties to the oil industry, to conduct a review that subsequently glossed over climate impacts. Pica calls for Secretary of State Kerry to investigate the awarding of the contract to ERM and to ensure that scientific concerns regarding tar sands development are incorporated into the environmental impact statement.

The document serves as a working paper that reviews climate trends, scenarios, and projections for Zimbabwe, drawing on case studies of adaptation projects to inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

A coalition of environmental organizations submitted a letter to the Joint Review Panel opposing the Shell Jackpine Mine Expansion. They argue that tar sands extraction causes direct mortality of migratory birds via tailings ponds, destroys critical breeding habitats, and leads to the decline of woodland caribou through habitat fragmentation and functional loss. The document highlights the specific vulnerability of the endangered whooping crane and argues that the project is not in the public interest due to these cumulative ecological threats and the acceleration of global warming.

The Climate Impact Equity Lens (CIEL) tool shifts the focus from aggregate regional economic models to individual-level impacts of climate change. It identifies 'winners' and 'losers' by weighing avoided emission-reduction costs against climate damages. While most people currently see net gains from inaction, the tool indicates that by 2100, the majority of the global population will suffer net losses without far-reaching climate policy.

The Stockholm Environment Institute's Climate Impact Equity Lens (CIEL) tool reveals that while aggregate economic models often suggest modest climate damages, these averages hide a wide disparity in outcomes. By comparing individual climate damages against the savings gained from not reducing emissions, CIEL demonstrates that the most vulnerable people—particularly in poor countries—are already facing net losses. While many currently benefit from the status quo, the tool projects that by 2100, the majority of the global population will suffer net losses, and by 2150, almost everyone across all regions will be net losers, except potentially in China.

The May 2011 survey of 1,010 American adults indicates that 64% believe global warming is happening, with 47% attributing it primarily to human activities. While 52% of respondents express some level of worry about global warming, perceived personal and community risk remains lower than the perceived risk to future generations (59% seeing a great or moderate deal of harm) and plant and animal species (58% seeing a great or moderate deal of harm). Trust in scientists (76% trust) and government agencies like NOAA (76% trust) and the National Park Service (73% trust) is higher than trust in the mainstream news media (38% trust).

The June 2010 survey of 1,024 American adults indicates that 61% believe global warming is happening, though 45% believe there is significant disagreement among scientists on the matter. While 50% attribute global warming to human activities, a large portion of the population expresses uncertainty about personal impact and the ability of humans to successfully reduce it. Trust in scientists remains high, while trust in mainstream news media is lower. The data shows a trend of fluctuating belief in global warming and varying levels of concern for future generations and the environment compared to previous years.

The paper argues that current adaptation cost estimates are insufficient and often rely on a single measure, such as expanding protected areas. It proposes a five-step methodology: quantifying direct climate impacts, identifying vulnerable areas, selecting adaptation options based on effectiveness and feasibility, determining per-unit costs, and aggregating total costs. Applying this to Indian forests under a 2085 B2 climate scenario, the authors focus on shifts in forest distribution. Using Net Primary Productivity (NPP) to identify vulnerable areas where shifts are negative, they estimate annual adaptation costs between $239.78 million and $1,486.72 million, depending on whether a minimum or comprehensive set of adaptation measures is implemented.

The document advises scientists on how to become valuable assets to congressional aides, who often lack deep subject matter expertise and rely on brief summaries. It suggests targeting junior legislators or those on relevant committees, initiating contact via email or letter, and maintaining a supportive relationship by providing concise updates on scientific developments without overwhelming the staff.

The report highlights that six Midwest states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio) are home to 140 power plants that release approximately 2% of global man-made CO2 and 25% of all US power plant CO2. It predicts that without aggressive emissions reductions, the region could see temperature increases of 5-10°F in the 21st century, leading to significant risks for the Great Lakes water levels, crop yields, and human health. The document advocates for cleaning up old coal plants, transitioning to renewable energy, and increasing individual energy efficiency to mitigate these risks.

The Fifth Meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP) focused on updating the institute's scientific agenda, approving administrative budgets, and expanding financial resources. Key outcomes included the re-election of Director Armando Rabuffetti, the establishment of the Program to Expand Scientific Capacity in the Americas (PESCA), and the approval of a revised scientific agenda covering climate variability, ecosystem studies, atmospheric composition, and integrated assessments. The meeting also saw the election of a new Executive Committee and the signing of funding agreements with Argentina and Brazil.