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Canada has ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, committing to reduce transboundary pollution and manage domestic emissions. While atmospheric emissions have decreased, Canada remains susceptible to long-range transport, with over 95% of anthropogenic mercury deposition originating outside its borders. The document highlights the role of the IISD-Experimental Lake Area (IISD-ELA) in researching mercury bioaccumulation, particularly in reservoirs, and identifies critical gaps in knowledge regarding climate change impacts and non-point source emissions. Future priorities include the safe disposal of smelter waste, remediation of contaminated sites like Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemong First Nations, and improved land-use management to address methylmercury release from flooded areas.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) argues that South Africa's draft Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update are inconsistent with the Constitution, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and the National Energy Act (NEA). The CER contends that the plans unjustifiably constrain renewable energy while promoting new coal-fired power stations, which they claim cause severe health impacts and contribute to climate change. They highlight that coal-fired power is no longer the least-cost option and risks creating stranded assets. The document recommends removing build limits on wind and solar, excluding new coal and nuclear power, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of external social and environmental costs.

A notice of intention to appeal submitted by groundWork, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, against the integrated Environmental Authorisation for the 600MW IPP Khanyisa coal-fired power station near Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) asserts that coal plants are major sources of sulphur dioxide (SO2), which transforms into secondary sulphates and contributes to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) linked to heart and lung diseases. Citing World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada data, the statement claims that phasing out coal by 2030 would prevent thousands of premature deaths and hospital visits in Canada, providing billions of dollars in health benefits while supporting Paris Agreement commitments.

The document criticizes the Trump administration's "one in, two out" executive order, which Earthjustice claims is illegal and prioritizes corporate profits over public health. It highlights the role of the EPA in preventing pollution-related illnesses and argues that the economic and health benefits of environmental regulations far outweigh their costs to industry.

The document examines the scale of fossil fuel subsidies in China and India, arguing that reforming these payments is essential for improving urban air quality and meeting Paris Agreement targets. It highlights specific reform mechanisms, such as India's Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG and China's voluntary G20 peer reviews, while drawing on Indonesia's experience in reallocating subsidy savings toward social welfare and infrastructure. The brief emphasizes that successful reform requires phased approaches to protect vulnerable consumers and workers, as well as the reallocation of funds toward renewable energy and social services.

The report analyzes the climate impact of electric vehicles (EVs) based on the electricity sources used for charging across different U.S. regions. It finds that while EVs generally produce fewer emissions than gasoline cars, their full potential depends on decarbonizing the power grid by shifting from coal and natural gas to renewable energy. The document also highlights the inherent efficiency of electric drive and the synergistic potential between EVs and renewable energy integration.

The Institute for Policy Integrity defends the EPA's 2016 supplemental finding on the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), asserting that the agency correctly considered regulatory costs and benefits, including indirect and unquantified benefits, in accordance with legal and economic standards.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) asserts that Ontario's coal plant phase-out significantly reduced air pollution and improved public health. In 2002, Ontario's five coal plants were responsible for 23% of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, 14% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, 23% of airborne mercury, and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2003 and 2012, SO2 emissions from these plants dropped by approximately 140,000 tonnes, contributing to a nearly 50% decline in annual air levels of SO2 and a 25% decline in PM2.5 across the province. A 2005 estimate valued the health impacts of coal plant pollution—including over 600 premature deaths and 1,900 hospital or emergency room visits annually—at $3 billion per year. Additionally, Toronto Public Health found that air quality improvements from 2000 to 2011 reduced premature deaths in Toronto by 23% and hospital admissions by 41%, attributing these gains in part to the coal phase-out.

The Health Collaborative advocates for a 2030 Canada-wide phase-out of coal-fired power plants, arguing that the federal government's current GHG reduction targets are too low compared to the potential benefits of a more aggressive plan.

The report assesses the environmental impacts of the proposed Thabametsi coal-fired power station, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, climate resilience, and palaeontological risks. It finds that while the project will have a 'High (Negative)' significance rating due to 'Very Large' GHG emissions, it aligns with South Africa's energy policy and is more efficient than the country's oldest coal plants. Climate risks include water shortages and high temperatures, while palaeontological risks are rated as low to medium depending on the geological formation. The report concludes there are no environmental fatal flaws, provided mitigation measures are implemented.

The region at the base of the Himalayas is experiencing extreme climate volatility, with record-setting floods and severe droughts disrupting both water and energy security. India's power grid relies heavily on water-intensive coal and hydropower, leading to chronic electricity shortages when water is scarce and infrastructure damage during floods. These challenges have triggered rural-to-urban migration, civil unrest, and farmer suicides. To mitigate these risks, the document recommends that India shift toward wind and solar energy and suggests the U.S. provide financial and technical support through initiatives like the U.S.-India Clean Energy Finance Scheme.

The author criticizes the Polish government's 'Assumptions for the development of inland waterways in Poland for 2016-2020 with a perspective to 2030', which aims to canalize the Vistula and Odra rivers. The text argues that these plans contradict the EU Water Framework Directive and other environmental directives, risking the destruction of Natura 2000 sites. It claims that the projects will exacerbate droughts and floods, create water conflicts with the coal-based energy sector, and incur massive public costs—estimated at nearly 20 billion euros by 2030—without providing realistic economic benefits. The author advocates for a shift toward local community management, sustainable ecotourism, and adapting vessels to the rivers' natural states instead of modifying the rivers for large barges.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) supports the 2030 phase-out of coal-fired power plants in Canada and Alberta, citing significant reductions in premature deaths, healthcare costs, and mercury emissions, as well as an 8% reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions to help meet Paris Agreement commitments.

The author contends that Poland's plans to develop inland navigation on the Vistula and Odra rivers will lead to environmental destruction, increased flood risks, and water shortages. The text argues that the projected 20 billion euro investment by 2030 is unrealistic and serves a narrow hydro-engineering lobby rather than the public interest. It further criticizes the European Union and World Bank for funding projects that potentially violate the Water Framework, Habitats, and Birds Directives, advocating instead for community-led governance of rivers as common goods.

Friends of the Earth U.S. vows to fight the administration of President-elect Donald Trump to protect the environment, citing previous successful resistance against the George W. Bush administration and ongoing movements such as the Standing Rock Sioux and Keep it in the Ground.

Carbon Market Watch argues that the CDM requires fundamental reform to address failures in human rights accountability, additionality testing, and sustainable development monitoring. Key recommendations include establishing a formal grievance mechanism, restricting technology eligibility to exclude fossil fuels, and introducing liability rules for Designated Operational Entities to prevent conflicts of interest.

The report finds broad support among US registered voters for international climate agreements, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and the transition to renewable energy. While political divisions exist, majorities across party lines support taxing or regulating pollution, funding renewable energy research, and investing in national infrastructure, particularly roads, bridges, and water systems.

The report identifies 14 subsidy schemes for coal-fired power in China, quantifying the total value at CNY 252.4 billion (USD 37.7 billion) in 2014 and CNY 120.8 billion (USD 18 billion) in 2015. Key support mechanisms include power purchase guarantees, premiums for low-emission plants, and infrastructure investments in rail and grids. The authors argue that these subsidies provide coal an advantage over renewables and should be integrated into G20 fossil fuel subsidy review processes.

One year after the Paris Agreement's adoption, the Climate Action Tracker (CAT) finds that national climate policies have made little progress. If NDCs are fully implemented, global warming by 2100 is estimated at 2.8°C, while current policies would lead to 3.6°C. A significant emissions gap remains for 2025 and 2030. The report highlights specific national trajectories, noting that most assessed NDCs are inadequate or medium in ambition, with particular concerns regarding the US, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, while noting positive renewable energy growth in India.