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The document asserts that a viable system for sustainable soy production in Brazil exists, featuring international funding for farmers and plans to increase production using previously cleared land, but claims that soy traders are failing to adopt this framework despite negotiations with Brazilian NGOs.

The proposal addresses the lack of systematic, accurate, and coordinated climate data in Angola, which hinders the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy 2018-2030. It focuses on two primary technical tracks: establishing an Early Warning Information System (EWIS) for agricultural drought using satellite tools like ASIS and AGROMETSHELL, and developing a National Strategy for Forest Resources Monitoring (2022-2026) aligned with FAO's Voluntary Guidelines on National Forest Monitoring. The project aims to train government officials from institutions such as INAMET and MCTA, conduct pre-feasibility studies on fire management and community land governance, and develop a validated Project Concept Note for the GCF focused on forest resource management. The 24-month initiative is implemented by the FAO to improve evidence-based decision-making and resource mobilization for climate adaptation and mitigation in the AFOLU sector.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative/Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes the role of rural credit policy in Brazil as a tool for increasing agricultural productivity while reducing deforestation. It argues that improving the efficiency and sustainability alignment of rural credit can allow Brazil to expand food production without further area expansion, leveraging existing cleared lands.

The document argues that Japan's large-scale biomass power generation, supported by the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, is not carbon neutral and causes deforestation and biodiversity loss in exporting regions like North America. It calls for a shift toward small-scale, local biomass systems and the exclusion of projects causing forest degradation from the FIT program.

The document contends that replacing coal with biomass is not a viable climate solution, as solid biomass can emit 3% to 50% more CO2 per unit of energy than coal. It highlights that biomass production drives deforestation and ecosystem loss, particularly in Europe and North America, and releases harmful air pollutants. For financial institutions, the document warns of reputational, financial, and regulatory risks, noting that biomass is more expensive than wind or solar and heavily dependent on subsidies.

The report finds a significant divide in the fashion industry's approach to sustainable viscose, with a small group of 'frontrunners' making progress while the majority of brands—particularly US and luxury labels—remain inactive. While over 50% of global viscose production is now aligned or committed to EU Best Available Techniques (BAT) standards, the authors argue that voluntary commitments are insufficient and call for mandatory EU legislation on human rights and environmental due diligence to ensure a sector-wide transformation.

The report finds that while some industry frontrunners and major producers have aligned with EU Best Available Techniques (BAT) for closed-loop manufacturing, a significant majority of fashion brands—particularly US and luxury labels—lack transparent policies or commitments. It argues that voluntary initiatives are insufficient to drive sector-wide change and calls for mandatory EU legislation on due diligence and environmental standards to eliminate pollution and deforestation in the viscose supply chain.

ClientEarth welcomes the 8th Environment Action Programme's goals for a climate-neutral and circular economy but argues that the proposal lacks concrete targets and explicit commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. The organization highlights discrepancies between the EAP's ambitions and existing policies like the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. It calls for stronger monitoring based on scientific evidence, increased resources for DG Environment, and the integration of the rule of law and access to justice to ensure effective implementation.

The document examines the risks posed to UK agricultural environmental standards by new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It proposes a system of 'core' environmental standards based on environmental significance, production constraints, and cost impacts. To protect these, the author suggests several mechanisms: voluntary labelling, legally binding non-regression clauses, conditional import tariffs, and the introduction of mandatory environmental standards for imports. The briefing emphasizes the need for an independent expert body to provide the evidence base and governance required to implement these measures without breaching WTO rules.

The report monitors the state-level implementation of Brazil's Forest Code in 2020, highlighting that while CAR registration is widespread, the analysis and validation phase remains a critical bottleneck. It notes that only six states have effectively implemented the PRA and discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and federal-level policy uncertainties on these processes.

The report analyzes Brazil's rural credit system, highlighting its complexity and fragmentation. It provides empirical evidence that rural credit, particularly when directed at small farmers, increases land and labor productivity and reduces deforestation by promoting the conversion of degraded pastures into cropland. The document argues for simplifying the credit system, increasing private sector participation, and strengthening the link between credit access and compliance with the Forest Code to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.

The report analyzes the Brazilian National Rural Credit System, highlighting its complexity and fragmentation. It provides empirical evidence that rural credit, particularly when directed to small farmers, increases land and labor productivity and reduces deforestation pressures by promoting the conversion of pasture to cropland. The document advocates for the integration of the Forest Code and the ABC Program into credit eligibility to foster sustainable agriculture and suggests reducing political interference and increasing private sector participation in rural finance.

The document argues that the food, agriculture, and land use (FALU) sector is a primary driver of climate change, contributing approximately 24% of global emissions. It details strategies for reducing emissions—such as improving ruminant livestock management, rice cultivation, and fertilizer use—and explores the potential of 'regenerative agriculture' to sequester carbon in biomass and soils. While acknowledging the potential for biosequestration, the report cautions that these sinks are temporary, subject to 'slowdown' as they reach equilibrium, and vulnerable to reversal through land-use changes or climate disasters.

The document examines the COVID-19 pandemic as a systemic crisis that exposed deep inequalities and the fragility of market-based systems. It argues that the health crisis is inextricably linked to environmental collapse, specifically biodiversity loss and zoonotic risks. The text advocates for the revival of the social state, the implementation of a 'foundational economy' that prioritizes basic human needs over profit, and the adoption of 'technological humanism' to bridge the digital divide. It also analyzes the political responses of Green parties in Europe and the rise of authoritarianism and right-wing populism during the crisis, while highlighting grassroots solidarity networks and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on marginalized groups, including migrants and the elderly.

The report evaluates seven German retailers (ALDI Nord, ALDI Süd, EDEKA, KAUFLAND, LIDL, REWE, and METRO AG) on their use of wild fish in aquaculture feed. It finds that none of the companies met even half of the sustainability criteria, with METRO AG performing the worst. The document argues for the 'decoupling' of aquaculture from wild fisheries to protect marine ecosystems and food security, suggesting alternatives like algae oil, insects, and the farming of non-predatory species such as carp and mussels.

The report analyzes the economic risks of palm oil monocropping for independent smallholders in Berau, Indonesia, finding that palm oil returns are often below minimum living costs. It argues that diversifying into crops like maize and cocoa can significantly increase revenue—potentially by up to 825% for maize—while enhancing regional food security and economic stability. The study recommends that the Berau government strengthen priority economic programs, facilitate access to agricultural financing and insurance, and implement environmental safeguards for alternative crops.

Mighty Earth demands that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) suspend Korindo and reopen investigations into deliberate land-clearing fires in Papua, Indonesia, citing a BBC investigation and evidence from Forensic Architecture and Greenpeace International.

This policy brief by the Climate Policy Initiative and Inter.B analyzes infrastructure planning in Brazil, specifically within the land transport sector. It argues that current processes fail to integrate socio-environmental factors and recommends the introduction of a 'pre-viability' phase to improve project selection and prioritization, alongside a planning strategy that prioritizes sustainable development and the protection of the Amazon.

The briefing argues that the Biden administration can reclaim U.S. climate leadership by submitting a robust national climate commitment (NDC) of 45-50% emissions reductions by 2030, increasing financial support for developing countries through the Green Climate Fund and other mechanisms, and integrating climate change as a core foreign policy issue through strategic bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

ClientEarth identifies key legal and policy goals for 2017, including ending fossil fuel subsidies in the EU, implementing a new Clean Air Act in the UK, and pricing climate risk into financial markets.