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The document highlights the critical link between air pollution, human health, and climate change, specifically focusing on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). It argues that because air pollution has a more immediate and tangible impact on public health than long-term climate change, it can serve as a powerful catalyst for policy action. The brief details the health burdens of PM2.5 and tropospheric ozone, including millions of asthma-related hospital visits and pre-term births. To facilitate this, the Stockholm Environment Institute promotes the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Integrated Benefits Calculator (IBC) to help cities and nations model emission projections and quantify health and climate benefits simultaneously.

The report analyzes Canadian infrastructure investment flows and stocks from 2009 to 2019, noting significant growth in hydroelectric power and pollution abatement but a sharp decline in wind and solar investments. It highlights a total infrastructure value of 250 billion dollars in 2019, dominated by electricity assets. The author argues that current data is incomplete, lacking coverage of energy efficiency, natural infrastructure, and building renovations, and proposes a new classification system to better align investments with long-term climate goals and avoid 'path dependency' where current projects fail to meet future resilience needs.

The proposal requests USD 254,007 over 24 months to support the R2E2 Fund's aspiration to become a GCF-accredited entity. The project focuses on two main outcomes: strengthening the fund's institutional capacity to meet GCF Fiduciary Standards—including the design of Environmental, Social and Gender guidelines—and developing a robust pipeline of climate finance projects. Proposed project ideas include financing solar energy and energy efficiency upgrades for households and micro-businesses in vulnerable communities, as well as infrastructure for electric vehicles and energy storage. The implementation will be managed by a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) within the R2E2 Fund and overseen by a Project Steering Committee chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia.

The author contends that Florida utilities rank near the bottom of all US states in providing energy efficiency programs, which increases power bills and reliance on coal and gas plants. The text highlights that the Florida Public Service Commission continues to use an energy efficiency formula from the 1990s and notes that in 2019, utilities proposed a 10-year energy efficiency goal of zero. Earthjustice, representing the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, is urging the Commission to hold new public hearings to update these goals, particularly to benefit low-income customers.

The briefing advocates for increased stimulus funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to combat energy insecurity and racial disparities in the US. It highlights that low-income and non-White households face disproportionately high energy burdens and insecurity. Drawing on the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the document suggests that expanding WAP to include electrification, investing in workforce diversity, and improving administrative coordination can maximize public health and economic benefits.

The document examines India's energy sector response to COVID-19, noting a trend of continued support for domestic coal and thermal power despite global clean energy goals. It highlights that while some clean energy initiatives exist, such as electric vehicle policies in Delhi and solar power for farmers in Andhra Pradesh, fossil fuel support remains dominant. The briefing advocates for a comprehensive green industrial policy for solar manufacturing, the phase-out of inefficient thermal plants, and the implementation of 'just transition' frameworks to support coal-dependent communities.

The guide outlines three primary passive strategies for maintaining cool indoor temperatures: preventing heat gain through shading and reflective materials, utilizing natural ventilation like 'night flushes', and improving interior comfort with air movement and thermal mass. For active cooling, it recommends high-efficiency options such as ductless heat pumps and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). The document illustrates these principles through two case studies in Colorado, demonstrating how super insulation, solar PV, and passive design can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without traditional air conditioning during extreme heat.

Following the rejection of the Northeast Supply Enhancement gas pipeline, New York faces a projected gas supply gap in its downstate region. While National Grid proposes a combination of LNG vaporization and gas compression upgrades, the document argues that these infrastructure investments are incompatible with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). It asserts that the state must slash gas demand by approximately 25 percent by 2030 and that investing in electrification, demand response, and energy efficiency is the most cost-effective path to ensure reliability and meet decarbonization goals.

Climate Central's analysis of 242 U.S. cities shows that 96% have experienced an increase in cooling degree days since the 1970s, with the most significant rises in the South and Southwest. This trend is driving a projected 59% increase in residential air conditioning consumption by 2050, which contributes to carbon emissions, the urban heat island effect, and the release of heat-trapping gases from improper disposal.

The document argues that renewable energy (RE) is now a viable, low-cost alternative to grid and diesel power for mining operations, particularly through hybrid systems. While high initial capital expenditure and intermittency pose challenges, the long-term total cost of ownership is lower over a 20-year period. The paper highlights the role of energy storage in stabilizing supply and the potential for portable solar systems to support exploration. It also notes that the shift toward electric vehicles in mining will further drive RE demand. In South Africa, major mining companies are already seeking to self-generate solar power to reduce grid dependence.

The Climate Action Tracker has established 'highest plausible ambition' benchmarks for four key sectors—Power, Transport, Industry, and Buildings—to guide the global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. The report provides specific targets for 2030 and 2050, both globally and for seven major economies (Brazil, China, EU, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and the US), emphasizing that while starting points differ, all sectors must decarbonise by mid-century to meet the 1.5°C goal. Key priorities include the immediate phase-out of coal in developed nations by 2030, a rapid shift to zero-emission vehicles, and significant emissions intensity reductions in cement and steel production.

The document argues that the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a 'climate change parable,' presenting both risks and opportunities for global climate action. While the pandemic caused a temporary decrease in global emissions, the author warns that this is not a permanent decoupling of economic growth from emissions. The paper highlights a divide in national responses: some countries, like Rwanda and Canada, have integrated climate goals into recovery plans, while others, such as Australia and China, have shown tendencies toward industry protectionism or high-emissions stimulus. The author recommends that governments use stimulus packages to decarbonize the economy through fossil fuel tax reforms, renewable energy investments, and conditional state bailouts for carbon-intensive sectors to ensure the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement remains attainable.

The report evaluates a pilot energy efficiency auction proposed by ANEEL for Boa Vista, Roraima. It identifies five primary risks: the 'winner's curse' due to the closed-envelope bidding format, measurement and verification (M&V) failures, underutilization of EE potential due to treatment group restrictions, lack of incentive for energy distributors to promote rational energy use, and limited external validity for national replication. The authors suggest adopting open second-price auctions and synthetic control methods for M&V to mitigate these risks.

The report analyzes a pilot energy efficiency (EE) auction in Boa Vista, Roraima, identifying risks related to auction design, measurement and verification (M&V) methodologies, and the misalignment of incentives for electricity distributors. It suggests that the unique energy situation in Roraima—which is not part of the National Interconnected System and relies on expensive diesel plants—makes it a suitable pilot site but may limit the external validity of the results for other Brazilian states. Key recommendations include moving to open second-price auctions to avoid the 'winner's curse' and considering synthetic control methodology for M&V to maximize EE potential.

The document argues that Brazil's air conditioning sector suffers from low energy efficiency compared to international standards, partly due to industrial policies in the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM) that create distortions. It finds that the Basic Productive Process (PPB) requirements, such as the use of outdated national compressors, hinder the adoption of inverter technology and overall efficiency. Despite significant tax exemptions, the sector's productive and energy efficiency deteriorated between 2003 and 2015, contrasting with the stability of the broader Brazilian manufacturing industry. The authors recommend aligning industrial and energy policies to promote competitiveness and higher efficiency standards.

The document argues that Brazil's air conditioning (AC) sector lags in energy efficiency compared to international peers and that the current industrial policy in the Manaus Free Trade Zone (ZFM) creates distortions that hinder efficiency gains. Despite significant tax exemptions, the Basic Production Process (PPB) requirements—such as the mandatory use of domestically produced, outdated non-inverter compressors—conflict with energy efficiency goals. The brief recommends aligning industrial policy with energy performance standards and labeling policies to foster a more competitive and efficient sector.

The report finds that the air-conditioning sector in Brazil suffers from low energy efficiency compared to international standards, with a deterioration in both productive and energy efficiency between 2003 and 2015. Despite significant tax exemptions provided by the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM), which accounted for approximately R$ 285 million in 2015 for the AC sector, these incentives have not translated into improved efficiency or higher wages for workers. The authors argue that the Basic Productive Process (PPB) requirements, particularly those mandating the use of outdated national compressors, create distortions that hinder the adoption of modern technologies like inverter compressors and suppress competition. Consequently, rising sales of inefficient AC units, driven by heatwaves and increased income, have led to a 237% increase in residential electricity consumption for ACs between 2005 and 2017.

The report examines a pilot energy efficiency (EE) auction in Boa Vista, Roraima, proposed by ANEEL. It identifies risks such as the 'winner's curse' due to the closed-envelope format and potential measurement and verification (M&V) errors using the difference-in-differences method. The authors argue that Roraima's unique energy situation—being isolated from the National Interconnected System (SIN) and dependent on diesel thermoelectrics and Venezuelan imports—makes it a poor test case for replicating the model nationwide. It also highlights a conflict of interest where distributors are tasked with implementing policies that reduce their own revenue.

The report uses the WIS:dom-P optimization model to compare four capacity expansion scenarios for the Southeast US: the current SE IRP, an economic IRP without an RTO, an SE RTO, and an SE RTO that retains uneconomic nuclear plants. The findings indicate that the SE RTO scenario is the most economic, offering cumulative savings of $383.7 billion by 2040 and the highest job creation. Retaining nuclear plants further reduces emissions, saving an additional 156.76 million metric tonnes of CO2 by 2040 at a minimal additional cost. The study also highlights the role of variable renewable energy (VRE) and storage in meeting seasonal demand peaks and the importance of transmission expansion in a coordinated regional market.

SEforALL's 2021-2023 business plan introduces 'SEforALL 3.0', an evolution from global agenda-setting to an implementation-focused model. The strategy centers on four thematic areas: Energy Diplomacy and Advocacy, Energy Access and Closing the Gap, Energy Transitions and Climate Change, and Intersection with Other SDGs. Key initiatives include the Universal Energy Facility for results-based financing, the 'Women at the Forefront' program, and the 'Powering Healthcare' agenda. To support these goals, SEforALL requires a three-year budget of USD 58.9 million and plans to establish regional staff presence in Africa and Southeast Asia to better support high-impact countries.