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This case study compares the energy matrices of Colombia and Argentina, analyzing their reliance on fossil fuels versus low-carbon sources and their respective commitments to energy transition and emission reductions.

The Global Campaign to Reclaim Peoples’ Sovereignty, Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity issued a statement on August 17, 2021, criticizing the third revised draft of a proposed binding treaty to regulate transnational corporations (TNCs). The campaign argues that the draft is an ineffective instrument that fails to establish direct obligations for TNCs and risks becoming a 'normative trap' by relying on voluntary frameworks and state-centric obligations.

This guide explains that grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) can reduce utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions by flexing energy loads based on grid price and carbon intensity. It identifies that buildings drive up to 80% of peak demand in the United States and lists low- and no-cost measures for GSA building managers, such as optimizing building operations, thermal mass, and lighting automation.

A joint submission by CCSI, IISD, and IIED to UNCITRAL arguing that third-party funding in ISDS requires holistic reform to prevent regulatory chill and distortions in dispute settlement. The authors critique proposed 'access to justice' and 'sustainable development' exceptions for funding, citing implementation difficulties and a lack of evidence that such funding benefits SMEs.

This technical note by Climate Policy Initiative/Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes Brazil's Provisional Presidential Decree (MP) no. 1,065/2021 and Senate Bill (PL) no. 261/2018. The authors argue that the new legal framework for railroad authorizations lacks sufficient procedural clarity, governance, and transparency, which could jeopardize the socio-environmental analysis of private railroad projects.

This briefing by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes the legal framework for railway authorizations in Brazil, specifically Provisional Measure (MP) No. 1,065/2021 and Bill (PL) No. 261/2018. The authors argue that while the new regime simplifies private sector investment in railway infrastructure, it lacks necessary procedural clarity, governance, and transparency, which could undermine the analysis of socio-environmental impacts.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines the state of 'climate jobs'—employment focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation—in the United States. It details employment figures across energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, and resilience sectors for 2020, noting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and projecting future growth opportunities linked to federal investment and policy changes.

This briefing by Ember compares three expert modeling scenarios—from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), National Grid, and Energy Systems Catapult (ESC)—to demonstrate that the UK can phase out unabated gas-fired electricity generation by 2035 or sooner. The report argues that such a transition is essential for meeting the UK's legislated carbon targets, would reduce dependence on expensive imported gas, and would support a green industrial revolution through the expansion of renewables and energy storage.

This report presents a meta-analysis of 11 studies published since 2020 regarding the feasibility and impact of achieving approximately 80 percent clean electricity in the United States by 2030. The analysis concludes that such a transition is affordable, feasible, and critical for meeting national climate goals, while providing significant public health and economic benefits without compromising grid reliability.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and E3G analyzes the significant contraction of the global coal power project pipeline between 2015 and 2021. It argues that a global commitment to 'no new coal' is feasible, as a majority of proposed projects have been cancelled due to poor economics and shifting climate policies.

This policy brief analyzes Indonesia's COVID-19 recovery spending, arguing that the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program is not aligned with the country's net-zero emissions targets due to significant continued support for fossil fuels. The authors recommend reforming fossil fuel subsidies and directing fiscal support toward renewable energy to achieve climate goals and create jobs.

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.

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 report analyzes the environmental promises made by political parties in their election platforms for the 2021 Estonian local government council elections. It focuses on national platforms as well as specific programs for Tallinn and Tartu, comparing them to the 2017 elections and assessing their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Capital (EGC) criteria.

The G20, responsible for 75% of global GHG emissions, currently has commitments that put the world on a trajectory for 2.4°C of warming. While announced but non-formalized pledges could lower this to 2.1°C, only a comprehensive shift where all G20 members align with 1.5°C pathways and mid-century net zero targets could limit warming to 1.7°C. The report identifies a 23 GtCO2e emissions gap for 2030 and warns that many net zero pledges are unrealistic without significantly stronger near-term (2030) targets. Achieving the 1.5°C goal will require G20 leadership, action from non-G20 countries, and the fulfillment of climate finance commitments to developing nations.

This research paper analyzes the first 29 long-term low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission development strategies (LTSs) submitted to the UNFCCC by June 2021. The authors identify common trends in midcentury targets, mitigation modeling, sectoral transitions, and governance frameworks, noting a significant shift toward net-zero goals and a broader focus on societal transformation beyond simple mitigation modeling.

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.

A case study on the market potential for solar cold storage in Rwanda's horticulture sector, highlighting that while rural electricity access was only 23% in 2018, solar solutions could address significant food losses (such as the 56% loss of tomatoes) and represent a market potential of up to USD 6,105,000 to support export targets.

This report updates the activities of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) from 16 May to 24 August 2021, focusing on preparations for the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy and COP26, the launch of the Be Bold campaign, and the establishment of Energy Compacts to accelerate the energy transition.

The Harare Declaration 2021 is a statement adopted during the inaugural African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD). It calls for a 'New Debt movement' to reform the global financial architecture, which the document describes as broken and skewed toward the interests of creditors and former colonial powers. The declaration advocates for African countries to transition from being 'rule takers' to 'rule makers' through measures such as debt cancellation, the creation of regional financial institutions, and the establishment of an African Accountability Mechanism.