Search Climate Insights Directory

This World Resources Institute fact sheet outlines US federal tax incentives for renewable energy as of September 2010. It details the Production Tax Credit (PTC), which is based on electrical output, and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is based on capital investment. It also describes the Treasury cash grant for ITC-eligible projects, the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) for domestic facilities, and depreciation rules like MACRS.

This research paper examines the tension between South Africa's developmental goals and its climate change commitments, highlighting the country's heavy reliance on coal for electricity and the challenges of transitioning to a lower-carbon economy while addressing poverty and energy shortages.

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and Accountability Counsel submitted comments on the World Bank Group's draft Framework for Engagement in the Palm Oil Sector, arguing that the proposed strategy is insufficient to prevent systemic harm to people and the environment. The organizations call for a continued moratorium on palm oil lending and the closure of loopholes regarding Financial Intermediaries (FIs) and Advisory Services.

This report examines the role of Brazil in enhancing energy security and integration across South America. It argues that while the region possesses vast energy resources, domestic-focused security strategies and a lack of regional regulation have led to high economic costs and underutilized infrastructure. The author proposes the creation of a Multilateral Energy Security Reserve (RMSE) treaty to provide a legal framework for energy imports and dispute settlement, positioning Brazil as the ideal coordinator due to its market size, geography, and leadership in both fossil fuels and renewable energy.

This research paper examines the challenges South Africa faces in diversifying its energy sources away from coal to ensure energy security and meet climate change mitigation goals, emphasizing the need for institutional reform and a coordinated government vision.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 50 years after independence, focusing on the challenges of territorial consolidation, resource governance, and the transition of UN peacekeeping operations.

This policy brief by RMI advocates for the implementation of 'feebates' in the United States to reduce oil dependence and accelerate the adoption of efficient vehicles. It defines the feebate mechanism, proposes specific design goals based on a 2007 expert forum, and analyzes the success of France's 'bonus-malus' program as a case study.

This paper reviews data sources for fossil-fuel subsidies across countries with diverse governance systems, energy markets, and economic growth stages, specifically focusing on pilot studies conducted for China, Germany, Indonesia, and the United States.

This report analyzes the failure of market-based energy reforms in Argentina, which led to a high dependency on non-renewable resources and a depletion of natural assets. It argues that relying solely on private and foreign capital for strategic energy decisions was ineffective and recommends a more active public sector role, price policy reform, and strategic agreements with Brazil and Bolivia to secure energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This document is an introductory text for a 2010 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) that aims to quantify government support for ethanol and biodiesel within the European Union since 2007.

This 2010 policy report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the relationship between international trade and food security in Brazil. It concludes that while Brazil has become a major global food exporter and maintains sufficient national food availability, chronic food insecurity persists due to income inequality and poverty rather than trade-driven shortages. The report details the role of government price supports, the impact of fertilizer costs, and the transition of the Brazilian diet due to urbanization.

This 2010 WRI policy brief argues that while China has strong political will and some applicable laws to support Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), it lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for geologic storage. Given China's heavy reliance on coal, the brief suggests that CCS is necessary to reduce emissions post-2030. It proposes eight key safety and environmental criteria for storage regulations and suggests a pilot regulatory approach to manage the transition from demonstration projects to commercial deployment.

This policy briefing examines how the entry of Chinese investors into Zambia's mining sector, characterized by different operational standards and close ties to the presidency, challenges the effectiveness of the country's regulatory framework, which relies heavily on self-reporting and consensus.

This report examines the tension between trade and investment liberalization and environmental protection within the Mekong subregion of ASEAN, highlighting the inadequacy of current multilateral efforts and the heavy reliance on foreign donors for environmental policy initiatives.

This research paper analyzes the drivers of per capita carbon dioxide emissions across U.S. states, identifying specific socioeconomic and climatic factors that contribute to higher emissions levels.

This research paper examines how China can align its commercial policies with a 'sustainable trade strategy' consisting of five core objectives: rebalancing the economy, promoting added value, expanding the services sector, promoting Chinese brands and intellectual property, and supporting a sustainable international trade architecture. The authors analyze China's trade evolution since joining the WTO, the limitations of traditional reciprocity-based trade agreements, and the potential for soft-law initiatives and regional cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.

This 2010 guide by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines methodologies for measuring subsidies provided to fossil-fuel producers. It highlights that such subsidies likely exceed $100 billion U.S. annually, contributing to environmental degradation. The guide categorizes producer subsidies into direct transfers, government revenue foregone, and provided goods/services, while noting significant data transparency challenges in countries like China, Indonesia, Germany, and the United States. It advocates for the development of standardized accounting practices and the potential creation of an independent subsidy accounting standards board.

This research paper examines the expansion of China's service sector and its role within a sustainable trade strategy. It analyzes the structural shift of the Chinese economy toward services, the current state of trade in services, and the challenges regarding international competitiveness and liberalization. The authors argue that service sector growth is linked to urbanization and suggest that relaxing migration restrictions and increasing competition are key to enhancing productivity and sustainability.

A statement from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute advocating for a transition from petroleum to biofuels and biobased products to reduce national oil dependence, improve climate outcomes, and create jobs.

This report examines the tension between trade liberalization and environmental sustainability in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), highlighting how infrastructure development and illegal trade undermine ecological protections and proposing regional coordination mechanisms to address wildlife trafficking and climate change.