Search Climate Insights Directory

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides an overview of geothermal energy, detailing its capacity in the United States and globally, the technologies used for electricity and heating, and the associated environmental benefits and challenges.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides an overview of hydropower technology, its economic and environmental benefits, and the challenges associated with its implementation and operation in the United States.

This 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes solar water heating technology, its costs, benefits, and adoption in the United States.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of services trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It identifies critical deficiencies in core infrastructure services—transport, energy, telecommunications, and finance—as significant constraints on the region's economic growth and international competitiveness. The document reviews regional integration efforts, the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the challenges associated with the movement of natural persons (Mode 4) for service provision.

The document contains the minutes of the Twenty-First Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Executive Council (EC), held on September 8-9, 2005, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The meeting focused on the transition to a new Director, the approval of the second round of the Collaborative Research Network (CRN II) program, and strategies to increase the institute's visibility and policy relevance across the Americas.

The report details the proceedings of the 21st Executive Council (EC) meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on September 8-9, 2005. The meeting focused on the appointment of a new Executive Director, the approval of the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) program, and strategies to increase the Institute's visibility and policy relevance.

The IISD Model International Agreement on Investment for Sustainable Development is a guide and draft treaty designed to replace outdated international investment agreements. It proposes a shift from a regime focused solely on investor protection to one that balances investor rights with binding responsibilities and state obligations. Key features include a standing roster of arbitrators to reduce conflicts of interest, a formal appellate process, mandatory transparency of proceedings, and explicit anti-corruption and corporate social responsibility standards.

This written testimony by Glenn M. Wiser of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives on March 2, 2006, advocates for legislation to implement the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the LRTAP POPs Protocol, and the Rotterdam PIC Convention. Wiser compares two proposed bills to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)—H.R. 4800 (Solis bill) and H.R. 4591 (Gillmor bill)—arguing that only the Solis bill adequately implements the health and environmental protection goals of the Stockholm Convention.

The IPEN Dubai Declaration for a Toxics-Free Future is a 2006 statement by the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) outlining a commitment to achieve a 'Toxics-Free Future' by 2020. The declaration calls for the phase-out of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the adoption of the precautionary principle in chemical safety, and the implementation of 'polluter pays' and 'no data, no market' principles globally.

The report examines the WTO dispute between Brazil and the European Community over Brazil's ban on retreaded tire imports. Brazil argues the ban is necessary to prevent environmental degradation and health risks (such as mosquito-borne diseases) caused by the import of short-lifespan products from the EU, which faces its own strict waste tire disposal regulations. The document analyzes the legal defenses under GATT Article XX, the role of the Basel Convention on hazardous waste, and the influence of contradictory Mercosur arbitral decisions on the case.

A March 2006 fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute detailing the status of the U.S. wind energy industry, its resource potential, and the various federal funding and tax incentive programs available to support its growth.

A joint statement from numerous environmental and health organizations urging the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce to support the Solis bill (H.R. 4800) over the Gillmor bill (H.R. 4591) to implement the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) via amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

This fact sheet by Friends of the Earth International argues that genetically modified (GM) plants have failed to deliver on promises of reducing hunger and poverty, instead serving to increase the market control and profits of biotechnology multinationals, specifically Monsanto. The document details the limited variety of GM crops, the concentration of their cultivation in a few countries, and the negative socio-economic and environmental impacts across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

This report by Friends of the Earth International critiques the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), challenging claims that it promotes regional integration, provides affordable energy to Ghana, or effectively ends gas flaring in Nigeria. The document highlights risks including legal unaccountability due to the project company's registration in Bermuda, economic burdens on Ghana through 'take-or-pay' contracts, and the continued environmental and health impacts of gas flaring in the Niger Delta.

This case study examines a legal dispute between mining rights holders, CA Visser Delwerye (Edms) Bpk and Christiaan Christoffel du Plooy, where the court held the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) liable for legal costs due to its negligence in issuing a mining permit and its failure to provide information that could have prevented litigation.

The 'Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD)' is a negotiator's guide and model international investment agreement published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). It proposes a new framework for international investment agreements (IIAs) that balances the rights of investors with the obligations of investors and the rights of host and home states, specifically aiming to integrate sustainable development goals into the legal structure of foreign investment.

This 2006 practice note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides a guide for not-for-profit organizations on creating and managing strategic alliances. It distinguishes alliances from other collaborative models like coalitions or partnerships, emphasizing the need for integrated management systems, shared value appropriation, and corporate ownership to achieve greater capacity, influence, and financing.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the experiences of South African firms operating in Egypt. It analyzes Egypt's macroeconomic stability, its shift toward a liberalized market economy, and the specific challenges faced by South African investors, including cultural barriers, bureaucratic red tape, and corruption. The document provides policy recommendations for both the Egyptian and South African governments to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

This research paper, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in 2006, analyzes South Africa's position as a regional hub and its role in global structural policy. It examines the country's economic integration, socio-economic challenges, environmental policies, and its evolving approach to global governance and trade, specifically focusing on its relations with Germany and other developing nations.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and regional free trade agreements prioritize corporate profit over environmental sustainability and human rights, leading to the loss of livelihoods for millions of small-scale farmers, fishers, and indigenous peoples. The document details how trade liberalization facilitates the privatization of natural resources, undermines food sovereignty, and exacerbates climate change and desertification across various global regions.