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The Environmental and Social Performance Management Systems (ESPM) Manual, published by FSD Africa in May 2023, establishes the procedures for implementing the organization's Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Impact Policy. It provides a risk-based framework for integrating environmental, social, and impact (ES&I) considerations across the entire lifecycle of grant funding and risk capital investments in sub-Saharan Africa. The manual details specific screening, due diligence, monitoring, and reporting requirements for grantees and investees, with a specialized Gender Lens Investing (GLI) framework for the FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) pillar.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores how voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) can assist governments in preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The document argues that VSSs can fill data gaps, provide best-practice case studies, and foster multisectoral partnerships to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores how Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can assist governments in preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to report progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The document argues that VSS can bridge data gaps, provide best-practice case studies, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance the transparency and inclusivity of national reporting.

A response from the Petroleum Agency SA (PASA) to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding the regulation of upstream gas and petroleum activities, addressing public access to rights, environmental inspectors, and the status of hydraulic fracturing.

This briefing from the IAI Directorate provides an update on the partnership between the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and the Belmont Forum, detailing the IAI's role as a member and co-Chair, and its participation in several Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs).

This briefing from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) updates the Conference of the Parties on its partnership with the Belmont Forum and its involvement in Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs) to address global change challenges in the Americas.

The NewClimate Institute's audit finds that while the EU aims to be a global climate leader, it must move beyond technical UNFCCC negotiations toward a geopolitical approach. The report highlights a loss of credibility due to gas infrastructure investments following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recommends institutionalising climate mainstreaming and strengthening the 'Team Europe' collaboration between EU institutions and Member States.

This research paper analyzes the treatment capacity, energy consumption, and governance structures of 175 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Beijing, highlighting the trade-offs between water reuse and energy intensity.

The report 'Weathering the winter' by Ember analyzes the EU power system's performance from October 2022 to March 2023. It finds that a combination of record renewable generation and significant reductions in electricity demand prevented a predicted return to coal and gas, resulting in the lowest winter power sector emissions on record.

A study by the NewClimate Institute finds that current climate policy in the German transport sector is consistent with a global temperature increase of approximately 3°C, significantly exceeding the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement.

This policy brief argues that US 'Buy Clean' standards for steel must be flexible and based on recycled content reporting to avoid bankrupting primary steel producers. It suggests a sliding-scale emissions target to incentivize the transition toward green hydrogen and zero-carbon electricity without causing emissions leakage or industry bifurcation.

The Water Tribunal of South Africa dismissed an appeal by Thungela Operations (Pty) Ltd against the Department of Water and Sanitation's decision to refuse a Water Use Licence (WUL) for the Palmietkuilen Mining Operation. The Tribunal found that the applicant failed to provide sufficient geohydrological and geochemical data to ensure effective long-term mitigation of water pollution, particularly regarding post-closure acid mine drainage (AMD) and the permanent loss of wetlands.

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has condemned the proposed Approach to Remedial Action by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The CSOs argue that the proposal fails to implement recommendations from a 2020 External Review, ignores existing harms by applying only to new projects, and lacks concrete mechanisms to guarantee financial remedy for affected communities.

This policy brief examines Germany's adoption of a Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) and its application to Africa, specifically through the Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation's (BMZ) 2023 Africa Strategy. The author argues that while the strategy shows normative progress by aligning with African-led priorities and addressing colonial legacies, the 'feminist reflex' remains largely confined to international development rather than being integrated across all foreign policy domains such as trade, security, and migration.

This policy brief by RMI examines the economic competitiveness of renewable energy versus natural gas in Texas, specifically analyzing the impact of the expired Chapter 313 tax incentive program and proposed legislation (HB 5) that would exclude renewables from its successor.

A statement by Trend Asia and a coalition of 39 other organizations urging G7 nations to stop promoting and financing fossil fuel-based 'energy transition' technologies in developing countries, specifically criticizing Japan's Green Transformation (GX) policy.

This report by Ember analyzes global electricity source trends in 2022, detailing the growth of renewables like solar and wind, the continued dominance and record highs of coal, and the fluctuations in hydro, nuclear, gas, and bioenergy generation. It compares current trends against the IEA Net Zero Emissions scenario to highlight the growth rates required to limit global warming to 1.5C.

This report by Ember outlines a pathway for the global electricity sector to reach net zero emissions by 2040, referencing the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario as a realistic trajectory to align with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal.

A foreword by Chile's Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, for the Global Electricity Review 2023, highlighting the economic benefits of electromobility and Chile's progress in renewable energy generation.

This report by Ember provides a detailed analysis of global electricity generation, demand, and emissions for 2022, evaluating progress toward net-zero targets. It highlights a record growth in wind and solar power, offset by a continued reliance on fossil fuels and a historic decline in nuclear generation. The report notes that while emissions intensity is at its lowest level, absolute power sector emissions reached an all-time high in 2022.