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A joint contribution by ClientEarth and other NGOs proposing structural reforms to EU trade policy to align it with the European Green Deal. The authors argue for binding sustainability obligations, independent ex-post monitoring, the introduction of sanctions for non-compliance, and enhanced roles for Domestic Advisory Groups and civil society in the negotiation and enforcement of Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters.

The paper argues that Canada faces an 'implementation deficit' in climate adaptation, where high-level commitments have not translated into concrete action due to poor interdepartmental coordination and a lack of systematic mainstreaming. It proposes several policy options to embed adaptation into government decision-making, including the use of statute law, central policy directives, the creation of a dedicated adaptation policy unit, and the enhancement of ex ante appraisal tools.

The document argues that Canada has historically struggled to translate high-level climate adaptation aspirations into concrete action due to a lack of interministerial coordination and systematic integration. It proposes moving beyond voluntary, informal approaches toward a 'whole-of-government' approach. Key recommendations include enacting a national climate change adaptation law, issuing centralized policy directives, establishing a dedicated central adaptation policy unit, and utilizing ex ante evaluation tools. The paper highlights the UK's Climate Change Act as a successful model of legislative accountability and notes that most OECD countries possess specialized units for adaptation coordination, a feature currently lacking in Canada.

The Santa Rita Hydroelectric Plant in Guatemala's Alta Verapaz region was registered as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project in June 2014 despite strong opposition from local indigenous communities. The document asserts that the project violated the Guatemalan Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ILO Convention 169, and CDM Modalities and Procedures by failing to conduct proper public consultations. This lack of compliance is linked to severe human rights abuses, including the alleged deaths of seven people and repressive police operations against Q’eqchi´ communities. The project is funded by the Latin Renewables Infrastructure Fund (LRIF), with investments from the IFC (USD 15mln), SIFEM (USD 7mln), DEG, FMO, and AECID. Civil society organizations have filed complaints with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and the IFC, demanding the withdrawal of financing and the cancellation of the CDM registration.

The Santa Rita hydroelectric project on the Dolores River in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, was registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in June 2014 despite strong opposition from local Q’eqchi’ communities. The document reports that the project violated the Guatemalan Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ILO Convention 169, and CDM procedures by failing to conduct appropriate public consultations. This lack of consultation and the subsequent project development led to severe human rights abuses, including the alleged extrajudicial killings of seven people, including two children, and violent police repression against indigenous families in August 2014. The project is funded via the Latin Renewables Infrastructure Fund (LRIF), with investors including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which contributed 15 million dollars, and the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM), which contributed approximately 7 million dollars. In October 2014, civil society organizations filed a formal complaint with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) of the IFC, citing a lack of public consultation and the criminalization of opponents. The document uses this case to advocate for a human rights-based strategy in the 2015 climate agreement, noting that climate actions must respect and protect human rights.

Earthjustice argues that hydraulic fracturing (fracking) poses grave and irreversible risks to human health and the environment, citing extensive evidence from the United States. The organization contends that the Government of Mendoza's Decree No. 248/18 was issued without sufficient technical research or baseline data, violating the precautionary principle. Earthjustice requests the court to nullify the decree and suspend fracking activities until comprehensive scientific studies on air pollution, water contamination, radioactive waste, and induced seismicity are conducted.

The document outlines various legal frameworks and mechanisms that could be adapted for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. It categorizes obligations into those of conduct (prescribing actions) and result (requiring specific outcomes), and discusses the use of binding versus non-binding language. Key commitment options include prohibiting new fossil fuel sites, setting absolute or relative production reduction targets, and restricting financial flows. The briefing also explores the adoption of technical, general specification, and performance standards, as well as trade restrictions to prevent 'free-riding' by non-parties. Additionally, it suggests informational mechanisms such as environmental impact assessments, labelling, and public participation to ensure transparency and a just transition.

The report outlines various legal frameworks and mechanisms from existing international treaties to inform the design of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It categorizes potential obligations into conduct and result-based commitments, suggests specific measures such as banning new extraction and reducing existing production, and explores financial targets, technical standards, and trade restrictions. The document emphasizes a differentiated approach based on equity and historical responsibility, providing a wide array of options for binding language, precision levels, and transparency mechanisms to ensure a just transition.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative submits that fossil fuel production is the primary driver of the climate emergency and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of human rights law. The brief contends that States have a duty of prevention to regulate, monitor, and phase out fossil fuels to protect fundamental rights, including the rights to life, health, and a healthy environment. It emphasizes differentiated obligations, arguing that wealthy, developed States must act first and provide support to less-developed nations. The document also advocates for a 'just transition' and increased transparency regarding fossil fuel reserves and production.

The document describes the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a powerful but 'invisible' institution that operates with significant independence from EU oversight. It details systemic failures identified by NGOs, including a lack of clear environmental standards, insufficient staffing for environmental expertise, and a refusal to provide public access to project information. The text highlights the EIB's failure to support the Kyoto Protocol and its tendency to fund technological 'fixes' rather than proactive environmental protection. It also outlines civil society campaigns, such as 'EIB: no reform, no money!', which pressured EU member states to link capital increases to institutional reforms.

The report examines the EIB's operations in the Global South, specifically in Zambia, Chad, Cameroon, Laos, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. It contends that the EIB functions as a demand-driven institution that finances high-yield projects for European firms rather than prioritizing social or environmental goals. Key criticisms include a lack of transparency, failure to adhere to EU environmental and social standards, and the promotion of harmful projects such as large dams and extractive industries. The document concludes with recommendations for a fundamental review of the EIB's project selection, accountability, and monitoring processes.

The report argues that ArcelorMittal's operations in Liberia have failed to deliver promised development benefits due to systemic corruption and mismanagement of the County Social Development Fund (CSDF). It highlights how funds intended for affected communities were diverted to political projects in Gbarnga and criticises the company for complicity in this mismanagement. The document also details environmental risks to the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve and reports poor labour conditions and health services. Finally, it concludes that ArcelorMittal violated OECD guidelines by donating 100 pick-up trucks that were used by legislators rather than for agricultural purposes.

The document analyzes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a strategic tool for China to export industrial overcapacity and expand global influence. It highlights a systemic lack of transparency, the dominance of state-owned enterprises, and significant environmental risks, particularly through the financing of coal and hydropower projects. While China promotes a 'Green BRI' and 'ecological civilization,' the report argues that actual implementation often lacks rigorous safeguards, leading to 'debt traps' and biodiversity loss. It calls for international civil society to push for binding treaties on multinationals and the adoption of higher environmental and social standards.

The document lists prominent sustainability schemes for the mining sector, such as the ICMM Mining Principles, MAC's Toward Sustainable Mining, and the IRMA Standard, detailing their requirements for biodiversity conservation, the use of the mitigation hierarchy, and the conduct of environmental and social impact assessments across different stages of the supply chain.

The report assesses the alignment of Kenyan legislation and regulations with international ESG standards, specifically GRI and FTSE Russell. It identifies significant gaps in environmental areas such as protected area conservation and water footprint analysis, and in social areas including data protection and specific gender-sensitive training. While Kenyan law broadly aligns with international labour and human rights conventions, the report notes discrepancies in maternity leave duration and minimum employment age. In governance, it highlights a lack of mandatory requirements for board-level ESG risk training and detailed executive compensation ratios, recommending that companies adopt international best practices to attract investment.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) assessed the Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE) for re-accreditation. While the GCF recommends re-accreditation for a second term, it did not grant the requested upgrade to 'small' project size or 'medium risk' (category B) status, maintaining the entity's 'micro' size and 'minimal to no risk' (category C) status. The assessment found that CSE aligns with GCF's strategic goals, particularly in climate change adaptation in Senegal, but identified gaps in its internal audit functions, risk management, and grievance redress mechanisms. Re-accreditation is subject to several conditions, including the operationalization of an independent internal audit function and the appointment of an independent observer for its grievance mechanism.

The GCF's Environmental and Social Policy defines the requirements for accredited entities to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and social risks. It mandates a risk-based approach using Environmental and Social Safeguards (SAS), a mitigation hierarchy, and rigorous due diligence. The policy emphasizes the protection of vulnerable groups, indigenous peoples, and biodiversity, while requiring transparent information disclosure and the establishment of grievance redress mechanisms at the activity, entity, and fund levels.

The report identifies significant gaps in the governance of the Cabora Bassa oil and gas project in Zimbabwe, noting that consultations have primarily targeted political and traditional leaders rather than the broader community. It highlights extreme poverty, acute climate vulnerability, and collapsed infrastructure in Mbire and Muzarabani districts, warning that current employment patterns are driven by political affiliation and nepotism. The authors argue for the institutionalization of continuous community engagement, transparent benefit-sharing, and strategic investment in climate adaptation and essential services to avoid repeating historical patterns of extractive wealth failing to benefit local populations.

The New Manila International Airport, a US$15 billion project by San Miguel Corporation, has led to the displacement of approximately 700 families and the destruction of climate-critical mangrove forests in Manila Bay. The report highlights a lack of transparency in public consultations, alleging that the project encroaches on a 'strict protection zone' and disrupts the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds. It further criticizes the involvement of Dutch company Royal Boskalis and the insurance provided by Atradius DSB, arguing that these entities failed to adhere to OECD guidelines and international sustainability standards. The document calls for stronger EU corporate accountability laws and independent investigations into the project's violations.

Global Witness calls for CBD COP16 to transition the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) into actionable plans. The organization advocates for the protection and participation of land and environmental defenders, the implementation of mandatory regulations to end harmful financial flows driving deforestation, and the establishment of responsible mining standards and 'no-go zones' in biodiversity hotspots to ensure the energy transition does not undermine nature.