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The document addresses the tension between the need for increased energy access for social development and the environmental risks associated with fossil fuels and deforestation. It specifically examines whether bioenergy can serve as a viable, affordable, and environmentally sound alternative to oil, coal, and natural gas in developing regions.

The statement by Friends of the Earth International asserts that the current economic system, driven by unlimited growth and profit, is the root cause of the climate crisis and associated social injustices. It advocates for a systemic transition involving the dismantling of capitalist accumulation, the implementation of a just energy transition with public and community ownership, the adoption of agroecology for food sovereignty, and the recognition of community rights over forests to protect biodiversity.

Friends of the Earth International asserts that the dominant economic system of continuous growth and profit is the root cause of the planetary crisis. The organization advocates for a systemic transition toward societies based on equality, reciprocity, and popular sovereignty, requiring the dismantling of capitalist logic and the implementation of feminist economics and agroecology. Key priorities include a just energy transition that removes fossil fuel dependence and corporate control, the recognition of community rights over forests, and the establishment of public services through tax justice and social ownership.

ClientEarth warns the BAE Systems Main Scheme trustees that ignoring climate risk could lead to legal challenges for breach of fiduciary duty. The letter outlines material financial risks associated with fossil fuels, the opportunities of a low-carbon transition, and emerging market standards among OECD asset owners. It provides a detailed set of recommended actions, including reallocating capital away from coal and high-risk fossil fuels, adopting TCFD-aligned reporting, and pursuing active stewardship of portfolio companies.

The report evaluates Kenya's development prospects to 2040, highlighting a contrast between strong human capital (health and education) and a significant deficit in core infrastructure (water and sanitation). While Kenya is a regional leader in ICT and renewable energy, it faces challenges from a large youth bulge, corruption, and climate-driven food insecurity. The report presents three scenarios: 'Stuck in Traffic' (current path), 'Tuko Kazi' (positive interventions), and 'Bila Hopes' (stagnation and instability).

The document identifies plastic pollution as a material business risk, categorising it into transition, reputational, physical, and liability risks. It details how regulatory shifts, technological disruptions, and public perception threaten the long-term viability of plastic-intensive companies. Furthermore, it asserts that under UK law, directors have codified duties to manage these risks to promote company success and exercise reasonable care, warning that failure to do so could lead to personal liability.

The document examines the intersection of mining, governance, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa. It argues that while the global energy transition will double demand for minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt, African countries must strengthen institutions to ensure these resources drive broad-based industrialisation rather than remaining as disconnected enclaves. The author analyzes specific governance failures and opportunities in South Africa, Guinea, Botswana, and Tanzania, emphasizing the need for stable legal frameworks, the protection of ecological integrity, and the formalisation of artisanal mining. It concludes that leapfrogging traditional development trajectories via renewable energy and smart technology is possible if governments prioritize inclusive institutions over the interests of politically connected elites.

The analysis finds that renewable energy growth is positively associated with India's GDP, employment, and energy security, while helping to reduce the fiscal deficit and net energy imports. Despite these benefits, the report projects that India will likely miss its 175 GW renewable energy target by 2022, instead reaching it between 2027 and 2033 depending on the scenario. Under an optimistic scenario, renewable energy could add up to 4.52 million domestic jobs by 2042.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected ExxonMobil's attempt to block Attorney General Maura Healey from obtaining records to investigate if the company concealed knowledge about fossil fuels and climate change. The court ruled that Exxon's franchise agreements do not shield it from such investigations and affirmed the Attorney General's authority to use consumer protection statutes to investigate climate denial, potentially setting a precedent for similar litigation in other states with comparable laws.

The text calls for the US Senate to reject Andrew Wheeler's nomination for Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, describing him as a "long-time fossil fuel lobbyist with a record of climate denial" who would maintain the "Trump-Pruitt agenda of fossil fuel worship and corporate favoritism."

The report 'A Crack in the Shell' by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses internal documents to demonstrate that Royal Dutch Shell had early and urgent notice of climate risks associated with fossil fuels. It highlights a dichotomy between Shell's internal scientific understanding—which acknowledged the link between CO2 and global warming as early as the 1950s and 60s—and its public efforts to sow doubt through industry groups like the Global Climate Coalition and the American Petroleum Institute. The document further argues that Shell continues this pattern by promoting the 'Sky Scenario' to appear aligned with the Paris Agreement while continuing to invest in fossil fuel expansion, including in the Arctic.

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer significant financial benefits, including lower fueling costs—with savings ranging from several hundred to over $1,000 annually—and reduced maintenance costs of $6,000 to $12,000 over a vehicle's life. Environmentally, EVs produce fewer emissions than conventional cars even on coal-heavy grids, with the potential to reduce US oil use by 1.5 million barrels per day by 2035. Additionally, EVs provide a superior driving experience through instant torque and a low center of gravity, while offering convenience via home charging and simplified mechanical maintenance.

A March 2018 survey of 1,067 registered US voters reveals broad bipartisan support for renewable energy and carbon pollution limits, despite significant political divides over the causes of global warming and the priority level assigned to climate action. While 73% of voters believe global warming is happening, only 40% of conservative Republicans share this view. However, majorities across the political spectrum support funding renewable energy research and regulating carbon dioxide. The report also notes a gap between stated support for climate action and actual individual engagement, with only 13% of voters having contacted an elected official about global warming in the previous year.

The report examines the energy transition in Nigeria and West Africa, highlighting the region's vast renewable potential against the backdrop of dilapidated grid infrastructure and low electricity access. It identifies a trend of fragmented, small-scale green projects—such as solar initiatives in Nigerian universities and private sector power generation—and argues that these must be integrated into holistic national and regional plans. The document warns that the risk of 'stranded' hydrocarbon assets creates a limited window for countries to use fossil fuel revenues to fund renewable investments. It concludes that achieving sustainable energy goals requires better alignment between research and policy, increased investment in granular data analysis, and improved regional coordination through bodies like ECOWAS.

Dr. Andrew Steer of the World Resources Institute criticizes President Trump's first State of the Union address for failing to link extreme weather to climate change and for prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy markets and emissions standards.

COP 23 served as a technical transition to establish the 'Paris Rulebook' for implementing the Paris Agreement. Key outcomes included the design of the Talanoa Dialogue for monitoring collective efforts, a breakthrough agreement to address agriculture and food security, and the adoption of a Gender Action Plan. However, the document notes a lack of substantial progress on long-term climate finance and 'loss and damage' funding, while highlighting a tension between official negotiations and civil society demands for climate justice and an end to the fossil fuel era.

The Green Economy Barometer 2017 reports a dichotomy in the global sustainability transition. While electric vehicle sales grew 42% in 2016 and lithium-ion battery prices fell 75% since 2011, fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) continued to provide approximately 86% of the world's energy. The report notes a disconnect between high-level geopolitical commitments and 'on the ground' realities, where rural economies and smallholder farmers lack investment, and automation threatens low-skilled workers. While countries like Peru, Uganda, the UK, and India have introduced green growth strategies or targets, the report warns that nature protections are being dismantled in some regions, such as India and South Africa.

The paper finds that while some countries like Ethiopia and Peru align their NDCs with national strategies, others like Bangladesh and Ghana exhibit a disconnect between climate commitments and energy planning. It argues that integrating climate objectives into national development strategies and leveraging co-benefits such as job creation and health improvements can drive higher ambition in revised NDCs.

The document outlines India's shift toward market-driven energy pricing and targeted subsidies via direct benefit transfer. It details the draft National Energy Policy's goal to align domestic prices with international rates and the potential inclusion of petroleum and electricity under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Key sector updates include the legal obligation for states to provide 24/7 power by March 2019, the phasing out of kerosene subsidies by 2020, and the reduction of LPG tax rates to 5% for domestic consumers. Additionally, it notes the impact of rising crude oil prices on the national subsidy burden and the declining cost of wind power through reverse auctions.

The report finds that while electricity access finance in 20 high-impact countries increased to USD 30.2 billion per year in 2015-16, it remains far below the USD 52 billion needed annually for universal access by 2030. Investment is heavily skewed toward non-residential consumers and grid-connected technologies, including a doubling of fossil fuel investments to USD 8 billion. Clean cooking finance has decreased to USD 30 million per year, a fraction of the USD 4.4 billion required. Geographically, finance is concentrated in a few countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa falling further behind despite having the highest need.