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The paper analyzes how COVID-19 has disrupted climate finance, noting a tension between the need for economic recovery and the fulfillment of the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge. It highlights that while the pandemic created opportunities for 'green recoveries' through stimulus packages, early funding often favored carbon-intensive sectors. The authors emphasize a growing need for adaptation finance and the mobilization of private capital to support a sustainable transition in Africa.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and a coalition of 800 health professionals criticize Prime Minister Trudeau's commitment to reduce emissions by at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. They argue this target is inadequate compared to a proposed minimum of 60% reduction and falls behind the goals of other wealthy nations like the US and UK. The statement calls for a strengthened Bill C-12 and the reallocation of fossil fuel subsidies to ensure a healthy future for children and global climate stability.

On Earth Day 2021, Covering Climate Now highlights President Joe Biden's pledge to cut US carbon pollution by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and the ongoing efforts of activists like Greta Thunberg to end fossil fuel subsidies. The statement calls on journalists to scrutinize government claims against scientific necessity and to treat climate change as an emergency across all news beats.

The testimony argues that US fossil fuel subsidies primarily increase excess profits rather than creating jobs, undermine global climate goals, and contribute to public health crises and environmental inequalities.

The document proposes that Indonesia implement a fuel tax increase of IDR 500 per litre for gasoline and diesel to generate USD 2.2 billion annually for pandemic recovery. It highlights India's transition from high fuel subsidies to high taxes as a viable model for boosting revenue and funding social programs. Additionally, it notes that while India's subsidies for renewable energy and electric vehicles more than doubled in FY 2022, the country still allocates four times more support to fossil fuels than to clean energy.

Colombia is integrating just transition principles into national planning documents and partnerships with the ILO and UNDP, aiming for a national strategy by 2023. However, the country faces a tension between these goals and its continued economic reliance on coal exports and fossil fuel revenues to fund its peace process.

In 2014, Egypt implemented wide-ranging fossil fuel subsidy reforms to address a budget deficit and economic instability. The government raised prices for gasoline (78%), diesel (64%), and kerosene (64%), while introducing social protections such as expanded food subsidies, increased public-sector minimum wages, and expanded social security pensions. While the reforms reduced energy subsidy spending by 29% in the first quarter of the 2014-2015 fiscal year and were supported by a broad political consensus, the document notes that compensatory measures did not fully offset costs for the poorest households due to a lack of targeted delivery mechanisms like a unified household registry.

The report analyzes perspectives from 48 Canadian civil society organizations on the just transition. It finds a broad consensus on the need for employment security, 'good jobs', and equity for marginalized groups, particularly Indigenous Peoples. The document argues that while Canada has a high capacity for transition, there are significant political gaps, including a lack of institutionalized tripartite processes and the influence of corporate interests. It recommends the implementation of a Just Transition Act, the end of fossil fuel subsidies, and increased support for municipal and Indigenous-led projects. Civil society is positioned as a vital complement to official processes through research, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.

The document analyzes the fiscal challenges facing Indonesia, specifically its low tax-to-GDP ratio and the burden of fuel subsidies. It uses India's experience—where gasoline and diesel subsidies were phased out and replaced by flexible excise duties—as a blueprint for Indonesia. The authors recommend that Indonesia implement a fixed fuel tax to raise revenue for social programs and pandemic recovery, suggesting that such a measure is more politically viable in the short term than immediate subsidy elimination.

The report finds a significant investment gap between Canada's current climate-related fiscal commitments and the funding required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. While acknowledging positive steps in public transit and building energy efficiency, the authors argue that Canada is being outpaced by international peers, such as the US and EU, in per capita green spending. The analysis identifies critical funding shortfalls across seven sectors, including transportation, clean energy, and nature-based solutions, and calls for Budget 2021 to prioritize uncosted measures and scaled-up investments to ensure an equitable green recovery.

The report argues that while Canada has made positive climate commitments, there is a significant investment gap between current budget allocations and the funding required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. By comparing federal spending with recommendations from expert coalitions, the document identifies critical funding shortages across seven sectors: transport, building retrofits, clean energy, nature and adaptation, agriculture, industry and innovation, and workforce development. It highlights that Canada's per capita climate spending during the pandemic is more than eight times lower than the promises made by the US under Joe Biden. The report calls for the 2021 Budget to prioritize deficit spending on green infrastructure, eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, and implement a just transition for workers, particularly in the coal, oil, and gas sectors.

The report finds a nascent process of alignment in Colombia, where progress in green bond issuance and renewable energy auctions is offset by significant continued investment in fossil fuels and high deforestation rates. While the government has established frameworks like the Climate Change Law (2018) and a Carbon Tax, public spending remains heavily skewed toward the energy and mining sectors. Private financial flows are largely inconsistent with climate goals, with carbon-related assets dominating the listed equity market and insurance portfolios. The authors recommend a just transition that redirects fossil fuel subsidies toward renewables and enhances the use of green taxonomies to improve transparency.

The brief warns that funding for blue hydrogen may conflict with Canada's goals to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 and reach net-zero by 2050. It recommends that subsidies for hydrogen based on natural gas without significant carbon capture and storage be ineligible for assistance, and that blue hydrogen only receive support if it matches the environmental performance and cost of green hydrogen.

The document analyzes Canada's 2020 COVID-19 recovery spending, noting a higher commitment to clean energy (CAD 14.7 billion) than fossil energy (CAD 3.6 billion) according to Energy Policy Tracker data. However, it highlights significant transparency gaps regarding credit support from public finance institutions like EDC and BDC. Compared to France, Germany, and the UK, Canada's per capita investment in electric vehicles is lower, while its investment in building retrofits is relatively high. The brief warns that Canada's hydrogen strategy leans toward 'blue hydrogen' (fossil-based) while European peers prioritize 'green hydrogen'. It recommends applying strict 'green strings' to stimulus, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and aligning ambition with international standards.

The document argues that Export Development Canada (EDC) provides disproportionately high levels of support for oil and gas compared to clean technology, often lacking transparency in its transactions. It highlights that EDC's domestic mandate expansion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has facilitated continued fossil fuel financing. The brief recommends that EDC phase out public finance for fossil fuels, set clear climate action targets, and implement 'green strings' (climate-related conditionalities) to ensure economic recovery is aligned with the Paris Agreement and Canada's 2050 net-zero goal.

The Canadian government provided at least CAD 1.91 billion in federal fossil fuel subsidies in 2020, representing a jump of over 200% from 2019 levels. This increase was primarily driven by COVID-19 recovery measures, specifically funding for orphan and abandoned well reclamation and support for Newfoundland's offshore oil industry. The report argues that these subsidies are inconsistent with Canada's net-zero emissions by 2050 target and G20 commitments to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. It highlights significant data gaps regarding tax-related subsidies and public finance provided through Export Development Canada (EDC). The author recommends a transparent roadmap for subsidy phase-out by 2025, the alignment of EDC policies with climate goals, and the inclusion of subsidy reform in Canada's next Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement.

The document examines Canada's approach to the hydrogen economy, specifically the tension between supporting 'blue hydrogen' (fossil fuel-based with carbon capture) and 'green hydrogen' (renewable-based). It argues that blue hydrogen is less environmentally effective due to methane leaks and high costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS), and is likely to be out-competed by green hydrogen by 2030. The author contends that subsidies for blue hydrogen constitute fossil fuel subsidies that undermine Canada's climate goals and net-zero 2050 target, recommending strict environmental and cost criteria for any public funding.

The briefing outlines a strategic framework for the Biden Administration to reengage in global climate action through four priorities: fulfilling and doubling the U.S. pledge to the Green Climate Fund, contributing to other multilateral institutions like the Adaptation Fund, integrating climate considerations across all development funding, and pushing multilateral development banks to align with the Paris Agreement.

The document examines the severe health consequences of the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires, noting that 80% of the population was affected by poor air quality. It highlights a critical gap in government preparation for long-term smoke exposure and recommends the implementation of 'Smoke Plans', real-time air quality monitoring, and the adoption of Indigenous 'cultural burns' to reduce fire intensity. The briefing concludes that Australia must transition away from fossil fuel subsidies and embrace renewable energy to mitigate future climate-driven wildfire risks.

The document examines the under-recognized health risks of wildfire smoke in Canada, noting that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of fires. It highlights specific respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, the vulnerability of certain populations, and the inadequacy of current public health systems to handle prolonged smoke events. The brief calls for improved emergency planning, the protection of Indigenous people, and the alignment of Canadian federal climate policy with the Paris Agreement.