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The We Mean Business Coalition presents a series of policy asks across key sectors—including energy, transport, industry, and the built environment—to align global economies with a 1.5°C trajectory. The document highlights existing corporate commitments, such as the 900+ companies aligning with 1.5°C targets, and calls for government action on carbon pricing, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, and the implementation of just transition plans. It emphasizes that a green recovery from COVID-19 can boost GDP and employment while addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

The analysis finds that most energy supply investments by the World Bank, IFC, and ADB are either aligned with or could be aligned with 2°C pathways under specific conditions. Electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) represent the largest share of financing for the World Bank and ADB, accounting for approximately half of the volume of financing and 40 percent of projects. While renewables projects outnumbered natural gas power generation projects in both number and finance volume, the report warns that natural gas must act as a true 'bridge' by displacing coal rather than adding to it. The study identified 21 oil and gas production projects as 'controversial' due to high emissions and lock-in risk. Misaligned projects often cited strong development rationales, but the authors argue that the urgency of climate change requires transformational rather than incremental improvements. The report recommends that MDBs improve disclosure of indirect financing, shift toward newer technologies like battery storage, and ensure fossil fuel production support is reviewed against G7 commitments to phase out inefficient subsidies by 2025.

The paper identifies key factors and recommendations for achieving 'transformational' change in low-carbon energy, defined by large magnitude impact, non-linear growth, and long-term sustainability. Through the analysis of 20 case studies, the authors categorize experiences into transformational, potentially transformational, and missed opportunities, highlighting the roles of regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and national ownership.

The research identifies a systemic 'siloed approach' where Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are managed by separate institutions, typically environment ministries for NDCs and central cabinet-level offices for SDGs. To overcome this, the paper proposes five core elements for joined-up implementation: coordinating institutions, aligning targets, joint mainstreaming into policy planning, optimizing financial resources, and creating mutually reinforcing monitoring frameworks. The study argues that integrating these agendas reduces transaction costs, fosters 'win-win solutions', and helps ensure a just transition by applying the 'leaving no one behind' principle to climate action. It highlights that while some countries have begun linking these frameworks, a fully integrated approach requires significant shifts in institutional and financial structures to avoid the 'cherry-picking' of targets by line ministries.

The document examines the economic and social risks facing middle-income developing countries as they shift away from oil and gas production. It highlights the potential for significant government revenue loss and job displacement, particularly for indirect and induced workers in geographically concentrated areas. The paper recommends place-based economic diversification and targeted just transition strategies to mitigate these impacts.

The document argues that the COVID-19 crisis is a critical window to shift from 'snapshot to transition thinking,' urging governments to use stimulus packages to accelerate future technologies like renewable energy while phasing out fossil fuels. It highlights a concerning trend where approximately 30% of global fiscal stimulus is directed toward high-environmental-impact sectors, often without sustainability conditions. The report advocates for a 'One Health' approach to prevent future zoonotic pandemics by protecting biodiversity, and calls for the integration of informal workers and urban poor into city-level recovery planning. Key recommendations include the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, the implementation of 'do no harm' standards for bailouts, and increased financial support and debt restructuring for developing countries to facilitate a just transition.

The ACT2025 Alliance Statement outlines a comprehensive 'Ambition, Solidarity, and Prosperity' package for COP26. It calls for major emitters to align NDCs with the 1.5°C goal, demands that developed countries meet and exceed the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, and advocates for the operationalization of the Global Goal on Adaptation and the establishment of Loss and Damage as a permanent agenda item. The consortium emphasizes the need for a reformed financial system that prioritizes grants over loans and the adoption of a common five-year time frame for NDCs to ensure near-term accountability.

WWF South Africa aims to support a just transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, targeting a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 through partnerships with government, business, labour, and civil society. The strategy emphasizes shifting from coal-fired power to renewable energy as per the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan and advocates for a 10% reduction in subsidies for major carbon-emitting fossil-fuel sectors.

The document examines the role of fossil gas in South Africa, detailing its current use in power generation and chemical feedstock, while arguing against its use as a 'bridge fuel'. It highlights the high global warming potential of methane leaks, the risk of stranded assets, and the availability of cheaper renewable alternatives combined with energy storage. The author concludes that South Africa should avoid new gas exploration and infrastructure to align with the 1.5°C warming limit and its own 2050 net-zero target.