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RMI highlights that the perceived climate benefit of substituting coal with natural gas is undermined by methane leakage. The briefing notes that leakage rates as low as 0.2% can make gas emissions equal to coal, depending on the specific resources involved. To address this, RMI has developed a calculator for site-specific emissions parity analysis. The document advocates for immediate methane mitigation through technology and policy, noting that wind and solar are already more economically attractive and avoid the methane risks associated with gas.

The report highlights a critical gap in US public health policy: the lack of comprehensive, science-based indoor air quality (IAQ) guidelines. While the US regulates outdoor air via the Clean Air Act, indoor environments—where people spend approximately 90% of their time—remain largely unregulated. The document details how pollutants like nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves and wildfire smoke exacerbate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. It reviews existing international models from the WHO and Health Canada, and limited US efforts in states like California and Texas. RMI recommends that the EPA use its authority under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) to develop federal guidelines, which could then inform building codes, product safety standards, and electrification efforts to reduce combustion pollution.

The EPA's proposed 2023 tailpipe emission rules for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles aim to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants starting with model year 2027. While not banning internal combustion engines, the rules set average emission limits for manufacturers, which is expected to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption. By 2032, the EPA projects EVs could reach 67% of new light-duty vehicle sales. Projected long-term benefits through 2055 include avoiding nearly 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions, reducing oil imports by 20 billion barrels, and providing $12,000 in lifetime savings per light-duty vehicle for consumers.

The California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is a market-based regulation designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by capping the carbon intensity of fuels. The program uses a credit and deficit system where fuels with lower carbon intensity than a gasoline/diesel benchmark generate credits, while higher-intensity fuels generate deficits. These credits can be generated through fuel supply, carbon capture and storage projects, or zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure capacity. While the program has spurred innovation in low-carbon fuels, critics like the NRDC argue that it over-incentivizes biomass-based fuels—which account for nearly three-quarters of credits—potentially diverting resources from the transition to electricity and zero-emissions vehicles.

The report analyzes the impact of the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) on Brazil, highlighting the alignment between EU requirements and Brazilian policies like the Forest Code and CAR. While these tools offer opportunities for Brazil to certify its sustainable production, challenges remain regarding the short implementation deadline, the disproportionate cost burden on smallholders, and the lack of a national traceability system for commodity chains.

The Green Climate Fund's Accreditation Panel recommends the re-accreditation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for a second term, maintaining its scope for medium-sized projects and medium environmental and social risk (Category B). The assessment confirms FAO's strong technical expertise in adaptation, REDD+, and the blue economy, and its ability to implement GCF's gender and environmental and social policies. While generally compliant, the Panel identified a gap in explicit policy statements regarding Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), making the re-accreditation conditional upon the formal approval of an AML/CFT policy or the inclusion of consistent statements within its prohibited practices policies.

The GCF Accreditation Panel recommends the re-accreditation of MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) for a second term, maintaining its status for large-scale projects and high environmental and social risk (Category I-1). While MUFG was found to meet basic and specialized fiduciary standards, as well as gender and evaluation policies, a gap was identified in its institutional grievance redress mechanism (GRM). Re-accreditation is conditional upon MUFG providing evidence of an effective GRM via a link to the Japan Center for Engagement and Remedy on Business and Human Rights (JaCER) on its website. MUFG's portfolio includes three approved activities totaling USD 1,657 million, with one project currently under cancellation due to underperformance. The bank has committed to net zero emissions in its finance portfolio by 2050 and its own operations by 2030.

The Staple Crops Processing Zone (SCPZ) programme aims to transform agricultural value chains in Togo, Senegal, and Guinea by integrating climate-resilient production with low-carbon processing. The project focuses on four regions: Kara in Togo, the Southern agropole in Senegal, and Boké and Kankan in Guinea. It combines adaptation measures, such as solar-powered drip irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), with mitigation efforts, including biogas digesters and agroforestry. The programme targets 1.104 million direct beneficiaries and 5.612 million indirect beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on women's empowerment. Total financing is USD 271.70 million, with USD 102.79 million requested from the GCF as a mix of grants and loans.

The document analyzes the impact of the EUDR on Brazilian exports of commodities such as cattle, soy, and coffee. It argues that while Brazil possesses a sophisticated framework of environmental policies—including the Forest Code and satellite monitoring systems—that align with EU goals, significant challenges remain. These include the short implementation timeline, the high cost of due diligence for smallholders, and the lack of a comprehensive national traceability system. The authors suggest that the EUDR could serve as a catalyst for Brazil to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030 and enhance its market share in Europe by utilizing the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) as a sustainability certificate.

The document outlines a framework for SEOs to manage $8.8 billion in federal funding for residential energy retrofits. It emphasizes data-driven design, strategic outreach to underserved communities, and the creation of 'one-stop-shop' support models. Key recommendations include aligning state policies with Justice40 goals, leveraging complementary federal grants, and implementing workforce training to ensure high-quality electrification installations.

The report analyzes the complexities of Indonesia's transition away from coal, highlighting a conflict between government/industry priorities—which focus on economic stability and coal derivatives—and the social and environmental priorities of civil society. It identifies significant barriers, including a quasi-monopoly on electricity by the state-owned PLN, deep political ties between coal oligarchs and policymakers, and a lack of coordination between national and regional governments. While initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) show progress, the report argues that a truly just transition requires economic diversification, reskilling of the workforce, and the reclamation of abandoned mines.

The report argues that the IFC continues to support coal development in Asia by investing in financial intermediaries, most notably the Postal Savings Bank of China. This mechanism allows the IFC to bypass its public commitments to halt coal financing, resulting in indirect support for 68.3 GW of coal-fired power capacity across China, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The document highlights the Jambi 2 project in Indonesia as a primary example of this 'loophole,' detailing the environmental and health impacts of coal mining and power generation on local communities in Jambi province.

The report details the environmental and social impacts of the Obi Island Nickel Industrial Estate, operated by Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP), and traces the indirect funding from the IFC via banks like OCBC NISP, DBS Bank, and KEB Hana. It highlights severe pollution, biodiversity loss, and the use of captive coal power plants that contradict the IFC's climate commitments.

The report details the environmental and social degradation of Obi Island caused by the nickel industrial park operated by Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP) and its subsidiaries. It specifically criticizes the IFC for providing funding to financial intermediaries—OCBC NISP, DBS Bank Ltd, and KEB Hana—which in turn finance TBP's operations. The author highlights that these operations rely on captive coal-fired power plants, which the report claims contradicts the IFC's Paris Agreement alignment and its own Performance Standards. Documented impacts include heavy metal contamination of marine biota, drinking water pollution exceeding Indonesian safety standards, high rates of Acute Respiratory Infection in children, and the displacement of local communities.

The report finds that companies purchasing voluntary carbon credits are generally climate leaders who outperform non-buyers in emissions transparency, target ambition, and direct decarbonization investments, suggesting credits are used as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, internal emissions reductions.

The playbook argues that infrastructure is a primary driver of biodiversity loss and climate change, contributing approximately 79% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It advocates for a shift from 'no net loss' to 'nature-positive' development, where biodiversity gain is central to design. Based on an analysis of nearly 200 projects, the guide categorizes solutions across transport, energy, water, buildings, and coastal protection. Key findings highlight an implementation bias toward well-known solutions like reforestation, while more complex options like peatland restoration remain underutilized. The document emphasizes that nature-based solutions can complement or replace 'grey' infrastructure, offering superior adaptability to climate change and providing diverse co-benefits including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, and social well-being.

The statement asserts that Canada's history of colonialism, including the residential school system and the Indian Act, has systematically removed Indigenous Peoples from their lands and suppressed traditional stewardship. It argues that current climate policy often uses an "add-and-stir" approach to Indigenization, whereas true reconciliation requires Indigenous Peoples to act as leaders and rights holders with full control over their knowledge systems. The text highlights the value of Indigenous-led initiatives, such as prescribed fire burning and guardian watchmen networks, as essential solutions for addressing the climate crisis and protecting ecosystems.

Mass timber, including cross-laminated timber, offers a lower-carbon alternative to steel and concrete, potentially reducing building material emissions by 13% to 26.5%. In the U.S., the number of projects grew to 1,860 by June 2023, supported by USDA Wood Innovations Grants and the 2018 Farm Bill. While it provides carbon storage and supports forest health by utilizing small-diameter trees, challenges include moisture-related risks like fungi and mold, which require specific mitigation techniques.

Canada's 2022 emissions rose by 2.1% from 2021 to 685 Mt CO2e, though they remain 6.4% below 2005 levels. The increase was primarily driven by oil and gas production and the building sector, which together accounted for 72% of the rise. While the electricity sector has seen a 55.6% reduction since 2005, overall progress is hindered by a growing, energy-intensive economy that offset the 22.9 Mt CO2e reduction achieved through climate policy and market drivers.

This briefing from the Center for International Environmental Law argues that current and projected growth in plastic production is incompatible with global climate goals, specifically the 1.5°C warming limit. It asserts that a global plastics treaty must include ambitious obligations to reduce production, as the Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions are insufficient to address the climate impacts of plastics.