Search Climate Insights Directory

The author examines the tension in German foreign policy between corporate profit interests and a values-based rhetoric, specifically regarding its engagement with Africa. Historically, Germany's approach has been 'economistic,' focusing on raw material imports and machinery exports. The paper argues that current geopolitical shifts and the need for critical minerals provide an opportunity for Germany to move away from post-colonial models. It suggests that instead of merely securing cheap resources, Germany should support a pan-African industrial policy, the mobilization of domestic resources, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster sustainable development and reduce Africa's dependence on raw material exports.

The guide outlines the process for setting up renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria, highlighting the role of OEMs in achieving the country's 2060 net-zero goal. It details legal entity options under CAMA 2020, the benefits of Free Trade Zones, and various tax incentives such as Pioneer Status. It also specifies the regulatory requirements for solar PV and electric vehicle manufacturing, identifying key government agencies responsible for permits, standards, and investment promotion.

The Green Economy Coalition advocates for a fair green industrial strategy in the UK, criticizing the Labour Party for abandoning its £28 billion green investment pledge. The document highlights the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a successful example of structural policymaking that leverages private investment—estimated by Goldman Sachs at $3 trillion—into renewable energy. It argues that government leadership through clear, long-term commitments and mandatory net zero targets is essential to attract business investment, ensure energy security, and protect vulnerable workers during the transition from fossil fuels.

The document argues that National Treasury's 'hyper-austerity' and unilateral budget cuts undermine constitutional rights and the effectiveness of social programmes. It highlights the decline in funding for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant and the failure of child support grants to keep pace with food inflation. The authors call for a shift toward a developmental agenda that includes a basic income grant by 2025, wealth taxes to fund social services, and public investment in infrastructure and the energy transition.

The document analyzes the primary points of contention and potential areas of progress for the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). It highlights the critical need to restore the dispute settlement system, the tension between multilateral and plurilateral negotiating approaches—particularly regarding environmental and industrial policies—and the ongoing debate over special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing countries. It also examines efforts to improve committee transparency and notification compliance.

The document examines two primary tracks of e-commerce governance at the WTO: the multilateral Work Program on Electronic Commerce and the plurilateral Joint Statement Initiative (JSI). It highlights the reinvigorated thematic discussions under the Work Program and the 'slimmed-down' nature of the JSI negotiations following the US decision to withdraw support for data flow and source code proposals. A central point of contention is the provisional moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, where developing economies argue that the loss of government revenue and restricted industrial policy space outweigh the trade cost reductions favored by developed economies.

The document assesses the viability of transitioning South Africa's minibus taxi (MBT) fleet to electric vehicles (E-MBTs), highlighting significant operational cost savings and the alignment of vehicle range with current driver patterns. It identifies key barriers, including high upfront costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and restrictive tax structures. To unlock local manufacturing, the brief proposes a three-step transition: moving from imports to local assembly and finally to scaled-up local production. It emphasizes the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) as a strategic hub for this industry, supported by existing automotive skills and government incentives like the Automotive Investment Scheme.

The document argues that current climate finance models, particularly the 'Billions to Trillions' (B2T) agenda, prioritise private profit and neoliberal de-risking over human rights and public goods. It proposes a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to climate finance, organised into six clusters: national responsibilities, obligations to others, national sovereignty, financial flow responsibilities, crisis management, and procedural fairness. The toolkit specifically critiques South Africa's JET-IP for its heavy reliance on loans over grants and its focus on infrastructure over social justice elements like skills development. It provides 'How-to' guides for advocating for climate-responsive budgeting, technological transfer reform, parliamentary oversight of IFI loans, and the establishment of a progressive sovereign debt workout mechanism based on UNCTAD principles.

The report examines how the rivalry between the US and China in the technological domain threatens Indonesia's economic growth and national security. It highlights vulnerabilities in investment flows, market access for electronics and critical minerals, and risks related to cyber-espionage and technological interoperability. The authors argue that Indonesia's current regulatory and institutional framework is inadequate, as it fails to integrate geopolitical and security considerations into its technology strategies. To address these gaps, the report recommends investing in national tech champions, formulating domestic technological norms, and establishing a dedicated office for critical minerals, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity.

The author argues that Germany is struggling to balance its 'exportist' economic model and corporate interests with a more recent emphasis on a 'rules-based order' and human rights in its foreign policy. Historically, German engagement in Africa has been characterized by a light footprint and a focus on extracting raw materials, such as oil and minerals. The paper suggests that Germany should move away from this extractivist approach and instead support African-led initiatives for domestic resource mobilisation and regional complementarities, particularly through the AfCFTA, to foster a more just and green transition.

The IEJ criticizes the South African National Treasury's reliance on austerity and private-sector-led growth, arguing that the real burden of national debt is its cost rather than its size. The report proposes a shift toward a developmental budget that prioritizes public investment in infrastructure, green energy, and social services. To fund these priorities without increasing VAT, the IEJ suggests implementing a net wealth tax, reducing tax breaks for high earners, addressing illicit financial flows, and utilizing the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA). The document also calls for increasing the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to the Food Poverty Line and restructuring Eskom's debt to facilitate a just energy transition.

The document advocates for a Guaranteed Universal Basic Income (UBIG) in South Africa, defining it as a government commitment to ensure all adults have a minimum income to meet basic needs. It highlights that while social grants have been effective since apartheid, significant gaps remain, particularly for able-bodied adults aged 18 to 59. The text argues that a UBIG, set at the highest food poverty line, could eliminate hunger for the 18.3 million people currently unable to afford basic food. Beyond poverty relief, the document claims a UBIG would improve health and education outcomes, stimulate local economic growth, reduce gender inequality by providing women with autonomy, and enhance social cohesion. It emphasizes that a UBIG is not a standalone solution but requires complementary interventions, including a supportive macroeconomic framework, expanded public services, a just energy transition strategy, and high-impact industrial policy.

The document advocates for a Universal Basic Income Guarantee (UBIG) in South Africa, defining it as a government commitment to ensure all adults receive a basic income to meet essential needs. It highlights that current social grants, while effective, leave a gap for adults aged 18 to 59. The text argues that UBIG would not only reduce poverty and hunger—noting that 18.3 million people lack sufficient income for basic food—but also improve health, education, gender equality, and local economic growth.

The Foreign Pollution Fee Act proposes ad valorem charges on imports across 15 broad categories, including steel, aluminum, and solar panels, based on their greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity relative to U.S. production. The author argues the Act is administratively complex and serves as a protectionist tool, noting that it lacks credits for carbon prices paid in exporting countries and imposes onerous requirements for foreign producers to prove lower emissions. While it offers special treatment for low-income countries through International Partnership Agreements (IPAs), the author contends the bill's primary focus is on restricting imports from China and Russia rather than environmental protection.

The Great Lakes region is positioned for an industrial renaissance in clean energy, having seen over $40 billion in new investments since 2021. However, the report argues that the region faces significant constraints, including slow population growth, a migration of manufacturing to the US South, and uneven clean electricity deployment. To overcome these, RMI suggests that states prioritize industries where they have existing 'economic complexity' and related capabilities, such as EV batteries and low-carbon steel. The report highlights the importance of coordinating across state lines to share legislative best practices—such as the creation of green banks and competitiveness funds—and recommends a regional investment attraction strategy to draw foreign direct investment. It specifically praises Illinois and Minnesota as leaders in environmental justice and workforce development frameworks.

The Great Lakes region remains the heartland of US steelmaking, but its primary production assets face a critical transition to avoid becoming noncompetitive as global demand for low-emissions steel grows. While federal legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides significant funding and tax credits (such as 45V and 45Q), the report finds a lack of coordinated state-level industrial strategies. The document argues that the region must prioritize the adoption of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pathways—specifically those using renewable hydrogen or carbon capture—to maintain high-quality jobs and reduce local air pollution. Key bottlenecks include grid interconnection delays for renewable energy, the need for Class VI primacy for carbon sequestration, and a lack of steel-specific workforce retraining programs.

The Great Lakes region is well-positioned for the EV transition due to its automotive history and R&D capacity, but faces competition from the 'Battery Belt' in the Deep South. While the region has significant midstream and downstream capacity, it lacks comprehensive state-level industrial strategies, particularly regarding battery end-of-life mandates and recycling incentives. The document argues that states must coordinate on strategic roadmaps, workforce retraining, and clean energy infrastructure to avoid economic disruption in 'powertrain communities' specialized in internal combustion engine (ICE) components.

The submission argues that the draft SAREM over-relies on private investment and fails to sufficiently address the impact of the global supply chain crisis on renewable energy costs. It advocates for a state-led industrial policy, including the use of import tariffs and the central role of Eskom in renewable generation, to avoid 'boom-bust' cycles and ensure a just transition for workers. Key recommendations include establishing a 'decent work' framework, implementing aggressive local content requirements (suggesting 50% for future RFPs), and creating a technology transfer system to support local manufacturing.

The report assesses the current state of critical mineral supply chains across ASEAN Member States, highlighting the region's role as a major producer of nickel, tin, and rare earths. It examines the impact of the energy transition and digital revolution, analyzing value chain stages from exploration to recycling. The study emphasizes the potential for regional integration, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing, while cautioning on the need for robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to attract investment and ensure sustainable development.

The EU aims to mainstream climate into all foreign policy channels via the European Green Deal, but faces challenges in translating announcements into action. The report recommends that the EU solidify its credibility by avoiding misaligned gas infrastructure investments, institutionalising climate mainstreaming across all foreign policy decision-making, shifting from a technical to a geopolitical approach to climate diplomacy, and strengthening the 'Team Europe' approach to improve coordination between EU institutions and Member States.