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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 16, 2023, to foster international cooperation and the exchange of scientific information. The agreement focuses on understanding the impact of global change on regional and continental environments in the Americas to support mitigation and adaptation efforts. The parties commit to annual meetings, reciprocal representation at events, and the exchange of publications, operating on a non-legally binding basis and generally without the exchange of funds.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) issued a statement mourning the death of James "Jim" Carr, who served as an IISD board member and vice-chair from 2000 to 2008. Carr was a Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre and held several Canadian ministerial roles, including Minister of Natural Resources. He was recognized for his advocacy for sustainability, international cooperation, and the IISD’s Experimental Lakes Area, as well as his contributions to the business and arts communities in Manitoba.

The report examines legal obligations beyond Article 12 of the Paris Agreement to ensure governments carry out public engagement activities related to the UN's Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), arguing that legal consequences are necessary to prevent government inaction.

The report examines the 'Black Friday' tragedy at the Melilla border, where at least 23 migrants died during an attempted crossing from Morocco to Spain. It contrasts official government claims that the event was caused by criminal trafficking networks with testimonies from survivors and human rights organisations, who describe illegal push-backs and coordinated violence by Spanish and Moroccan security forces. The text further analyzes the geopolitical relationship between Spain and Morocco, highlighting how financial aid and diplomatic agreements regarding Western Sahara are used to secure Morocco's role as a 'border guardian' for Europe, which the author contends leads to systemic human rights violations.

The Stockholm Environment Institute advocates for a shift in global climate diplomacy, moving away from 'us vs them' dynamics between developed and developing nations toward coalitions based on shared interdependence. Drawing on analysis of climate risk exposure, responsibility, and financial capacity, the author suggests that wealthy, high-emitting countries and vulnerable nations share a mutual self-interest in managing cross-border risks. The document highlights a new partnership with the EU and the role of the Glasgow–Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation in driving this transition.

The research evaluates 29 industry transition road maps from 13 countries, comparing decarbonization targets, financial costs, and mitigation measures. It concludes that similar challenges across different industries and nations necessitate greater international cooperation to achieve a global transition to climate-neutral heavy industry.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) criticizes Canada's low climate finance contributions relative to its wealth and emissions, urging the government to double its annual funding to $5.2 billion and prioritize adaptation for the most vulnerable communities.

The IAI report for the 2020-2021 fiscal year indicates that only 57% of approved contributions were received by April 30, 2021, with 8 countries delayed by more than three years. Total expenditures from July 2020 to February 2021 were $777,655, which was 16.7% lower than the budgeted $933,333, primarily due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel and physical meetings. The report also notes that contributions remaining at $5,000 since 1992 have lost approximately 89% of their purchasing power.

This briefing document from the IAI Directorate updates the Conference of the Parties on the implementation of Decisions XXVIII/7 and XXVIII/8 regarding the invitation for Mitacs to become an Associate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).

The IAI Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures proposed a revised set of Rules of Procedure for the 29th Conference of the Parties (CoP-29) to address the need for virtual meetings. The revised rules establish protocols for participant accreditation, the organization of annual and extraordinary conferences, voting procedures, and the election of the Executive Director and advisory committees. Key updates include the explicit allowance for CoP meetings to be held via electronic videoconference systems when travel is restricted.

The authors argue that COVID-19 and climate change are direct threats to U.S. national security and act as 'threat multipliers' that amplify geostrategic competition and local conflicts. They contend that the U.S. should not simply reallocate funds away from national defense but instead expand the defense toolkit to include biodefense, climate adaptation for military bases, and support for international cooperation to prevent the collapse of global governance systems.

The agreement between IAI and CONCYTEC creates a formal structure for collaboration on global change research, focusing on capacity building, scientific networking, and the exchange of researchers and data within the Americas, specifically supporting the integration of Peruvian scientists into international initiatives.

The author contends that nationalistic responses to Covid-19 are insufficient and that the G20, chaired by Saudi Arabia, should convene to coordinate fiscal, monetary, and scientific efforts. The text emphasizes the vulnerability of Africa's public health systems and calls for the establishment of a global medical stockpiles reserve to address long-term health inequality and supply chain failures.

The document outlines how the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) integrates climate change into its monitoring of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It details the Committee's use of General Comments, Joint Statements, and State reporting procedures to hold States accountable for climate-related impacts on rights such as health, food, and water. Key findings emphasize that States must implement emissions cuts reflecting the "highest possible ambition," regulate private actors to prevent climate harm, and ensure that high-income States provide climate finance to developing nations beyond existing official development assistance. The briefing also analyzes trends in the Committee's Concluding Observations from 2008 to 2019, noting a higher frequency of climate-related recommendations for developed countries and a strong focus on mitigation, adaptation, and international cooperation.

The 1969 OAU Refugee Convention has been ratified by 47 of 55 AU member states and is credited with expanding the legal definition of a refugee to include those fleeing external aggression or public order disturbances. Despite its wide domestication, implementation is hindered by xenophobia, security concerns, and declining international funding. The report argues that the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and its Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) can reinforce the Convention by promoting responsibility sharing, regional approaches, and socio-economic inclusion of refugees.

The document examines the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), arguing that while they offer a progressive 'whole of society' approach to refugee integration, their non-binding nature and flawed funding mechanisms hinder their effectiveness in Africa. It highlights a gap between liberal policy and implementation in South Africa and the failure of the CRRF in Tanzania due to financial burdens. The authors advocate for a results-based management system and a stronger link between security, development, and migration to address the root causes of displacement on the continent.

The author contends that South-South Cooperation (SSC) lacks a universal definition and monitoring framework due to its distinct principles from Northern Official Development Assistance (ODA) and concerns that monetising contributions underestimates the value of Southern resources. To move beyond a reactionary stance against exploitative North-South relations, the document argues that the South must proactively create standardised principles and language to foster inclusive development and good governance.

The document outlines efforts by the IAI Executive Directorate to implement a flexible financing mechanism for the Americas by encouraging national funding bodies to engage with the Belmont Forum's Cooperative Research Actions (CRA). Several Latin American and Caribbean entities have expressed interest in a CRA focused on food and climate security. The IAI is also exploring coordination between the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN4) program and other joint programming initiatives, including the SINCERE work package for international cooperation on climate change research.

The document argues that existing human rights obligations under legally binding treaties must inform climate action to protect those most affected and ensure non-discrimination and public participation. It highlights the role of UN human rights treaty bodies (HRTBs) in elaborating these obligations and reviews their 2018 guidance on emissions reduction, adaptation, procedural rights, and international cooperation, including specific contributions from CEDAW, CESCR, and the CRC.

The document analyzes the CESCR's approach to climate change in 2018, noting that 42% of reviewed States received climate-related recommendations. While the Committee emphasizes mitigation and procedural rights, it has less focus on adaptation and has not yet addressed broader climate justice issues like international financial flows.