Search Climate Insights Directory

The document identifies that up to 40% of Sweden's population is at high risk of being adversely affected by low-carbon transport transitions, particularly those in low-density areas and those at risk of poverty. It argues that transition policies must be tailored to socioeconomic and geographic factors to avoid exacerbating inequalities and political resistance. The authors propose a framework of four key strategies—structural transport design, group-tailored assistance, mitigation of external vulnerabilities, and continuous evaluation—to ensure a socially equitable and politically viable transition to net-zero emissions by 2045.

The document explores the application of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JET-P) in Colombia, analyzing international experiences from South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal. It identifies a significant financing gap, noting that public investment currently represents only 0.01% of required resources. The brief proposes a country platform to attract international public and private capital, while emphasizing the need for grants over loans to avoid increasing public debt. It prioritizes strategic projects such as energy communities and the phase-out of coal plants, while arguing against financing fossil fuel infrastructure or inefficient subsidies.

The document analyzes the JET-P model as a mechanism to catalyze international and private investment for Colombia's energy transition. It highlights a significant funding gap, noting that public investment currently represents only 0.01% of required resources. By reviewing JET-P experiences in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal, the report identifies risks such as increased public debt and the need for transparent, community-led project design. It proposes prioritizing projects like energy communities and the phase-out of coal plants, while warning against financing fossil fuel infrastructure or inefficient consumption subsidies.

The report identifies a systemic network of financial support for Indonesia's coal industry, noting that between 2020 and 2023, at least IDR 163 trillion was disbursed to coal-related activities. It highlights the role of state-owned banks, particularly Bank Mandiri and Bank Rakyat Indonesia, as primary funders. The document argues that this financial support, combined with 'regulatory capture' and the influence of a wealthy elite (the 1%), creates a state of 'climate delay.' It specifically criticizes the OJK's updated green taxonomy for labeling certain coal-fired power plants as 'Green' or 'Transition,' which the authors characterize as greenwashing. The report also maps the ownership and political affiliations of seven major coal companies, linking them to politically exposed persons and individuals listed in Offshore Leaks.

The European Parliament elections, held June 6-9, 2024, determine the legislative representation for 27 EU Member States, with the number of seats increasing from 705 to 720. The document emphasizes the role of the European Parliament in shaping the EU Green Deal and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while warning against the weakening of environmental requirements in the Common Agricultural Policy and the dropping of chemical regulations like REACH. It advocates for closing the 'implementation gap' of environmental laws, which could save the EU economy EUR 55 billion annually in health and environmental costs, and calls for universal access to justice rights for citizens and NGOs to challenge environmental law-breaking across all Member States.

The Fossil to Clean campaign, led by the We Mean Business Coalition, seeks to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future by mobilizing businesses to signal demand for fossil fuel phase-out and urging governments to implement supportive policies. The campaign focuses on ensuring the 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include specific fossil fuel phase-out targets aligned with 1.5°C pathways. In 2023, the campaign mobilized over 200 companies with annual revenues exceeding US$1.5 trillion to advocate for the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels and the tripling of renewable energy capacity.

The research identifies persistent mismatches between technical vocational skills and industry needs in South Africa's emerging green hydrogen economy (GHE). It advocates for a shift from traditional quantitative forecasting to 'skills foresight' (SF)—a participatory, qualitative approach to anticipating multiple future scenarios. The paper proposes four priority areas: strengthening skills anticipation systems via a dedicated DHET foresight team, enhancing TVET sector responsiveness through futures literacy training, developing a 'transversal skills commons' to ensure workforce resilience, and co-creating a new social compact for post-school education and training (PSET) to elevate the status of vocational qualifications.

The document proposes a shift in South Africa's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem from a jobs-centric approach to one based on 'economic wellbeing,' which includes dignified labour, household care, ecosystem provisioning, and state infrastructure. To support the green hydrogen (GH2) economy, it recommends establishing a skills governance working group, creating green economy skills incubator hubs for experimentation, and adopting innovative financing like social and development impact bonds. Additionally, it advocates for a Universal Basic Dividend (UBD) funded by GH2 project profits to redistribute wealth from common resources and ensure a just energy transition, addressing historical land ownership disparities.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative proposes a framework for a global treaty to end the expansion of oil, gas, and coal. Based on 20 global consultations, the document argues that the treaty must be built on three core values—justice, rights, and public goods—to avoid replicating colonial and corporate domination. It emphasizes a 'bottom up' approach to ensure the participation of marginalized groups and Indigenous Peoples from the outset. The proposed framework rests on three pillars: a just transition for workers and communities, the non-proliferation of new fossil fuel exploration, and a fair phase-out of existing production aligned with the 1.5C goal.

Ministers from 13 nations met on 26 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda to reaffirm their commitment to a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The group expressed concern that planned fossil fuel production by 2030 exceeds Paris Agreement limits and highlighted how debt burdens hinder the transition for small island nations. They agreed to establish an expert working group on financing a just transition and to seek legal advice on the most effective pathway to develop the treaty over the next 12 months.

The text examines the role of energy communities in mitigating the 'green backlash' and far-right growth in Europe. It contrasts industrial-scale renewable projects, which often exclude rural populations in countries like Spain and Greece, with community-led initiatives that prioritize socio-environmental benefits over profit. The author highlights that community energy projects can provide up to eight times more economic benefit to local economies than private projects. Examples of innovation include agri-photovoltaic projects in Greece and North Macedonia, and a biomass heating network in Spain. The document calls for EU and member state support to ensure that the energy transition is inclusive and democratic, preventing profits from accruing only to large companies.

The text advocates for 'universal basic services'—publicly funded, sustainable access to essentials like transport, housing, and childcare—as a means to ensure a socially just ecological transition in Europe. It argues that current EU climate policies, such as the European Green Deal, are too reliant on market mechanisms and regulation, which can be regressive and disproportionately affect low-income households. The author contends that shifting from a GDP-centered growth model to one based on 'sufficiency' and collective action can reduce carbon intensity and combat inequality. To achieve this, the document calls for the removal of restrictive EU budgetary rules, the taxation of excess corporate profits and wealth, and a move away from using high interest rates to combat inflation, which the author claims hinders green investment.

The text outlines the need for better coordination among international bodies to support the 'Mission 1.5' goal of the Paris Agreement. It highlights that while the G20 has a temporary Task Force on Climate Change and multiple working groups addressing climate issues, these efforts often operate in silos and lack alignment with other forums like the UN Summit of the Future. To address this, Plataforma CIPÓ recommends establishing a permanent G20 body for climate action and a permanent facility for regular dialogue between the G20, the COP Presidencies Troika, international financial institutions, and ECOSOC.

The 2024 Banking on Climate Chaos report reveals that the 60 largest global banks committed $705.8 billion to fossil fuel companies in 2023, with $347.5 billion directed toward companies with active expansion plans. JPMorgan Chase is identified as the worst financier of fossil fuels, while Japanese megabanks like Mizuho and MUFG are prominent in methane gas (LNG) financing. The report highlights significant policy gaps, noting that many banks use intensity-based metrics rather than absolute emissions targets and that some North American banks have rolled back previous exclusions for coal and Arctic oil and gas. It argues that current 'net zero' targets often serve as loopholes for continued investment in fossil fuel infrastructure, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The document argues that Mexico's power sector transition requires a shift to entirely renewables-based capacity, estimating investment needs of approximately $180 billion USD for two separate decades leading up to 2040. It highlights the complexity of calculating compensation for the early retirement of fossil gas plants, noting that needs could range from negative values to $9 billion USD depending on the methodology. Finally, it emphasizes that a socially just transition for workers and regions must be country-driven and tailored to specific local contexts through stakeholder engagement.

The briefing explains how Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) serve as a tool for utilities to secure federal funding via the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) program while reducing project risks. It details how meaningful community engagement can prevent costly project delays and cancellations, how workforce training and unionization improve operational efficiency, and how addressing energy poverty and diversity goals enhances a utility's social license to operate and ESG performance.

The report finds that the aligned GSS+ debt market reached a cumulative volume of USD 4.4 trillion by the end of 2023. Green bonds remain the dominant theme, with 2023 aligned volume reaching USD 587.6 billion, while sustainability and social bonds saw year-on-year declines. Conversely, aligned SLB volume grew by 95% to USD 22.9 billion. Europe was the largest source of aligned GSS+ debt in 2023, while the USA experienced a 38% decline due to anti-ESG sentiment. The report also highlights the growth of 'blue-labelled' debt and the increasing role of sovereign issuers in the GSS+ market.

The document outlines the necessity of a Global Just Transition to phase out fossil fuels by 2050, emphasizing the disproportionate economic burden on developing nations. It proposes a framework for financing this transition through new multilateral funds, the redirection of USD 5.9 trillion in annual fossil fuel subsidies, and systemic reforms to debt, taxation, and international financial institutions.

The report outlines a framework for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty based on three foundational values: justice, rights, and the public good. It details a vision for a post-fossil fuel future characterised by self-determination and thriving ecosystems, while identifying risks such as 'false solutions' and 'treaty fatigue'. The document proposes operationalising the treaty through national laws, regional energy sovereignty, and global targets based on historic responsibility and the 'polluter pays' principle.

The document argues that while encouraging sustainable investment is a central policy challenge, treaties have a limited role compared to national and regional legal frameworks. It suggests that if treaties are used, they should focus on complementary roles such as facilitating international cooperation on high borrowing costs in developing countries, phasing out fossil fuel investments, and ensuring access to justice for those affected by investor misconduct. The authors emphasize that domestic law should remain the primary level of regulation for the social and environmental impacts of investment projects.