Search Climate Insights Directory

The report analyzes the impact of Brazilian public policies on Amazon forest protection, highlighting the success of the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Legal Amazon (PPCDAM) and the use of real-time monitoring (DETER) in reducing deforestation between 2004 and 2012. It identifies a recent trend of increasing deforestation linked to weakened environmental governance and impunity. The author argues for a broader conservation agenda that includes monitoring forest degradation and secondary vegetation, as these are currently 'invisible' to official systems but critical for carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.

The document argues that Indigenous knowledge keepers must have the freedom to control how their stories are communicated, as external media coverage often perpetuates invisibility or basic imagery. It advocates for the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in content production and the capacity-building of Indigenous media professionals—such as photographers and filmmakers—to ensure the Indigenous worldview is accurately represented. The text emphasizes that content produced within these communities should be shared back with participants and that platforms should be provided for Indigenous communicators to define their own priorities.

The document advocates for a 'slower and deeper' approach to storytelling and fieldwork when working with Indigenous communities, particularly in the context of forest preservation and climate change. It warns that prioritizing short-term gains increases the risk of misrepresentation. To illustrate the value of long-term commitment, it highlights the work of Claudia Andujar with the Yanomami in Brazil since 1971, whose sustained engagement led to the co-founding of the Pro-Yanomami Commission and the 1992 demarcation of their lands. It also references Josué Rivas's coverage of the Standing Rock protests and Pablo Albarenga's work with Sonia Guajajara to emphasize that meaningful imagery is a result of genuine human encounters rather than a primary goal.

The report examines the conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, highlighting that while often framed as a religious war, it is driven by resource exploitation, land grabs, and social injustice. It documents atrocities committed by both insurgents (ASWJ) and government forces (FDS), including the torture of civilians and sexual violence. The document criticises the 'Iraqization' of the region through the deployment of Rwandan and SADC troops to protect LNG infrastructure for companies like Total. It reveals how political elites have profited from mining concessions and oil and gas logistics during the conflict. The report concludes that a purely military approach is insufficient and recommends a political track, increased transparency in land concessions, and urgent humanitarian protections for internally displaced persons, particularly women and girls.

The document examines the public-private incorporated joint venture (JV) model in agriculture, highlighting its potential to combine private sector innovation with public interest objectives. It warns of 'in-built conflict of interest' and risks such as lack of real oversight and the failure of dividends to materialize. To mitigate these, it recommends detailed JV agreements covering funding, board decision-making, 'reserved matters', and clear exit strategies, while cautioning against including investment contract-type incentives within the JV agreement itself.

The author contends that U.S. foreign policy fails to recognize the complex drivers of forced displacement in Central America, specifically the intersection of extreme weather events and structural poverty. The text highlights how the Central American Dry Corridor is particularly vulnerable to droughts and storms, which destroy subsistence agriculture and drive migration. It further argues that many migrants are misclassified as 'economic migrants' when they are actually fleeing climate-induced food insecurity and systemic oppression, particularly among Indigenous groups. The author calls for a shift from a 'hard security' approach to a humanitarian framework based on 'common but differentiated responsibilities' to address the asylum and refugee needs of this population.

The document advocates for the use of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in Africa to bridge the gap between biodiversity protection and community livelihoods. It highlights that while traditional protected areas often displaced local populations, OECMs allow for diverse governance—including community and private partnerships—that can deliver both conservation and economic gains. Through case studies in South Africa and Kenya, the briefing demonstrates how these models can generate income via tourism, sustainable ranching, and ecosystem services. It concludes that African governments should collectively advocate for community-centred conservation in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, provided that rights-based approaches, innovative financing, and context-specific research are prioritised to avoid elite capture and ensure equitable benefit distribution.

The document details a partnership between the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Jasoro Consulting to integrate youth voices into South Africa's APRM review. Using Hart's 'Ladder of Participation', the project moved beyond tokenism to treat youth as equal partners in decision-making. The process involved nearly 200 young people nationwide who identified key governance issues, including climate change and land rights. The authors derive five key lessons for policy actors: early consultation, recognizing youth as experts in their own experience, ensuring diverse representation, centering youth voices, and providing learning opportunities.

CIEL condemns the use of violence by Colombian police and security forces against peaceful protesters, noting that at least 19 people have died. The statement highlights a long-term pattern of violence against Indigenous Peoples and environmental defenders protecting land and water rights, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. CIEL specifically references reports of security forces opening fire on protesters in Cali and urges the Colombian government and international community to ensure the respect of human rights, including the right to life and peaceful assembly.

The report examines the legal landscape for (agro)forestry in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting that while the state aims for 20% forest cover by 2030, land tenure insecurity remains a primary risk. It details the distinctions between land titles, land certificates, and customary rights, noting that only Ivorian individuals, the State, and public authorities can hold land titles. The analysis emphasizes that investors should prioritize contracts with land certificate holders to avoid the legal uncertainty associated with customary rights, which can lead to eviction. It also explores the potential for investors to own planted trees and benefit from carbon credits through specific agreements, though it notes that carbon regulations are still being finalized.

The briefing argues for a mandatory product-based due diligence framework for Forest and Ecosystem Risk Commodities (FERCs) and their derivatives. It recommends that the regulation cover not only forests but all natural ecosystems and human rights violations, specifically the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The authors call for equivalent obligations for financial institutions, a robust enforcement mechanism including criminal penalties and access to EU courts for harmed third parties, and accompanying measures to support producer countries and reform EU consumption patterns.

The report examines the proposed green hydrogen development in Boegoebaai, Northern Cape, focusing on the readiness of the Namakwa District Municipality (DM) and Richtersveld Local Municipality (LM). It finds that both municipalities lack the financial and technical capacity to support the anticipated population influx and infrastructure needs. The study highlights a 'top-down' planning approach by national and provincial governments that excludes local authorities and communities, leading to mistrust and procedural injustices. It concludes that without significant intergovernmental support and genuine public participation, the transition risks being unjust and disruptive to rural livelihoods.

The report analyzes the trend of farmland consolidation—the shift toward larger, fewer farms—and its role in hollowing out rural communities. It finds that consolidation creates significant barriers for new farmers, particularly in the Midwest, and has disproportionately harmed Black farmers through a combination of market pressures and systemic racism. The author argues that reversing this trend is essential for rural revitalization and social equity, recommending national initiatives for land transition and the redress of historical land theft from BIPOC farmers.

The briefing analyzes forest degradation in the Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2016, defining it as the partial loss of forest biomass. It finds that degradation is more widespread than clear-cut deforestation, averaging 11,000 km2 per year, and is concentrated in the 'Arco do Desmatamento', specifically in Mato Grosso and Pará. The study highlights that the relationship between degradation and subsequent deforestation varies by land tenure category: while conversion is low in protected territories, it is higher in small private properties and rural settlements, where degradation may serve as a low-cost precursor to total forest removal. The authors argue that degradation should be used as an indicator of imminent environmental damage to better allocate scarce public resources.

The report defines forest degradation as the partial loss of forest biomass and argues that it is an increasingly relevant threat to the Brazilian Amazon, often acting as a precursor to deforestation. Analyzing data from 2007 to 2016, the study finds that degradation affects a larger area than clear-cut deforestation, averaging 11,000 km² annually. The relationship between degradation and subsequent deforestation varies by land tenure: it is lowest in protected territories and highest in small private properties and rural settlements. The authors suggest that degradation can serve as a leading indicator for imminent environmental damage, necessitating tailored public policies based on governance structures.

The briefing analyzes Bill (PL) No. 510/2021, which seeks to modify Law No. 11.952/2009 regarding the regularization of land holdings on federal public lands in Brazil. The authors argue that the bill facilitates land grabbing and illegal deforestation by relaxing requirements for land regularization, extending simplified titling procedures to larger properties, and weakening environmental safeguards. It specifically highlights that PL No. 510/2021 allows individuals who already own rural property or have previously benefited from agrarian reform to regularize additional land, and permits those who sell their titles to benefit from such programs again.

The report assesses gender inequalities in Tanzania, specifically within the agriculture sector, identifying four primary barriers for women: land ownership, labor access, technical/technological gaps, and financial constraints. It reviews national and international policy frameworks and proposes how the TACATDP project will address these barriers through adaptation credits, guarantee support, and technical assistance.

The briefing outlines 25 policy recommendations for governments to address gender inequalities in the mining sector. It focuses on legislative reforms, institutional capacity building, fair land acquisition, gender-responsive impact assessments, community development, and the protection of women's safety and security. The goal is to ensure women's equal participation in the workforce and their fair share of the sector's economic and social benefits.

The briefing argues that mining activities disproportionately affect men and women differently, often leaving women with minimal benefits and higher exposure to environmental and social risks. It proposes 25 specific actions for governments across five key areas: legislation, institutional strengthening, land acquisition, impact assessments, and community development. Key recommendations include implementing gender-disaggregated data collection, creating national action plans for gender equality in mining, ensuring equitable compensation for land expropriation, and integrating gender-sensitive criteria into Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). The document also emphasizes the need for fiscal incentives for companies promoting gender equality and the protection of women from gender-based violence in mining communities.

This briefing outlines 25 policy options for governments to address gender inequalities in the mining sector. It argues that mining operations disproportionately impact women and that current laws often fail to recognize women as active participants. The recommendations cover integrating human rights standards into legislation, implementing gender-disaggregated data collection, ensuring equitable land compensation, and protecting women from gender-based violence (GBV). It emphasizes the need for gender-responsive environmental and social impact assessments and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes and supply chains.