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The paper introduces a demand-led post-Keynesian model to analyze the macroeconomic effects of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It specifically explores a "downshifting" scenario where households voluntarily reduce their labor supply, comparing this to scenarios where consumption is reduced without labor withdrawal.

The document argues that while the 1.5°C target is technically achievable, it is hindered by a lack of political will, insufficient institutional capacity in developing nations, and tensions between rapid decarbonisation and sustainable development goals. It highlights a significant investment gap, noting that the energy sector alone requires an additional $458 billion annually through 2030. The authors suggest that the traditional consensus-based international cooperation model is insufficient and advocate for 'coalitions of the willing' involving non-state actors and philanthropic support to build capacity in disadvantaged regions.

The report argues that electric orchard tractors are well-suited for the low-speed, high-torque requirements of South African horticultural farms, particularly in the citrus industry. It estimates a potential market of 1,480 electric tractors by 2030, which could save up to 5,200 tonnes of CO2 annually if powered by renewable energy. While initial capital costs are higher than diesel alternatives, the report identifies a payback period of less than six years due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. It further proposes a local manufacturing model developed by Nelson Mandela University, suggesting that producing 300 units annually by Year 5 could create 53 direct jobs.

The report argues that solar thermal technology is an ideal fit for South Africa's food and beverage industries, where up to 77% of energy use is for heating, mostly below 250°C. While the current local industry is dominated by domestic water heaters, there is a significant opportunity to scale industrial applications. The report estimates that replacing non-coal fuels with solar thermal could save 158,685 tonnes of CO2e per annum, while replacing coal could save 942,556 tonnes. Financial viability is high for replacing fuels other than coal, with potential Internal Rates of Return above 10% over 20 years. However, barriers include a lack of sustained demand, a skills gap in industrial design, and limited familiarity among financial institutions.

The South African mining sector is highly vulnerable to job losses driven by biophysical climate impacts and international trade responses, with coal, gold, and platinum being the most at risk. While biophysical impacts could lead to 14,700 job losses across all sectors, international trade responses could cause between 9,400 and 52,800 losses by 2030. The report highlights that coal and lignite mining is particularly vulnerable, with expected job losses of approximately 6% by 2030. However, the transition to a low-carbon economy creates opportunities for job growth in the extraction of minerals required for clean energy technologies, such as manganese and platinum group metals. To manage this transition, the report recommends a two-pronged approach to inventory and match transferable skills to non-mining sectors and new mining sub-sectors.

The document examines the role of infrastructure contracts in achieving sustainable development. It defines sustainable infrastructure as projects that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable, and argues that traditional project finance often ignores long-term risks and co-benefits. The author critiques the World Bank Group's 2017 Guidance on PPP Contractual Provisions for prioritizing private sector interests over public policy. To remedy this, the report provides a comprehensive framework of contractual approaches, including requirements for impact assessments, local content obligations, human rights safeguards, and the limitation of stabilization clauses, to ensure that infrastructure projects deliver genuine public value.

Royal DSM is developing patented bioconversion technologies, such as yeast and enzymes, to optimize biofuel production and maximize yields. In partnership with POET, the company established the first commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel plant in the United States, which converts corn crop residue into fuel. As a founding member of the below50 campaign, DSM advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach to overcome legislative and financial barriers to low-carbon fuels. The company argues that sustainable biofuels are essential for decarbonizing aviation, maritime, and road transport, particularly for existing combustion engine vehicles. DSM emphasizes that consistent and proactive government policies, such as the US Renewable Fuel Standard, are critical to providing the investment certainty needed to scale these technologies globally.

The study finds that the economic benefits of constructing hydroelectric power plants (UHEs) in Brazil are generally modest, short-term, and do not fundamentally transform local economies. While formal employment and municipal revenues typically increase during the first few years of construction, these effects often dissipate after five or six years. However, significant variation exists between municipalities, with some maintaining gains and others experiencing losses, suggesting that impacts must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has challenged the Development Bank of Southern Africa's (DBSA) financing of the Thabametsi coal-fired power plant. The CER highlights a March 2017 North Gauteng High Court ruling that suspended the project's environmental authorisation because climate change impacts were not adequately considered. The CER notes that Thabametsi's own assessments indicate it would be one of South Africa's highest greenhouse gas emitters and faces high water availability risks. The document argues that financing new coal projects contradicts the DBSA's stated goals of supporting a low-carbon economy and its status as a UN Green Climate Fund entity, warning that the plant is likely to become a stranded asset given South Africa's commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The report identifies a $895 billion climate-aligned bond universe, consisting of $221 billion in labelled green bonds and $674 billion in unlabelled bonds from pure-play issuers. Transport and energy are the dominant themes, with rail infrastructure being a primary driver. The document highlights the growing role of sovereign and sub-sovereign issuers, particularly in China and the US, and advocates for the green bond market to reach $1 trillion in annual issuance by 2020 to meet Paris Agreement targets.

The report identifies a $895 billion universe of climate-aligned bonds, including $221 billion in labeled green bonds. It highlights the dominance of the transport and energy sectors and the critical role of sovereign and sub-sovereign issuers, particularly in China and the US. The document argues for a massive acceleration of green bond issuance to reach $1 trillion annually by 2020 to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The document outlines a methodology for volunteering economies to identify, measure, and evaluate fossil fuel subsidies (FFS). It details the 'building blocks' of a review—definition, scope, measurement, and evaluation—and analyzes the practical application of these tools through case studies of self-reports (Finland, Sweden) and peer reviews within the G20 and APEC frameworks (China, USA, Peru, New Zealand). It emphasizes that these reviews are voluntary, non-adversarial tools designed to create a baseline for reform and facilitate international peer learning.

A coalition of environmental and advocacy organizations opposes an amendment to California SB 488 that would limit the Insurance Commissioner's ability to conduct data calls and surveys. The authors argue that restricting this authority, specifically the provision limiting data calls to activity within California, would undermine the state's ability to monitor material financial risks associated with climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy, effectively ending initiatives like the Climate Risk Carbon Initiative.

The document discusses Brazil's strategy to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals by expanding its biofuel market. It highlights a study conducted in Rio de Janeiro showing that the increase in flex-car adoption—which reached 94% of new car registrations in 2008—reduces retail prices for both ethanol and gasoline. The study finds that a 10-percentage point increase in flex-car market share lowered ethanol prices by approximately eight cents of Brazilian reais and reduced gasoline margins by two cents, benefiting consumers who do not own flex-fuel vehicles.

The report presents a road map for developing Colombia's green bond market, noting that while initial issuances by Bancolombia (2016) and Davivienda (2017) have occurred, further tools and strategies are needed to remove barriers and ensure sustained growth in green bond issuances to fund the country's green growth goals and Paris Agreement contributions.

The guide outlines five essential building blocks for green bond markets: the enabling environment, investors, issuers and project pipeline, governance, and definitions and standards. It emphasizes that while public sector support is often needed initially, a successful market must eventually become self-sustaining, diverse in its environmental objectives, and transparent in its reporting. The document provides practical frameworks for policymakers to assess their market's readiness and offers case studies from China, India, and Nigeria to illustrate effective policy incentives and issuance strategies.

The Republic of Maldives, supported by UN Environment, is requesting USD 300,000 from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a 12-month readiness program (April 2017 to March 2018). The proposal focuses on strengthening the National Designated Authority (NDA), creating a Five Year National Strategic Framework to mobilize international climate finance, and developing a first draft of a Country Programme. Key activities include broad-based stakeholder consultations, the development of at least three project concept notes aligned with the Maldives Climate Change Policy Framework and NDC, and the creation of a monitoring platform on the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE) webpage. The project aims to leverage existing initiatives, such as the BML Green Fund and UN Environment's work on energy efficiency in housing, to enhance the country's ability to access and manage climate finance.

The We Mean Business coalition argues that the Paris Agreement provides the certainty needed for long-term business investment in innovation and infrastructure. The coalition highlights that low-carbon investments are economically advantageous, citing an average internal rate of return of 27% and specific examples from Walmart and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Despite the US government's decision to withdraw, the coalition maintains that businesses in the United States will continue to pursue climate goals because they align with business growth and risk management.

The document outlines four primary methods for companies to procure renewable energy: onsite installation, power purchase agreements (PPAs), renewable energy certificates (RECs) or guarantees of origin (GOs), and green tariffs. It highlights that companies often combine these methods based on capital availability, energy demand, and market options, citing examples like Microsoft, Google, Iron Mountain, and Equinix. Additionally, the guide recommends collaborating with organizations such as the Business Renewables Center (BRC), the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA), and the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles to overcome barriers and increase corporate demand for renewable energy.

The Stockholm Environment Institute U.S. has called on Vanguard to move away from a passive approach to shareholder voting regarding climate risk. The letter argues that the transition to a low-carbon economy, consistent with a 2 degrees C warming limit, poses material risks to the business models of fossil fuel companies like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. It highlights that these companies are not systematically disclosing such risks, which could lead to stranded assets and market volatility. Consequently, the institute requests that Vanguard require its invested companies to provide annual disclosures on climate and transition risks.