Search Climate Insights Directory

A statement by Fred Phaswana, Chairperson of the SAIIA National Council, discussing the role of think tanks in analyzing North African uprisings, the importance of democratic electoral processes in Africa, and South Africa's strategic international engagements in 2011, including its role in the UN Security Council, BRICS, and hosting the 17th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change.

This research paper by the Center for International Environmental Law analyzes the inclusion of human rights language in the Cancun Agreements, specifically the Cancun LCA Outcome adopted at the UNFCCC 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) in December 2010. The author argues that while the agreements represent a significant step forward in recognizing the human rights implications of climate change and the obligations of State Parties, the language has not yet been fully operationalized and lacks explicit references to the obligations to "protect, promote and fulfill" human rights.

This February 2011 request for proposals from the Kenyan Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources seeks consultancy services to develop a conceptual framework for a long-term national low carbon development pathway. This effort is part of a larger eight-part Climate Change Action Plan designed to protect Kenya's climate-sensitive economy—including agriculture and tourism—and align national development goals, such as Vision 2030, with climate resilience and low-carbon growth.

This document is a request for technical and financial proposals issued by the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kenya in February 2011. It outlines the terms of reference for consultancy services to develop a National Climate Change Technology Action Plan (NCCTAP) as part of Subcomponent 5 of the broader National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) Action Plan.

This document is a request for technical and financial proposals issued in February 2011 by the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kenya. It outlines the terms of reference for consultancy services to design a national climate change financial mechanism, which constitutes 'Subcomponent 8' of a broader National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) Action Plan.

This briefing document provides formal responses to enquiries regarding a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to implement the Action Plan for the Kenya National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS). It clarifies administrative requirements for bidders, the structure of consortium submissions, and the status of funding and scoping for the project's subcomponents.

This 2011 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute, on behalf of the UNEP Bilateral Finance Institutions Climate Change Working Group (UNEP BFI CCWG), maps the public financial flows for climate change mitigation and adaptation to developing countries in 2010. It focuses on the commitments of four primary bilateral finance institutions (BFIs): Agence Française de Développement (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and KfW Entwicklungsbank.

This briefing analyzes the implications of the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for Africa, focusing on the mobilization of US$100 billion per year in climate finance from developed countries. It highlights Africa's extreme vulnerability to climate change, its significant investment needs for adaptation and mitigation, and the necessity of public grants and regulatory reforms to attract private investment.

This executive summary outlines the implications of the United Nations Secretary’s High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for Asia, focusing on the goal of raising US$100 billion annually by 2020 for climate change investment in developing countries.

This briefing, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in November 2010, analyzes the regional implications for Asia of the recommendations made by the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF). It examines Asia's climate exposure, emissions profile, and the financial requirements for mitigation and adaptation, while evaluating the opportunities and risks posed by proposed global climate finance mechanisms.

This briefing examines the implications of the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. It details the region's specific climate vulnerabilities, its unique emissions profile dominated by land-use change, and the significant funding gaps for both mitigation and adaptation. The document argues that while the AGF's proposed public and private funding mechanisms offer opportunities, the LAC region must actively ensure it receives an equitable share of resources, particularly for adaptation grants, to avoid being overlooked by existing official development assistance patterns.

This briefing, written by Vivid Economics and funded by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), analyzes the implications of the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It evaluates the investment needs for adaptation and mitigation in SIDS, the potential for public and private funding sources, and the specific risks and opportunities these financial mechanisms present for island nations.

This policy brief defines 'climate compatible development' as an integrated approach that minimizes climate-related harm while maximizing human development opportunities through low-emissions and resilient growth. It argues that policy makers must move beyond the traditional separation of adaptation, mitigation, and development to achieve 'triple win' strategies that simultaneously promote development, build resilience, and reduce emissions.

This policy brief defines 'Climate Compatible Development' as a strategic approach that integrates climate change mitigation, adaptation, and social development to minimize risks and maximize opportunities in a low-emission, resilient future.

This report reviews the economic feasibility of low-carbon and climate-resilient growth in developing countries. It finds that significant mitigation is possible with minimal GDP impact (1-2% reduction globally), often driven by low-cost energy efficiency. However, it highlights critical gaps in current research, specifically the failure to account for implementation costs, the over-reliance on static MACC models, and the lack of a clear framework for 'climate resilient growth' beyond simple adaptation. It emphasizes that while Middle Income Countries face higher pressure to reduce emissions, Low Income Countries can leverage co-benefits and carbon finance to align low-carbon paths with development goals.

This report details a research consultation workshop held by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) on 24 September 2010 at the Royal Society. The event gathered 40 UK academics and researchers to refine the CDKN research strategy, focusing on 'Climate Compatible Development' (CCD) and the creation of demand-led research to support decision-makers in developing countries.

The 2010 IAI Strategic Plan outlines the mission of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) to enhance the understanding of global environmental change in the Americas. The document emphasizes a transition from curiosity-driven to needs-driven science, focusing on the integration of natural and social sciences to support informed policy-making and regional adaptation and mitigation efforts.

This report examines the complex interlinkages between trade, climate change, and food security in mainland Southeast Asia, with a detailed case study on Cambodia. It argues that food insecurity in the region persists despite surplus rice production due to structural economic weaknesses and vulnerability to external shocks. The author advocates for a holistic, participatory, and long-term policy approach to mitigate the risks posed by climate change and volatile global markets.

This briefing by Malini Mehra argues that current government governance systems are ill-equipped to handle the uncertainty, scale, and complexity of climate change. The author contends that climate change is frequently miscategorized as a narrow environmental issue, leading to siloed policy responses and a lack of political priority. To make governance "fit for purpose," the document proposes a shift toward integrated climate risk management, high-level political mandates, statutory duties, and a fundamental culture change within civil service bureaucracies.

This briefing by Frances Seymour argues that sustainable forest management provides a 'no regrets' synergy between immediate development needs and long-term climate adaptation and mitigation. While acknowledging potential trade-offs and governance challenges, the author advocates for ecosystem-based approaches and democratic processes to manage the transition.