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The document argues that aligning national policy processes—specifically those related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies—increases the coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness of climate-resilient development. It defines alignment as the identification of synergies between policies with common goals and presents a continuum of alignment ranging from informal collaboration to systematic alignment. The briefing emphasizes that while alignment is often hindered by administrative barriers between government ministries, it is essential for reducing the burden on subnational actors and improving overall development outcomes.

The document outlines the process for developing long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, emphasizing their role in guiding near- and medium-term actions and avoiding stranded assets. It details essential design elements, including long-term visions, sectoral pathways, and the critical role of the energy sector. The paper also discusses the use of modeling, scenarios, and qualitative inputs to inform these strategies, while highlighting the importance of transparent communication and just transitions.

The report evaluates 22 trade-related policy options to support climate action, categorising them into general trade system support, border carbon adjustments, and fossil fuel subsidy reform, while assessing their political feasibility across short, medium, and long-term horizons.

The report evaluates 22 options to make the international trade system more supportive of climate action, categorising them into general WTO reforms, border carbon adjustments (BCAs), and fossil fuel subsidy reforms. It concludes that legal changes at the WTO are currently unfeasible due to geopolitical tensions and the requirement for consensus. Instead, it identifies 'low-hanging fruit' such as procedural changes, including the integration of climate expertise into dispute panels and enhanced coordination between the WTO and UNFCCC. The report also highlights the role of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and plurilateral initiatives, like the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), as more viable paths for like-minded countries to advance climate objectives.

In 2017, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reached a record $35.2 billion in climate finance commitments, with all six banks increasing their contributions. However, the report identifies critical gaps: adaptation finance grew slower than mitigation, private investment mobilization remains below 2015 levels, and vulnerable nations like SIDS and LDCs received only 10.5% of total funding. Additionally, the author notes a lack of transparency regarding project-level data and the need for MDBs to align their entire portfolios with the Paris Agreement.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted comments to the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on the post-2020 mitigation system. The CER advocates for the use of the 'low peak plateau decline (PPD) trajectory' for mitigation ambition and strongly opposes the use of 'grandfathering' (historical emissions) to set carbon budgets, as it rewards polluters. The document emphasizes the necessity of public access to facility-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emission data, citing precedents in the EU, USA, and Australia, and objects to the DEA's use of Non-Disclosure Agreements to keep such data confidential. Regarding the carbon tax, the CER argues it should remain a distinct instrument from carbon budgets and should apply to all emissions rather than only those exceeding budgets. Additionally, the CER highlights an Energy Research Centre (ERC) report finding that proposed coal-fired power stations (Thabametsi and Khanyisa) are not least-cost, are unnecessary for demand, and would increase GHG emissions by 205.7Mt CO2eq over 30 years.

The We Mean Business Coalition calls on G7 governments to increase climate ambition by implementing more stringent 2020 NDCs, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and coal power, and establishing strong carbon pricing. The coalition emphasizes that while businesses are aligning with the Paris Agreement to drive innovation and growth, they require clear policy signals to secure low-GHG capital investment. The statement advocates for a just transition to a net-zero global economy, highlighting that over 700 leading businesses—with a collective market capitalization exceeding $16.7 trillion—are already taking action through the coalition's campaigns.

The brief contends that the environmental impact analysis (ANDAL) for the PLTU Celukan Bawang expansion in Bali is legally insufficient under Law no. 32/2009 because it omits a comprehensive climate change assessment. The authors argue that such assessments must include the project's direct and life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, the project's vulnerability to climate-driven sea level rise and storm surges, and how climate change exacerbates the project's local environmental harms. Drawing on international legal precedents from South Africa, Australia, and the United States, as well as guidance from the European Union and Canada, the brief asserts that climate considerations are essential for meeting Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Paris Agreement commitments. Specifically, the expansion is projected to release over 200 million tons of CO2 over 30 years and faces physical risks due to its low-lying coastal location and the degradation of protective coral reefs.

The document examines the 'jurisdictional approach' (JA)—a comprehensive, government-led strategy for forest and land-use governance across defined political territories. It argues that subnational jurisdictions (states, provinces, districts) are critical for scaling emissions reductions because they are closer to land users and possess the authority to shape land-use decisions. Through case studies in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, and Mexico, the paper highlights that while JA fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy innovation, it is frequently hampered by political turnover, limited public sector capacity, and a lack of tangible financial incentives. The authors conclude that JA is not a 'silver bullet' but a necessary recognition of the role of multi-level government in protecting forests and enhancing livelihoods.

The document argues that tropical forests, mangroves, and peatlands can provide 23 percent of the cost-effective mitigation needed by 2030 to limit warming to 2°C. It highlights that deforestation impacts the climate not only through carbon emissions but also through non-radiative forcings like disrupted water cycles and surface albedo changes, which can lead to hotter and drier conditions locally and continentally. The authors emphasize that while reforestation has high potential, it faces uncertainties regarding land availability and competition with food security, whereas avoiding deforestation provides more certain mitigation benefits.

The study finds that new coal-fired power plants are not necessary to meet South Africa's electricity demand at the lowest cost and that committing to the Thabametsi and Khanyisa IPPs would substantially increase both system costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Using the South African Times Model (SATIM), the authors demonstrate that a least-cost build plan relies on wind, solar PV, and gas, while the coal IPPs would create a generation surplus and potentially accelerate Eskom's financial crisis. The report highlights that the emissions from these plants would almost entirely offset the savings from the National Energy Efficiency Strategy or the expected reductions from the carbon tax.

The study finds that new coal-fired power plants are not necessary to meet South Africa's electricity demand at the lowest cost and that their inclusion would substantially increase both system costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Using the South African Times Model (SATIM), the authors demonstrate that a least-cost build plan relies on wind, solar PV, and gas, while the coal IPPs would create a generation surplus and potentially accelerate Eskom's financial crisis. The report highlights that the emissions from these plants would almost entirely offset the savings from the National Energy Efficiency Strategy or the carbon tax, complicating South Africa's ability to meet its Paris Agreement commitments.

The document argues that Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can raise ambition if it focuses on inaccessible abatement options and includes time-limited support. It identifies three primary opportunities for ambition raising—global mitigation benefits via Article 6.4, non-market cooperation, and targeting inaccessible abatement—but warns that these depend on four broad safeguards to prevent ambition disincentives.

The document outlines the governance, scope, and operational framework for INCCCETT 4CB, a collaboration between 13 international research centres and think tanks. The network aims to bridge science and policy to support the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals through enhanced South-South-North collaboration and capacity building.

The document examines the interconnectedness of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It introduces the SDG Climate Action Nexus (SCAN) tool, which identifies over 500 potential linkages between specific mitigation actions and SDG targets, noting that over 80% of these are positive. The report further analyzes challenges in data transparency, financing, and institutional frameworks, while providing case studies on policy coordination in India and The Netherlands.

The document examines the design of the global stocktake under Article 14 of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for robust, inclusive modalities that allow the process to evolve based on technological and societal changes to inform the enhancement of national climate actions.

The report highlights a pipeline of 38 green infrastructure projects in Indonesia for 2018-2019, ranging from a USD15m solar project to a USD6bn high-speed rail development. It emphasizes the role of green finance, specifically green bonds and the world's first sovereign green sukuk, in bridging a USD150bn infrastructure investment gap. Key sectors identified include low-carbon transport (rail and BRT), renewable energy (geothermal and hydropower), sustainable water and waste management, and the built environment (certified green buildings).

The SADC region faces a significant electricity supply-demand gap, with 68% of residents lacking access and a heavy reliance on coal, primarily driven by South Africa. The report argues for a dual approach: strengthening the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) through better regional regulation and transboundary projects, and scaling up renewable energy mini-grids in rural areas. It highlights that while the region has vast solar, wind, and hydro potential, investment is hindered by poor policy frameworks and the financial insolvency of national utilities.

The report identifies newly adopted policies in 25 major emitting countries and regions—representing 79% of 2012 global GHG emissions—that support long-term decarbonisation goals. These policies include carbon taxes, coal phase-outs, and support for renewable energy and electric vehicles, focusing on legislative decisions and executive orders with direct effects on reducing emissions.

The document argues that the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), designed to offset CO2 emissions increases above 2020 levels, requires clear guidance under the Paris Agreement. It emphasizes the need for rules to prevent double counting of UNFCCC units, ensure transparent communication of aviation sector progress, and improve public access to information.