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Milieudefensie, an association representing 80,000 members, asserts that Royal Dutch Shell plc is legally liable for its substantial contribution to global climate change. The document claims Shell has been aware of the causal link between fossil fuels and global warming since at least 1986, yet continues to prioritize oil and gas growth over sustainable energy. Milieudefensie demands that Shell align its investment decisions with the Paris Agreement, phase out oil and gas production, and reduce scope 3 emissions to zero by 2050. The letter argues that Shell's current strategy—which assumes fossil fuels will meet over 50% of energy demand by 2050—is unlawful under Dutch law and violates human rights. It further alleges that Shell has engaged in misleading PR and lobbying to obstruct climate policies in the EU and US.

A March 2018 survey of 1,067 registered US voters reveals broad bipartisan support for renewable energy and carbon pollution limits, despite significant political divides over the causes of global warming and the priority level assigned to climate action. While 73% of voters believe global warming is happening, only 40% of conservative Republicans share this view. However, majorities across the political spectrum support funding renewable energy research and regulating carbon dioxide. The report also notes a gap between stated support for climate action and actual individual engagement, with only 13% of voters having contacted an elected official about global warming in the previous year.

The paper finds that while some countries like Ethiopia and Peru align their NDCs with national strategies, others like Bangladesh and Ghana exhibit a disconnect between climate commitments and energy planning. It argues that integrating climate objectives into national development strategies and leveraging co-benefits such as job creation and health improvements can drive higher ambition in revised NDCs.

In 2017, renewables generated 30% of Europe's electricity for the first time, with wind, solar, and biomass overtaking coal generation. However, overall EU greenhouse gas emissions rose by approximately 1% due to increasing electricity consumption and a significant drop in hydro generation, which was the lowest this century. While Western European nations like the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal announced coal phase-outs, Eastern European countries continued to rely on coal. The report also highlights the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) reforms and the ongoing negotiations of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package.

Greenpeace Africa argues that the draft IRP 2018 Update is inadequate for achieving a just transition to renewable energy and fails to meet South Africa's international climate commitments. The submission calls for the total removal of new coal and nuclear capacity, the elimination of artificial caps on wind and solar energy, and an accelerated decommissioning of coal-fired power stations. It highlights severe air pollution in Mpumalanga and the critical need to prioritize water security in energy planning. The document emphasizes that the plan must be based on the latest IPCC science to limit global warming to 1.5°C and should incorporate transparent data on costs and demand-side management.

The report examines India's coal dependency and the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Using the AIM/Enduse model, it compares the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) scenario with two 2°C pathways: a 'conventional' one relying on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and a 'sustainable' one shifting toward renewables, gas, and nuclear power. Key findings highlight the risk of significant stranded assets—including approximately 220 billion tonnes of unutilized coal reserves valued at USD 6.7 trillion—and the increasing vulnerability of coal power plants to water shortages, which already cause substantial generation losses. The report argues that while coal remains a mainstay until 2030, a managed phase-out is necessary to meet global climate targets, requiring synchronized actions in energy efficiency, renewable scaling, and the retirement of inefficient sub-critical plants.

Nigeria faces a severe energy crisis with 60-70% of its population lacking regular electricity access and an average output of 5,000 MW against an installed capacity of 12,522 MW. The report identifies critical bottlenecks including a non-cost-reflective tariff regime, a N1 trillion revenue shortfall as of December 2016, and significant gas flaring despite the country ranking 9th globally in natural gas reserves. While hydropower provided approximately 32% of supply in 2015, other renewables like solar and wind remain underdeveloped. The author recommends the total deregulation of the gas sector, universal metering to close a gap of 4.09 million customers, and the implementation of the renewable energy masterplan to achieve a 10% renewable energy contribution by 2025.

The document analyzes the difficulties of creating sustainable horizontal linkages in Mozambique, where a weak manufacturing base and low human capital hinder the ability of local SMEs to diversify beyond specific 'megaprojects'. While the Mozlink II program generated USD 53 million in incremental sales for SMEs, many firms became overly specialized and dependent on the Mozal smelter, failing to transfer skills to other sectors. The study highlights that supplier development programs are insufficient without a broader strategy to address systemic constraints such as lack of access to finance, low educational attainment, and a policy environment biased toward foreign investment.

The document analyzes Norway's strategic management of its petroleum resources to avoid the 'resource curse' and foster a competitive high-tech sector. Key mechanisms included the creation of Statoil in 1972 to build independent technological capacity and the establishment of the Government Pension Fund Global in 1990 to manage revenue volatility. The government implemented local content requirements, such as mandating that 50% of petroleum R&D be conducted domestically, and forced collaboration between multinationals and local universities. These efforts transformed Norwegian manufacturing into a specialized engineering and supply industry, with the oil and gas sector serving as an enabling market for broader high-tech innovations in telecommunications, satellites, and automation. The study concludes that Norway's success was predicated on its pre-existing skills base, strong government enforcement, and a long-term approach to innovation.

The document examines the Eastern Mediterranean's transition from a strategic space used by great powers to a distinct geopolitical region. It analyzes the shift toward multipolarity and the emergence of 'proto-regionalism' through trilateral partnerships involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt. While identifying potential for an Eastern Mediterranean Cooperation Council (EMCC) based on the Gulf Cooperation Council model, the author highlights significant obstacles, including the role of Turkey, the Cyprus conflict, and energy disputes.

The document evaluates the proposed Northwest Innovation Works methanol facility at the Port of Kalama, arguing that its greenhouse gas emissions are significantly underestimated and that it is unlikely to reduce global emissions. It proposes a 'climate test' for new industry to ensure projects do not lock in high-carbon technologies or become stranded assets in a transition to a low-carbon economy.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the coal industry in the United States, detailing the transition from underground to surface mining and the shift toward low-sulfur coal. It highlights the severe ecological damage caused by mountaintop removal and the public health risks associated with coal combustion, including the emission of sulfur dioxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide. The guide also discusses the economic decline of coal due to the rise of natural gas and renewables, while noting the energy-intensive nature of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

The document outlines four specific actions for cities to achieve carbon-free electricity: implementing LED smart streetlighting, creating electric districts by removing natural gas infrastructure, installing municipal solar photovoltaics, and leveraging renewable energy supply mechanisms like power purchase agreements.

Civil society organisations, including Greenpeace Africa and the Life After Coal Campaign, have requested a meeting with South Africa's Minister of Energy to address the integrity of the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The signatories argue that the current process has "substantial flaws" and advocate for a just transition from coal to publicly-owned renewable energy and energy efficiency. They propose eleven principles for the IRP, emphasizing least-cost technology combinations, the inclusion of external costs to health and climate, and alignment with the Paris Agreement and South Africa's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The letter specifically seeks clarity on timelines, public participation, the status of energy determinations for coal, nuclear, gas, and renewables, and the delay in Independent Power Producer agreements.

The document analyzes the challenges and opportunities for expanding electricity access in Tanzania, focusing on the role of the private sector and the AfDB. It highlights the financial instability of the national utility, TANESCO, and the impact of recurring droughts on hydropower. The paper argues for a shift toward renewable energy and the development of a local renewable energy value chain to support industrialization and rural access.

The Clean Air Task Force criticizes EPA Administrator Pruitt for attempting to repeal the Clean Power Plan by asserting that the EPA only has authority to mandate 'inside the fence' measures at individual plants. The authors argue that Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act allows for a 'best system of emission reduction' that includes shifting to cleaner energy sources, noting that compliance costs for CO2 reduction dropped from $26/ton at the plan's finalization to $17/ton by January 2017. The document contends that Pruitt is prioritizing the coal industry over public health and has inappropriately requested that the D.C. Circuit Court delay its decision on the plan's legality.

The World Resources Institute criticizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce power plant carbon emissions by 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The organization argues that the repeal disregards the U.S. obligation to mitigate global climate impacts and falsely suggests that such a move would revive the coal industry, which is declining due to the lower cost of natural gas and renewable energy.

Friends of the Earth International asserts that the current global energy model, dominated by fossil fuels and corporate-led 'false solutions', is driving a planetary emergency. The statement criticizes the Paris Agreement as insufficient and legally unenforceable, calling for urgent emission reductions by wealthy nations and a shift toward decentralized, community-led energy systems.

Friends of the Earth International calls for a global movement to replace the centralized fossil fuel industry and other harmful energy sources—including nuclear power and large hydroelectric dams—with community-centered, sustainable energy. The statement asserts that the Paris Agreement is insufficient to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and demands that developed nations, responsible for the majority of emissions, lead emission reductions and provide financial support to the Global South.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that New Mexico should strengthen its renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2040 to ensure a cost-effective transition from coal to clean energy. Modeling shows that renewables are the most economically favorable choice, offering significant capital investment, job growth, and public health benefits without substantially increasing consumer electricity costs. The report warns against utility plans to overinvest in natural gas, which could lead to stranded assets and higher climate risks.