Search Climate Insights Directory

The report argues that while coal's share of power generation in China has reached historic lows, institutional inertia—including capacity payments, inflexible dispatch rules, and a lack of a national retirement strategy—continues to drive high levels of new coal capacity additions. It highlights a disconnect where clean energy is growing rapidly but is often offset by the continued expansion and protection of coal assets, which are not fulfilling their intended role as flexible backups for renewables.

The document outlines a communication toolkit for framing the transition to clean energy in the home as a collective societal effort rather than an individual burden. It emphasizes the use of solar power as a symbol of progress and provides tailored messaging for five specific UK audience segments: Progressive Activists, Incrementalist Lefts, Established Liberals, Rooted Patriots, and Traditional Conservatives. The guide advises against promising immediate financial savings and instead suggests highlighting existing progress, community benefits, and the protection of the British way of life.

The report examines the intersection of Japan's energy policy and national security, arguing that a faster shift to renewables—potentially reaching 70% of electricity generation by 2035—would mitigate risks associated with fragile fossil fuel supply chains and geopolitical instability. While acknowledging challenges such as China's dominance in clean energy supply chains and cybersecurity risks, the authors contend these are manageable compared to the vulnerabilities of continued fossil fuel dependence. The document recommends greater inter-ministerial coordination between energy, defense, and diplomatic agencies to prioritize renewables as a national security imperative.

The report argues that the economic and energy security justifications for expanding oil and gas activities in the Colombian Amazon are poorly substantiated. It recommends permanently shelving unassigned blocks, protecting biodiversity, and managing the decline of the fossil fuel industry in areas like Putumayo to align with Colombia's climate commitments and its USD 40 billion climate and nature investment plan.

The statement contends that current global trade frameworks often undermine the climate ambitions of developing nations through protectionist policies and geopolitical self-interest. It highlights the negative potential of the EU's Carbon-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the limitations of the International Maritime Organization's shipping emissions tax. The author advocates for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and regional coalitions as viable alternatives to a 'broken' World Trade Organization (WTO) to foster green industrialization, technology transfer, and climate adaptation, specifically citing Mozambique's vulnerability as a case for adaptation-focused trade policy.

The report examines the role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in accelerating the adoption and development of green technologies across Africa. It highlights that while patents are often prohibitively expensive for African innovators, non-patent mechanisms like utility models, trademarks, and geographical indications (GIs) offer more accessible pathways for incremental innovation and market growth. The document analyzes the IPR landscapes of Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria, noting that while these countries are emerging as greentech hubs, their legal frameworks often lack explicit provisions for green technology. It further discusses the influence of global agreements like the Paris Agreement and TRIPS, and regional initiatives such as the AfCFTA, arguing that harmonizing IPR systems and reducing registration costs are critical to unlocking Africa's potential in the global green economy.

The report examines how people in Britain perceive the financial impact of climate policies, noting that while many fear costs, few believe scrapping these policies would save them money. It highlights a strong public desire for a 'just transition' where the least well-off are protected and big polluting companies are held accountable. The findings suggest that framing climate action as an investment in a prosperous future is more compelling than technical terminology.

The document finds that while deep distrust in politicians and institutions affects how climate action is perceived, there remains enduring support among Brits for ambitious climate leadership. People value leaders who are credible, passionate, and empathetic, and who prioritize tangible local benefits and global collective action over a reliance on statistics. The report suggests that climate leadership should be grounded in local contexts and delivered by authentic messengers to overcome disillusionment.

A coalition of environmental organizations argues that Arendalsuka, a major Norwegian democratic festival, should drop Equinor as a sponsor. The authors claim Equinor is one of 36 'fossil giants' responsible for over half of global CO2 emissions and accuse the company of using 'petroganda' to manipulate public perception. They highlight that in 2023, only 0.15% of Equinor's total production was renewable energy, contrasting this with the company's image as a pioneer in low-carbon solutions. The statement further notes that Equinor spent 833 million NOK on sponsorships over the last five years to preserve its image.

Research indicates that while 74% of people in Britain consider climate change important, there is deep distrust in politics and a tendency to avoid the topic due to negative feelings. The report recommends that communicators ditch technical jargon, focus on positive future visions, and avoid overestimating opposition to net zero. For policymakers, it suggests prioritizing local infrastructure that lowers energy bills, accelerating inclusive solar panel roll-out, cracking down on pollution, and investing in genuine local engagement to counter top-down distrust.

GadgetroniX installed a 6.48 kWp off-grid solar system with battery storage and hybrid inverter technology at Lekule Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania. The system, which includes JA Solar panels and a 20 kWh Freedom Won battery, replaced a reliance on inconsistent grid electricity and fossil fuel generators. This transition has enabled students to study after dark, reduced the school's carbon emissions, and lowered operational expenses.

GadgetroniX installed a 9.72 kWp off-grid solar system with battery storage and remote monitoring at Matale Secondary School in Tarime, Tanzania. The project addressed frequent power outages and dependence on expensive energy alternatives, resulting in a 40% reduction in energy costs and the provision of uninterrupted power for students and administrative operations.

The document asserts that global trends in China, the EU, and India demonstrate that decarbonization is now aligned with basic economics. It argues that Canada must overcome its fragmented energy grid to leverage its 'dispatchable clean power' and attract investments in industry, buildings, transportation, and AI, warning that failing to modernize its electricity system will result in a loss of competitive advantage.

Erlend Eggen, head of Klimakultur, criticizes the Arctic Race of Norway for its reliance on fossil fuel sponsorship, specifically Equinor, and the participation of the Israel Premier Tech team. He argues that the event's sustainability claims, such as using an electric car fleet, are undermined by the fact that Equinor's energy production remains over 99.6% fossil-based. The text highlights the role of cycling as a venue for corporate greenwashing and calls for the event to sign 'The Fossil Free Declaration' to phase out high-carbon partnerships.

The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) argues that South Africa's draft NDC should align emissions targets with a 1.5°C trajectory to avoid health hazards and better quantify the health-related costs of air pollution. The submission recommends developing integrated climate-health surveillance systems, expanding the reach of impact-based early warning systems to rural areas, and engaging the Department of Health across sectors to maximize co-benefits. It highlights that PM2.5 air pollution caused an estimated 42,000 deaths in 2023 and costs the economy approximately USD 52 billion annually, suggesting that meeting WHO guidelines could save 30,000 lives per year.

The report examines the intersection of Japan's energy policy and national security, arguing that a rapid shift toward renewable energy—potentially reaching a 70% electricity share by 2035—would mitigate risks from volatile fossil fuel supply chains and enhance diplomatic and military autonomy. It identifies critical vulnerabilities in current maritime fuel routes and suggests that the resulting cost savings from reduced imports could fund defense procurement. While acknowledging challenges such as China's dominance in clean energy supply chains and cybersecurity risks, the document asserts these are manageable through diversification and technical innovation. It recommends stronger coordination between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense to integrate climate security into national strategy.

The report outlines a framework for an energy transition that prioritizes gender justice, human rights, and systemic transformation over corporate profit. It argues that the current fossil-fuel-based system is rooted in patriarchal and colonial oppression, which disproportionately affects women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and Indigenous peoples. The proposed transition is based on ten principles: feminist popular power, a life-centered feminist economy, decent work, energy sovereignty, colonial reparations, the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), demilitarization, fair public finance, the rejection of 'false solutions' like carbon markets, and the decolonization of knowledge and technology. The document emphasizes that renewable energy deployment must not replicate existing inequalities or lead to new forms of extractivism, particularly in the Global South.

The report argues that existing financing for South Africa's just transition, such as the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), prioritises private profit over social justice and is insufficient in scale. It proposes a cohesive framework anchored in worker demands and a new macroeconomic structure. Key recommendations include the creation of a Climate Response Fund (CRF) funded by carbon taxes and fuel levies, a shift toward 'promotional' monetary policy by the South African Reserve Bank to incentivise green lending, and the recapitalisation of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to provide long-term, patient capital for public goods.

The document analyzes the systemic difficulties G20 nations face in transitioning from fossil fuels, citing economic dependencies, infrastructure lock-in, and social risks to workers. It notes a failure to meet 2009 G20 commitments to phase out subsidies, with G7 and developing nations spending hundreds of billions in 2023. The text emphasizes South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency as an opportunity to champion a people-centered approach involving green industrial hubs and socio-economic safeguards for coal-dependent regions.

This fact sheet defines green industrial policy (GIP) as government strategies to promote sustainable industries and phase out greenhouse gas emitters. It highlights the success of China's electric vehicle industry as a model for GIP but warns that developing countries face significant financing, skills, and technological barriers. The document emphasizes the role of the G20 in shaping global GIP principles, particularly under South Africa's agenda, which focuses on leveraging critical minerals to drive inclusive economic growth and manufacturing in Africa.