Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the opportunities and constraints of transitioning to low-carbon energy in Africa, focusing on West Africa and Nigeria. It argues that while the continent has vast renewable potential, progress is hindered by fragmented governance, inadequate investment, and a lack of coordination between niche projects and national grids.

This case study, produced by the LEDS GP Benefits Working Group and the RALI project, evaluates the socio-economic and environmental advantages of transitioning from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy in Bangladesh. Utilizing modelling from the USAID Catalyzing Clean Energy in Bangladesh (CCEB) program, the document argues that clean energy alternatives provide cost-effective greenhouse gas mitigation and affordable electricity, making them a superior choice for long-term energy planning compared to conventional sources.

This research paper uses the multi-level perspective (MLP) to analyze the stability and potential lock-in of the socio-technical regime within Sweden's heat-energy system, identifying risks associated with current system characteristics.

This report by the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD and Gaia Consulting, written for the Nordic Council Ministers, estimates global fossil fuel subsidies at USD 425 billion and proposes a "SWAP" concept to redirect these funds toward sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and safety nets.

This case study examines the challenges and opportunities for decentralized renewable energy development in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, emphasizing the need for institutional reforms, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and integrated spatial planning.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International criticizing the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its continued financing of coal projects despite the risks of climate change and local environmental destruction.

This report by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) outlines its activities and strategic approach to promoting climate compatible development in India. It details the use of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to align Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with sustainable development, the implementation of urban Heat Action Plans, and the promotion of private sector financing for rural renewable energy. The document emphasizes the integration of climate resilience into disaster risk management and the importance of gender-sensitive planning.

This G20 Insights policy brief, contributed to by IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan and environmental NGOs, argues that while a transition to 100% renewable energy is economically inevitable and desirable, it may create misleading negative signals in traditional economic statistics as fossil fuel industries decline.

The Allianz Climate & Energy Monitor Deep Dive analyzes the investment requirements for China, India, and the US to align with Paris Agreement goals, noting that while China and India are rapidly expanding renewables and exiting coal, US federal policy ambition is declining despite strong state-level support.

A statement by the World Resources Institute arguing that the United States should remain in the Paris Agreement to protect its economic, security, and diplomatic interests, noting strong public and business support for the accord.

RMI opposes the Protecting Americans from Credit Exploitation bill, arguing that regulating Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) as a mortgage product would undermine its unique structure as a property-attached assessment. RMI advocates for national consumer protection standards tailored to the nature of PACE, citing California's existing regulatory framework as a successful model for balancing consumer protection with the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofits.

This report analyzes the economic viability and technical requirements for the 100% decarbonization of Indian Railways' (IR) traction electricity demand, focusing on a case study in Madhya Pradesh. It concludes that a mixed wind and solar energy strategy is the most cost-effective approach, projecting that decarbonization will be 26-28% cheaper than business-as-usual by 2030.

This briefing by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) synthesizes lessons from 2015 and 2016 reports on public finance interventions designed to increase low-carbon and climate-resilient investment in developing countries. It outlines strategies for reducing risks and costs to attract private capital through fiscal policy adjustments, government-backed assurances, and public-private innovation labs.

This briefing by RMI describes the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as an attractive market for corporate buyers of renewable energy due to its strong wind resources, market improvements, and a robust pipeline of planned wind capacity.

This executive summary outlines a report on the productivity of energy interventions by International Financial Institutions (IFIs). It finds that while energy efficiency and renewable projects offer broad benefits, energy efficiency represented only 14% of IFI energy portfolios from 2012 to 2014, and 80% of total interventions were non-energy related. The report introduces an "assessment of integrated energy productivity impact" to help IFIs align their lending with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, suggesting a common framework to better direct resources toward low-emission economic growth.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of decarbonizing Indian Railways (IR) by 2030. It evaluates various pathways for the traction and non-traction segments, concluding that transitioning to renewable energy—specifically through captive generation at an accelerated rate—is significantly cheaper than a business-as-usual scenario. The report emphasizes the necessity of full electrification and identifies regulatory barriers regarding state-level net metering and open access policies.

This policy brief by Clingendael examines Kenya's potential to become a leader in green growth and renewable energy within the East African Community, highlighting the alignment of government and donor priorities alongside legislative frameworks like the 2016 Climate Change Act. It identifies critical hurdles, including suboptimal government capacity and the discovery of coal and oil reserves, and recommends prioritizing energy infrastructure, integrating micro-grid solutions for universal energy access by 2020, and leveraging devolution to increase public participation.

This policy brief synthesises political economy analyses (PEA) from Colombia, Indonesia, and Kenya to examine the constraints and enablers affecting government decisions on green growth in the energy sector for fossil-endowed middle-income countries.

This policy brief by Clingendael examines the opportunities for green growth in Colombia following the peace accord between the government and the FARC guerrilla group, highlighting the need to integrate renewable energy incentives with post-conflict development and strengthen links between local green initiatives and national policy.

This fact sheet by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) provides a comprehensive overview of employment in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors globally and within the United States as of 2016 and 2017. It utilizes data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to compare clean energy jobs against fossil fuel employment and detail specific subsector growth.