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This research paper introduces a three-step analytical framework for evaluating policy coherence within the European Union, focusing on the interactions between sector-specific and environmental policies.

This policy brief examines the successful adoption of solar water heater (SWH) technology in Barbados, detailing how a combination of early entrepreneurial leadership, consistent government fiscal incentives, and strategic consumer marketing created a thriving industry that reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This policy brief examines how China successfully leveraged the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to promote sustainable development. It highlights the role of powerful government ministries, coordinated capacity building, and the implementation of specific market restrictions to protect national interests and ensure local benefits.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the effectiveness of investment incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). It argues that fiscal incentives cannot compensate for a weak investment climate and recommends a transition from automatic tax holidays toward targeted, performance-based incentives and transparent tax administration.

This op-ed argues that the 2012 Farm Bill is critical for U.S. energy security, specifically through the funding of bioenergy and rural energy efficiency programs to reduce dependence on petroleum imports.

This chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) report evaluates the environmental governance and policy effectiveness in Europe, highlighting the role of the European Union (EU) and pan-European initiatives in managing climate change, air quality, water resources, waste, and biodiversity.

The Green Economy Pocketbook advocates for a transition to a green economy to address economic recession and environmental degradation, proposing a re-orientation of the economy to deliver wellbeing within natural limits through changes in measurement, finance, sector management, and human investment.

This policy brief describes the South African Renewables Initiative (SARi), a government-led effort launched in December 2011 to establish financing arrangements for scaling up renewable energy. The initiative aims to achieve a target of 19 GW of renewable electricity by 2030 while managing the incremental costs compared to coal-fired power to avoid unacceptable economic burdens on the public.

This research paper evaluates various cost-limiting tools used in U.S. state renewable energy policies—including alternative compliance payments, contract price caps, and retail rate impact caps—to provide recommendations for California's RPS cost limitation. The analysis finds that while cost limits can insure against extreme costs, they often create market uncertainty, may be set based on political rather than economic data, and can inadvertently act as price floors, potentially hindering the achievement of renewable energy targets.

This discussion paper examines the intersection of sustainability and the rapid evolution of information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet over the 20 years following the first Rio conference. It specifically questions how the information and communications revolution necessitates a change in the understanding of sustainability across the global economy, society, and environment.

The City of Boulder Climate Action Plan Analysis Report, prepared by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in May 2012, evaluates the cost-effectiveness and emissions impact of 19 demand-side management programs funded by the Climate Action Plan (CAP) tax. The analysis finds that while Boulder has achieved significant energy savings, it will not meet its 2012 Kyoto Protocol-based emissions reduction targets through current programs alone. RMI recommends transitioning toward more comprehensive, integrated, and long-term energy efficiency strategies and suggests that municipalization of the energy supply could significantly enhance the city's ability to reach its goals.

This report analyzes the state of the global securitization markets as of May 2012, examining whether recent activity in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and trade finance signals a recovery that could eventually benefit climate finance. ItS It discusses how bank recapitalization pressures have reduced renewable energy lending, which relies on banks for 95% of project finance globally, making the development of securitized clean energy assets vital for recycling capital. The report evaluates market trends in Europe and the United States, the impact of regulatory frameworks like Basel III and Solvency II, and the role of standardization initiatives like the Climate Bond Standard and the Prime Collateralised Securities Initiative (PCSI).

The Barbados Declaration, issued on May 8, 2012, by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), outlines the challenges and commitments of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to sustainable, renewable energy to ensure economic resilience and climate survival.

This report examines how the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation into its mission of facilitating U.S. private investment in developing countries. It details OPIC's transition from general environmental guidelines to a specific 2010 Environmental and Social Policy Statement, which establishes greenhouse gas (GHG) emission caps, energy efficiency requirements for intensive sectors, and reporting mandates for high-emitting projects.

The Green Economy Coalition provides a statement on the UN Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, supporting its goals but arguing for greater ambition and a stronger focus on energy equity and poverty reduction. The document emphasizes that universal energy access is essential for sustainable development and suggests that success should be measured by development benefits rather than technical metrics.

This document is a preliminary report on a pilot study conducted in Senegal at the end of 2011 to test the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) methodology developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This document is a preliminary report on a pilot study conducted in Mozambique at the end of 2011 to test the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) methodology developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This briefing by RMI analyzes the impact of low natural gas prices, driven by hydraulic fracturing, on the growth of renewable energy in the United States. While low wholesale gas prices create near-term financing challenges for utility-scale projects, the document argues that distributed solar PV and long-term cost declines in wind and solar will ensure continued renewable energy expansion.

The 2012 State of the Nation Address by President Jacob G Zuma outlines a 'massive infrastructure development drive' designed to combat the 'triple challenge' of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa. The address details strategic investments in transport, mining, and social infrastructure, while reporting on progress in job creation, education, and land reform.

This fact sheet details the Obama administration's fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget proposal, focusing on sustainable energy and transportation. It outlines funding requests for key agencies including the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency, emphasizing an "all of the above" energy strategy to promote green technology and infrastructure.