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The document argues that new investment in US gas-fired power plants is becoming uneconomic due to the rise of Clean Energy Portfolios (CEPs)—combinations of wind, solar, energy efficiency, demand response, and battery storage. As of late 2021, 88 GW of gas capacity was proposed, but over 50% of proposed new gas plants have been cancelled prior to construction in the last two years. The analysis finds that CEPs are a cheaper option in more than 80% of sites where gas plants are proposed for service by 2030, and at least 70 GW of proposed gas could be economically avoided, potentially saving $22 billion and 873 MMT of CO2. The report highlights significant stranded cost risks, noting that in a central analysis case, 40% of proposed combined cycle gas plants would cost more to operate than a new CEP costs to build within 10 years.

The report finds that most of the 88+ GW of proposed US gas power plants are economically uncompetitive compared to Clean Energy Portfolios (CEPs), which combine wind, solar, storage, energy efficiency, and demand flexibility. At least 70 GW of proposed gas capacity could be avoided using CEPs, potentially saving $22 billion and reducing CO2 emissions by 873 million metric tons over 20 years. The analysis highlights six key headwinds—including declining renewable costs, rising gas prices, and public health impacts—that increase the risk of project cancellations or stranded assets. Specifically, in a central analysis case, 40% of proposed combined cycle (CC) plants would cost more to operate than a new CEP would cost to build within 10 years, a figure that could rise to 80-90% under certain economic scenarios. The report also notes that CEPs create more jobs and avoid significant health costs, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color.

Montserrat has reached 50 percent renewable energy installed capacity through the installation of a 750 kW solar system and 1 MWh battery storage, which powers 300 households. The project, supported by RMI, focused on hurricane resilience—designing for 180 mph wind speeds—and equity, as the utility-owned facility allows diesel savings to be shared among all customers via reduced fuel surcharges. While the island aims for 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, further progress is constrained by the size of the economy and requires continued grant funding.

Researchers used the LEAP-NEMO modelling toolkit to evaluate geological hydrogen storage in Finland as a solution for the intermittent nature of wind power and summer over-generation from solar power. The analysis indicates that implementing hydrogen storage could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the reliance on fossil fuel-based power, and the necessity for electricity imports.

The document argues that the more than 10,000 closed and inactive landfills in the United States represent a significant opportunity for solar development, as these sites typically have good sun exposure and limited other reuse potential. It aims to provide policymakers and developers with analysis and a set of incentives to integrate landfill solar into broader clean energy and environmental justice strategies.

In 2020, IDFC members committed $185 billion in green finance, representing 20% of their total new commitments. While total green finance declined by 6% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cumulative commitments since 2015 surpassed $1 trillion. Climate finance dominated at $178.5 billion, with adaptation finance growing by 42% to $27.5 billion. For the first time, the report separately tracked biodiversity finance, which totaled $14 billion. The majority of climate and biodiversity finance was provided by non-OECD institutions and directed toward the East Asia and Pacific region.

The report analyzes urban green finance in Hyderabad and Kolkata, finding that both cities are heavily dependent on state and central government funding. While Hyderabad has made significant progress in renewable energy and electric mobility, and Kolkata has excelled in e-bus adoption and wetland conservation, both face governance challenges due to overlapping mandates and limited financial autonomy. The study recommends harmonized climate budgeting, increased devolution of funds to urban local bodies, and the exploration of innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds and resilience bonds to bridge investment gaps.

The State of Climate Action 2021 evaluates 40 sectoral indicators to measure progress toward a zero-carbon world, finding that none are currently on track to meet 2030 targets despite exponential growth in wind, solar, and electric vehicles.

The policy brief examines the environmental and social costs of mining, the limitations of international and domestic governance, and the potential for public-private partnerships and the UN Sustainable Development Goals to create more sustainable mining practices.

The Life After Coal campaign calls for South Africa to adhere to the lower bound of its updated NDC (350 to 420 Mt CO2eq) to align with the 1.5°C pathway. This requires cancelling all new coal and gas projects, accelerating the retirement of the coal fleet to reach zero fossil fuels in electricity by 2040, and building at least 4 GW of renewable capacity annually. The campaign also advocates for a just transition that prioritizes workers and communities and urges South Africa to lead at COP26 in demanding increased finance for adaptation and loss and damage from wealthy nations.

The document alleges that BP knew about the devastating consequences of fossil fuels as early as 1991 but engaged in a campaign of deception to protect profits. It highlights the contrast between BP's 'Beyond Petroleum' branding and its actual capital expenditures, noting that the company spent $12 billion on oil and gas in 2002 compared to $45 million in solar. The briefing also criticizes BP for pioneering the 'carbon footprint' concept to shift responsibility to consumers and for implementing a 'net zero' ambition that excludes an estimated 46% of the carbon it extracts, including joint ventures with Rosneft.

The report proposes a 'Cooling as a Service' (CaaS) model to increase smallholder farmer incomes in India by providing pay-as-you-go access to decentralized, clean-energy cold storage. This model, supported by the 'Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant' (VCCA) mobile app, aims to reduce food waste and allow farmers to sell produce during high-price windows. Financial modeling for apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh suggests that CaaS can increase farmer incomes by 36% and provide project internal rates of return (IRR) exceeding 22.5%. The initiative targets the mobilization of USD 200 million and the benefit of 1.5 million farmers by the replication phase.

The report evaluates India's post-pandemic economic recovery through the lens of natural capital, analyzing budgetary allocations in agriculture, MSMEs, power, mining, and the social sector. It finds that while the Union Budget 2021-22 showed more positive natural capital alignment than the initial COVID recovery package, significant gaps remain, particularly a lack of capital expenditure for green infrastructure and a heavy reliance on monetary rather than fiscal instruments to incentivize green practices.

The document assesses the proliferation of gas power plants, pipelines, and LNG terminals across East, South, and Southeast Asia. It contends that these investments, totaling $380 billion, risk becoming stranded assets as renewable energy costs plummet and climate targets necessitate a rapid shift away from fossil fuels. The report highlights the significant carbon budget impact of these projects and the continued role of public finance in supporting gas expansion despite net-zero pledges.

The report analyzes the planned expansion of gas infrastructure in Asia, including power plants, pipelines, and LNG terminals, totaling $379 billion. It argues that this expansion risks locking in high greenhouse gas emissions, potentially consuming a quarter of the global carbon budget for a 1.5°C limit. The document highlights that falling costs of renewable energy and high price volatility of LNG make these gas investments economically risky and likely to become stranded assets. It further criticizes the continued support of public financial institutions for gas projects and advocates for a transition to clean energy portfolios.

New wind and solar power installations in Turkey are now more cost-effective than operating existing coal plants that rely on imports. With international hard coal prices reaching a decade high and renewable costs falling, Turkey faces high import costs—potentially reaching 5 billion USD in 2021—while facing potential EU carbon border levies. Despite the economic viability of renewables, utility-scale solar growth is hindered by transformer capacity limits and restrictions on power purchase agreements.

The document assesses the decarbonisation of Kenya's power sector, highlighting the role of geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar energy. It warns that the Lamu coal power plant could cause oversupply and reduce system flexibility, while noting that further integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) and distributed energy resources (DER) will require increased flexibility and continuous investment in clean capacity.

Over 200 civil society organizations are urging world leaders to stop international public finance for fossil fuels, noting that G20 members provide USD 77 billion annually to fossil fuels compared to USD 28 billion for clean energy. The statement calls for an immediate end to support for the entire fossil fuel value chain, the closure of financial loopholes, and increased climate finance for low-income countries in the Global South to ensure a just energy transition ahead of COP 26.

The 'Communication for Social Justice in a Digital Age MANIFESTO' is the result of a September 2021 symposium organized by the World Council of Churches and the World Association for Christian Communication. It argues that while digital technologies offer opportunities for inclusion and advocacy, they are currently marred by monopolies, disinformation, and systemic biases that exacerbate existing social inequities. The document calls for a 'transformative movement' to establish a digital public sphere rooted in human rights, transparency, and equity, specifically highlighting the need for 'digital justice' as an intersectional requirement encompassing gender, climate, and racial justice.

The document identifies systemic inequities in the digital age, including digital divides, data monopolies, and online violence, while advocating for a communication ecosystem based on inclusive participation and human rights. It proposes a set of principles to ensure equitable access to information, privacy, and sustainable energy, calling for a transformative movement involving faith communities, civil society, and governments to protect civil rights in digital spaces.