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The report details two readiness requests: one for Vanuatu to develop Climate Information Services (CIS) to support adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and one for Senegal to establish a pipeline of privately funded, grid-connected solar projects to address an acute energy crisis.

The report analyzes Estonia's energy transition from a system heavily dependent on oil shale to one based on low-carbon sources by 2050. Using LEAP, Balmorel, and EMPS models, it evaluates four scenarios: Baseline (BAU), Carbon Neutral (CN), 100% renewable (RES), and 100% renewable with increased demand (RES+). Key findings highlight that while wind and biomass have significant potential, achieving a carbon-neutral sector requires phasing out oil shale by 2040, expanding interconnections with the Nordic Power System (specifically Sweden and Finland), and implementing policy reforms such as removing fossil fuel subsidies and increasing investment support for small-scale renewables and energy efficiency.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a "Clean Path Case" for Michigan to meet its Clean Power Plan (CPP) target of reducing CO2 emissions by 31 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. This pathway combines the CPP with strengthened renewable energy standards (RES) and energy efficiency resource standards (EERS). The analysis finds that this approach would result in 8,300 MW of new wind and solar capacity, $11.3 billion in clean energy investments, and $4.1 billion in public health and economic benefits by 2030. The report argues that this transition is cost-effective, with only a modest increase in average monthly household electricity bills (less than $3) compared to a scenario with no new policies.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a "Clean Path Case" for New Mexico to meet its Clean Power Plan (CPP) target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 24 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. This pathway involves strengthening the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and energy efficiency resource standard (EERS), alongside a mass-based carbon emissions trading program. The analysis indicates that this approach would diversify the electricity mix, reduce household electricity costs, and generate significant health and economic benefits.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analysis suggests that the Clean Power Plan (CPP) can reduce nationwide power plant carbon pollution by approximately 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The proposed 'CPP National Trading Case' emphasizes a combination of wind, solar, and energy efficiency, supported by a national carbon emissions trading program. This approach is projected to generate $103 billion in public health and climate benefits through 2030 and create an average annual revenue of $17.8 billion from carbon allowance auctions between 2022 and 2030. While it may cause a modest near-term increase in household electricity bills, the analysis predicts net savings for consumers by 2030 due to lower operating costs of renewables and efficiency gains.

The mid-term review of the Sustainable Land Management Project in Churia, Nepal, rates the project as 'Moderately Satisfactory'. While output-level performance in livestock husbandry, bio-engineering, and community forestry is good, the report identifies significant failures in the implementation of Sloping Land Agriculture Technology (SALT) and the establishment of Open Grazing Free Zones (OGFZ). Key challenges include a top-down project design, weak inter-sectoral coordination at the operational level, and disruptions caused by the 2015 Nepal earthquake and political unrest (Madhesh Band). The review recommends a no-cost extension, a revision of the 2016 work plan to prioritize successful interventions, and a shift toward Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to replace the outdated SALT approach.

The document outlines the role of human activity in increasing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, the resulting environmental and health risks, and the emission reduction targets required to limit temperature increases to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

The document outlines a 'Clean Path Case' for Pennsylvania to reduce CO2 emissions by 29 million tons by 2030. It argues that prioritizing wind, solar, and energy efficiency, combined with a mass-based emissions trading program, would generate billions in capital investments and health benefits while ensuring grid reliability via the PJM Interconnection.

The FY 2017 budget proposal seeks to increase clean energy R&D funding to $12.8 billion by 2021, featuring a $10.25-per-barrel crude oil tax to fund sustainable transportation and significant increases for the Department of Energy's renewable energy and efficiency programs. It also includes $1.3 billion for the Global Climate Change Initiative and $291 million for Power Africa, while targeting a 83 percent reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that Illinois can cost-effectively meet its Clean Power Plan (CPP) target—reducing carbon emissions by 34 percent below 2012 levels by 2030—by adopting a "Clean Path Case." This approach involves strengthening the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and energy efficiency portfolio standard (EEPS) alongside a mass-based emissions trading program. The analysis suggests this pathway would yield nearly 6,000 MW of new wind and solar capacity, reduce typical household electricity costs by 9.4 percent by 2030, and generate $14.3 billion in cumulative health and economic benefits through 2030 by reducing CO2, SO2, and NOx pollution.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a 'Clean Path Case' for Minnesota to meet its Clean Power Plan (CPP) target of reducing power sector emissions by 34 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. This pathway involves strengthening the state's Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), alongside a mass-based carbon emissions trading program. The analysis suggests this approach would yield over 4,500 MW of new wind and solar capacity, save the average household $54 annually by 2030, and generate $205 million in average annual revenue from carbon allowance sales between 2022 and 2030. Additionally, the plan is projected to provide $111 million in public health and economic benefits by reducing CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a "Clean Path Case" for Pennsylvania to meet its Clean Power Plan target of reducing emissions by 29 million tons (24% below 2012 levels) by 2030. This pathway combines a mass-based carbon emissions trading program with strengthened renewable energy and energy efficiency policies. The analysis indicates that this approach would yield over 10,700 MW of new wind and solar capacity, generate $804 million in average annual revenue from carbon allowance auctions, and provide $4.5 billion in cumulative health and economic benefits through 2030. Long-term, the plan is projected to reduce typical residential electricity bills by 3.4% by 2030 compared to a reference case with no new policies.

The document highlights a growing problem where U.S. transportation fuels are becoming 'dirtier' as oil companies shift toward unconventional sources like tar sands and use high-emission extraction methods such as fracking. It argues that while vehicle efficiency has improved by 20 percent, these gains are undermined by the increasing emissions associated with extracting and refining oil, which can vary from less than 50 to 250 kilograms of CO2e per barrel. To counter this, the report advocates for eliminating wasteful practices like flaring, requiring better emissions disclosure, and shifting toward advanced biofuels made from wastes and perennial grasses. It also emphasizes the role of electric vehicles, noting that their climate benefit depends on the grid; for example, charging an EV in California produces only 35 percent of the emissions of a conventional vehicle.

The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a "Clean Path" for Virginia to comply with the Clean Power Plan by transitioning from voluntary to mandatory renewable energy and energy efficiency targets and implementing a mass-based carbon emissions-trading program. The analysis suggests this approach would reduce CO2 emissions by 77 million tons through 2030 compared to a reference case, lower typical residential electricity bills by 5% by 2030, and generate an average of $241 million in annual auction revenue for state investments. The report highlights Virginia's current underutilization of its renewable potential, noting that non-hydro renewables accounted for only 2.8% of electricity generation in 2014.

Earthjustice calls on the Obama administration to end the Forest Service's attempt to reopen a loophole allowing coal mining in 20,000 acres of Colorado roadless forest. The document asserts that mining 170 million tons of coal would release 130 million tons of carbon from combustion, displace 40,000 gigawatt hours of renewable power, and undermine Colorado's 2014 oil and gas rules. It highlights that the state's solar and wind industries employ over 10,000 people, significantly more than the approximately 300 jobs associated with the specific mine in question.

The document outlines a strategy for Virginia to exceed its Clean Power Plan goals through a revenue-raising carbon trading program and mandatory energy standards. It highlights the state's significant renewable energy potential and projects substantial economic and health benefits, including billions in capital investments and pollution avoidance by 2030.

The report analyzes 384 sources in English, Chinese, and Spanish to assess the sustainability impacts of Chinese outward direct investment. It identifies a tension between the positive contributions to infrastructure and economic growth and the negative impacts related to labor conditions, environmental degradation, and governance. The review highlights a 'learning curve' where Chinese firms and policymakers are increasingly adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and international standards, though a gap remains between policy and project-level implementation.

The report finds a deep partisan divide in climate perceptions, with supporters of Democratic candidates (Sanders and Clinton) and some Republican candidates (Kasich and Trump) generally believing global warming is happening, while Ted Cruz supporters are the most skeptical. While a broad majority of voters support renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy efficiency, support for carbon taxes and strict emission limits on coal plants drops significantly among Republican supporters, particularly those of Ted Cruz. Global warming is viewed as a very important voting issue primarily by Sanders and Clinton supporters, whereas it ranks low for supporters of Republican candidates.

The report finds that while 73% of registered US voters believe global warming is happening, there is a significant divide between conservative Republicans and other political groups. Most voters support clean energy research and carbon regulation, and are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who supports climate action than one who opposes it.

The report reveals a deep partisan divide in climate change perceptions. Supporters of Democratic candidates (Sanders, Clinton) and some Republican candidates (Kasich, Trump) generally believe global warming is happening, whereas a majority of Ted Cruz supporters do not. While there is broad support across most candidate groups for renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient products, significant gaps exist regarding carbon taxes, CO2 regulation, and the importance of climate change as a voting issue.