Search Climate Insights Directory

The report proposes eight strategic policy axes for Mexico City to transition toward a sustainable urban model: Transit-Oriented Development, territorial delimitation, public transport integration, mixed land use, small blocks, non-motorized mobility, automobile use control, and recreational public spaces. It establishes quantitative benchmarks for 2018, 2024, and 2030 to reduce car dependency and improve air quality and public health. Key recommendations include implementing a single payment card for integrated transport, establishing strict urban growth boundaries, and promoting 'urban recycling' to create walkable neighborhoods.

The policy brief argues that the EU's Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) must be significantly strengthened to meet Paris Agreement goals. It recommends a 95% emission reduction by 2050 and at least 45% by 2030, based on a carbon budget. The author identifies five critical loopholes—including the use of ETS credits and land-use offsets—that could allow an additional 4,703 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent to be released. It further proposes robust governance through National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and stronger financial penalties for non-compliant Member States.

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 document argues that the current trajectory of urbanization in the Global South—characterized by rapid population growth outpacing economic growth and the 'urbanization of poverty'—risks locking cities into unsustainable patterns. It proposes a new categorization of cities based on economic productivity and population growth, focusing on 'struggling' and 'emerging' cities. The authors contend that providing equitable access to core services (housing, water, sanitation, energy, and transport) is the essential entry point for broader transformative urban change. Using case studies from Medellín and Surat, the paper illustrates how solving a 'seminal problem' can trigger a virtuous cycle of improvement across governance, finance, and planning, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The document outlines the accounting framework for Landscape 2015, defining climate finance as capital flows for low-carbon and climate-resilient development. It specifies the inclusion of mitigation and adaptation finance, the types of financial instruments tracked, and the distinction between public and private finance. The methodology details the data sources used, such as BNEF and OECD, and provides a comprehensive sectoral breakdown for classifying mitigation and adaptation activities. It also lists the Development Finance Institutions and Climate Funds covered, and defines the regional classifications for the destinations of these financial flows.

The document analyzes the 2015 Spanish municipal elections, specifically the rise of 'citizen convergence' lists that integrated political parties, civil society, and independent activists. These movements, stemming from the 'Guanyem' initiative in Barcelona and influenced by the 15-M movement, sought 'democratic regeneration' through horizontal organization, open primaries, and codes of ethics. The author highlights the role of the green party EQUO in incorporating ecological policies—such as sustainable urban development and energy efficiency—into these agendas. The results showed significant success in cities like Barcelona, A Coruña, and Santiago de Compostela, suggesting a shift toward a more plural political cycle based on cooperation rather than the hegemonic strategies used by parties like Podemos.

The document provides a comprehensive introduction to Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), distinguishing them from carbon offsetting mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). It details the NAMA lifecycle—from concept to implementation—and examines the financial landscape, including the role of the NAMA Facility and the Green Climate Fund. The guide highlights the current state of NAMA deployment, noting that while many are in the design phase, few have reached implementation. It emphasizes the critical role of civil society in ensuring sustainable development and accountability through stakeholder engagement and Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) processes.

The author contends that 'corporate capture' of the UN and EU has prioritised profit over climate action, leading to ineffective market-based policies and rising emissions. The text advocates for a binding international agreement based on scientific evidence and historical responsibility, rather than political compromise. It calls for the abandonment of coal—which accounted for 43% of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in 2012—and the adoption of 'energy sovereignty' through decentralized, democratically controlled renewable energy. The author argues that the EU should lead by replacing market mechanisms like the EU-Emissions Trading Scheme with regulation, taxation, and subsidies to achieve necessary emission cuts.

The document details the first carbon and water footprint assessments for the city and municipal government of La Paz, Bolivia, using 2012 as a base year. It identifies the transport sector as the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions and the residential sector as the main contributor to the water footprint. The project led to the creation of a reduction action plan, the inclusion of environmental measures in the 2014 municipal budget, and the implementation of pilot projects such as a waste-to-energy system at the Municipal Zoo and peri-urban organic farming. Key challenges identified include data scarcity, the need for high-level political commitment, and the impact of a polarized political environment.

In 2013, global climate finance flows totaled USD 331 billion, a decrease of USD 28 billion from 2012. This decline was primarily driven by a USD 31 billion drop in private investment, largely due to falling solar PV costs. Public finance remained stable at USD 137 billion, with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) acting as the primary public source. Mitigation accounted for 91% of total flows, while adaptation received 7% (USD 25 billion), all of which originated from public sources. The report highlights a significant gap between current flows and the estimated USD 1.1 trillion annual investment needed in the energy sector to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius.

The workshop focused on leveraging international funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) to drive low-carbon investment in Brazil. Key discussions highlighted that a lack of long-term governmental strategic vision and internal organizational cultures in banks act as barriers to green investment. The event presented innovative financial instruments and case studies from Colombia and Mexico to demonstrate how blending concessional finance with private resources and risk mitigation tools can unlock climate-relevant investments.

The report argues that low-carbon technology adoption in developing countries requires tailored innovation systems rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It identifies specific needs for the 'bottom of the pyramid' (energy access), the rising middle class (lifestyle and urban planning), and industrial sectors (efficiency and value chain integration). The authors emphasize that the public sector must mitigate risks through financial support and coordination, while international bodies like the UNFCCC's Technology Mechanism should act as brokers to link finance, R&D, and knowledge sharing.

The document examines the impact of governance structures on urban climate action in Italy and Spain, comparing a top-down approach in Spain with a more reactive, bottom-up approach in Italy. It finds that while national and regional frameworks often fail to sufficiently support cities, transnational networks like the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) are pivotal in driving the development of local mitigation plans. In Spain, the Central Government's collaborative efforts were partially diluted by regional 'gatekeepers', whereas in Italy, the lack of national guidance led proactive cities to rely on networks and EU projects. Both countries show a strong focus on mitigation (energy and transport) but a significant deficiency in local adaptation planning.

The Obama administration's FY 2015 budget proposal emphasizes a "all of the above" energy strategy and the 2013 Climate Action Plan. Key financial highlights include a $1 billion Climate Fund for community adaptation, a $56 billion resilient infrastructure package, and a 26 percent increase in Department of Transportation funding to address an $86 billion maintenance backlog. The budget proposes making renewable energy tax credits permanent and eliminating $4 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. Significant funding increases are directed toward the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ($2.3 billion) and various sustainable transportation and building initiatives, while the EPA's overall budget is reduced by 3.8 percent.

The Good Life Initiative in New Earswick, York, sought to build community resilience and reduce carbon emissions through a holistic approach to sustainability. The project found that attempts to create groups solely around energy saving were unsuccessful; instead, success was achieved by identifying 'hooks'—local interests such as green spaces and school partnerships—to engage residents. While measurable reductions in household emissions could not be demonstrated, the project successfully raised awareness of low-carbon lifestyles, improved social connections, and enhanced community cohesion.

The report details the 'Good Life' initiative in New Earswick, York, which aimed to increase community resilience and reduce carbon emissions in a low-income area. Initial efforts focusing strictly on carbon footprints failed to engage residents, leading the project to pivot toward 'hooks' like nature and green spaces. This adaptive approach, including a partnership with a local secondary school for the 'Jo-Rio Mini Earth Summit', successfully increased participation and strengthened social networks. While the project could not quantitatively prove a reduction in household emissions, it demonstrated that improving social capital and leveraging trusted community voices are critical for fostering long-term pro-environmental behaviour and resilience in disadvantaged areas.

The report argues that green bonds can lower the cost of capital for green industries and increase financial transparency. It analyzes international experiences from development banks and municipal markets to propose a four-step blueprint for China: defining eligible green investments, coordinating regulatory frameworks, engaging investors through roundtables, and launching pilot projects across sovereign, municipal, and corporate issuers.

In June 2013, Mexico implemented Latin America's first fuel-efficiency standard for light vehicles, developed with support from EMBARQ Mexico and Centro Mario Molina. The standard mandates a fleet average of 14.9 kilometers per liter by 2016, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 170 megatons and save consumers $2,700 USD per vehicle over its lifetime. By aligning with U.S. and Canadian regulations, Mexico has harmonized its standards, potentially increasing the global competitiveness of its automotive industry.

The document analyzes the 2012 green and climate finance activities of 15 surveyed DFIs and DBs, who committed approximately USD 18.2 billion. While these institutions play a significant role in financing green economic development, their catalytic potential is hindered by a shortage of bankable projects and the uncertain viability of prototype technologies. The report details the sectoral distribution of funds—favoring mitigation and sustainable transport—and examines the ongoing financing of fossil fuel projects. It concludes by suggesting policy improvements and enhanced transparency through standardized reporting to further scale green investments.

The Transoeste BRT system in Rio de Janeiro has reduced travel times for 65% of riders by at least half and is projected to save 300,000 tons of CO2 annually by 2016. Supported by EMBARQ, the system improves social inclusion for residents in west Rio and is part of a plan to expand the network to 153 km by 2016.