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The Obama Administration's FY 2014 budget proposal emphasizes investments in clean energy and energy efficiency, proposing a total of approximately $7.9 billion for clean energy technology programs across all agencies. Key highlights include a $2 billion Energy Security Trust to reduce oil dependence, a $200 million 'Race to the Top' program for grid modernization and energy efficiency, and significant funding increases for the Department of Energy's (DOE) renewable energy programs. The budget also proposes $2 billion for a satellite system to improve climate modeling and weather forecasts, while calling for the elimination of $4 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. Substantial allocations are directed toward vehicle technologies, building efficiency, and international climate resilience through the Department of State.

The document describes Thailand's national strategy to transition toward a low carbon society through the "Low Carbon City" initiative. It outlines a nine-step systematic process developed by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) to help local governments inventory emissions, set targets, and implement mitigation measures. The case study focuses on Muangklang Municipality in Rayong province, which piloted this approach by implementing measures in buildings, transport, waste, agriculture, and urban spaces. Key findings emphasize that local leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the communication of tangible co-benefits—such as reduced waste disposal costs and increased food security—are critical for the success of low-emission development at the local level.

The report argues that transitioning to a green economy can serve as an insurance policy for Sweden against future global shocks. Using a scenario-based 'wind-tunnel' approach, it tests the robustness of various policy options across four plausible global futures: Glocal Citizenship, Global Governance, Return of Geopolitics, and Big Business. The authors conclude that while Sweden possesses strong preconditions—such as renewable resources and high social capital—it must proactively integrate environmental considerations into the heart of economic decision-making, specifically through the Ministry of Finance, to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness.

The Philippines Climate Change Act of 2009 established a centralized governance structure led by the Climate Change Commission to integrate climate resilience across government sectors and local government units (LGUs). While the Act provides a roadmap through the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (2011), its success depends on national coordination, financial support for LGUs, and the alignment of other government policies—such as mining and energy—which currently conflict with climate mitigation and ecosystem protection goals.

The external review assesses WRI's transition toward a more global presence, specifically its expansion into China, India, and Brazil, and its shift toward a 'do-tank' model. While praising WRI's analytical excellence, reputation, and successful engagement with the business sector, the review identifies needs for better program focus, increased attention to poverty and gender, and a more systematic approach to partnership management. It recommends that WRI refine its balance between strategic research and tactical implementation to maintain its comparative advantage as a high-impact global think tank.

The document argues for a coordinated EU response to the financial crisis, combining fiscal discipline and structural reform with financial regulation and a strategic shift toward green growth. It advocates for defending the euro, implementing a financial transaction tax, increasing corporate tax transparency, and expanding the mandate of the European Central Bank to prevent state bankruptcies. Finally, it asserts that the EU should leverage innovation in energy efficiency and renewable energies to drive economic growth and address climate change.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) announced the passing of Lee Schipper on August 16, 2011. Schipper co-founded EMBARQ, WRI's Center for Sustainable Transport, and was recognized for his leadership in developing data-driven sustainable transportation solutions. His professional career included roles as a project scientist at UC Berkeley's Global Metropolitan Studies and a Senior Research Engineer at Stanford University's Precourt Institute of Energy Efficiency. Schipper authored over 100 publications on energy, transportation, and the environment, and expanded EMBARQ's operations into China, India, and Mexico.

The report examines the role of public policy in catalyzing private investment for climate mitigation and adaptation, specifically in the energy, forestry, agriculture, transport, building, and waste sectors. It analyzes success stories from Brazil, China, and India, highlighting the effectiveness of targets, carbon pricing, and regulatory instruments. Additionally, it surveys 17 international public funding sources, including multilateral funds like the Climate Investment Funds and bilateral initiatives such as the Amazon Fund, detailing their governance, eligibility, and financial instruments.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) reported total revenue of $39,871,632 and total expenses of $37,145,082 for the 2009 tax year. Its primary mission is to "MOVE HUMAN SOCIETY TO LIVE IN WAYS THAT PROTECT EARTH'S ENVIRONMENT". The organization operates several key programs focusing on climate, energy, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and urban mobility, with significant grantmaking and program activities conducted both within the United States and internationally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and South America.

The document outlines four decades of activism by Friends of the Earth International, highlighting specific successes in banning commercial whaling in Spain, prohibiting open-pit mining in Costa Rica, and establishing the first climate change law in the UK. It details diverse campaigns against coal power in Germany, oil pollution in Nigeria, and genetically modified organisms in Europe, while emphasizing the role of grassroots mobilization and legal action in achieving environmental protections and human rights.

This report highlights the achievements of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) over four decades, detailing specific campaigns against extractive industries, pollution, and unsustainable development. It documents legal victories, such as the ban on open-pit mining in Costa Rica and the recognition of water as a human right in Uruguay, as well as grassroots successes in reforestation in Belgium and the protection of eucalyptus forests in Australia. The text emphasizes the role of international solidarity and legal action in challenging neoliberal globalization and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

The report identifies a significant discrepancy between the importance Americans place on environmentally friendly actions and their frequency of practice, while noting that barriers to these behaviors must be addressed through policy.

The paper introduces a dual-level agent-based and system dynamics model to evaluate transitions to sustainable mobility. Using UK data, the model indicates that while Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles may dominate in the long term (post-2030), biofuels and ICE-electric hybrids are the primary short-to-medium term alternatives due to existing development and infrastructure compatibility. The findings suggest that technological transitions are more probable than lifestyle change transitions, which require sustained environmental pressure and consumer behavioural shifts.

The report finds that Estonia's transport system is not developing sustainably, with car use and road freight growing in tandem with the economy, leading to high energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions. While traffic fatalities have decreased significantly, urban air quality has suffered due to increased particulate matter from cars. The report compares Estonia's performance with EU averages and neighbors (Finland and Latvia), noting that Estonia has some of the least fuel-efficient new cars in Europe. Three scenarios for 2020 are analyzed: a 'BAAS' (baseline) scenario where trends continue, a 'TEHNO' scenario focusing on rapid vehicle efficiency gains, and an 'EFEKT' scenario focusing on mobility management and sustainable transport modes. The authors recommend a combination of both TEHNO and EFEKT measures, including CO2-based vehicle taxation, improved public transport and active mobility infrastructure, and integrated urban planning to decouple economic growth from transport demand.

The report examines the transition from traditional, inefficient bus services to modernized systems, primarily Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), across 13 cities in Latin America and Asia. It highlights that while these systems generally improve travel speed, reduce emissions, and lower capital costs compared to rail, they often suffer from rushed implementation, inadequate user education, and financial instability due to politically determined fares. The analysis emphasizes the importance of high-level political commitment, comprehensive planning, and the use of technical fare-setting to ensure long-term sustainability.

The author contends that climate change is frequently misclassified as a narrow environmental issue, leading to siloed governance and ineffective decision-making. To address the uncertainty and scale of climate impacts, the document advocates for framing climate change as a central strategic risk, establishing statutory duties for action, creating a Cabinet-level Office of Country Risk, and retraining civil service bureaucracies in systems thinking. It highlights examples of progress, such as the UK's Climate Change Act and the US national security community's view of climate change as a "threat multiplier."

The document outlines a comprehensive framework for accelerating campus climate initiatives, focusing on five key areas: climate action planning, buildings and utilities, renewable energy, transportation, and carbon offsets. It emphasizes 'whole-system thinking' and 'integrative design' to achieve deep energy savings and carbon reductions more cost-effectively than incremental improvements. The guide addresses common barriers such as insufficient capital, lack of technical expertise, and institutional resistance, offering specific financial tools like Revolving Loan Funds and Energy Performance Contracting. It also provides case studies from various U.S. institutions to illustrate successful implementation of energy-efficient retrofits, renewable energy installations, and sustainable transportation programs.

The study finds that the average York resident has a carbon footprint of 12.58 tonnes of CO2 per year, with housing and transport accounting for 60% of this total. Analysis of Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) reveals significant variation: the highest footprints are found in city centre, rural, and commuter areas, while the lowest are in disadvantaged urban areas or student-heavy neighbourhoods. The report identifies a gap between green attitudes and actual behaviour, noting that some neighbourhoods with strong green attitudes still maintain high footprints. By combining data on emissions, resident attitudes, and local infrastructure, the report identifies specific neighbourhoods with the 'highest potential' for change. For housing, these include Heworth Without Rural and South Bank Central; for transport, the Holgate and Osbaldwick areas are highlighted. The findings support the 'York Green Streets Challenge', a project targeting 100 households to achieve a 10% reduction in their carbon footprint in 2010.

The document examines the critical role of regional governments in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, noting that while national governments negotiate international targets, regions often hold the actual competencies for execution. It analyzes 23 regions, highlighting a variety of instruments such as carbon taxes, subsidies, and cap-and-trade systems. A detailed case study of the Basque Country's 'Basque Plan to Combat Climate Change 2008-2012' illustrates how a small, industrialised region can set specific targets for GHG emissions and carbon sinks while coordinating across multiple policy sectors.

The report provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of 40 low-carbon interventions in Mexico, focusing on electricity, oil and gas, end-use energy, transport, and agriculture and forestry. It argues that Mexico can stabilize its greenhouse gas emissions at 2008 levels by 2030 while maintaining economic growth, provided it overcomes institutional and regulatory barriers. The study highlights 'win-win' interventions with positive economic returns and significant co-benefits for public health and energy security.