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This executive summary distills the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report for African decision-makers, highlighting that Africa is already experiencing warming (0.5–2°C) and shifting rainfall patterns. It emphasizes that human activity is the dominant cause of this warming and warns of severe risks to food security, health, and economic growth, particularly in climate-sensitive primary sectors. The report advocates for integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies, noting that while further warming is inevitable in the coming decades, immediate adaptation can reduce risks and provide development benefits.

This background brief outlines the mission and strategic framework of the International Institute for Sustainable Development's (IISD) Mining and Sustainable Development Initiative. The initiative aims to ensure mining contributes to inclusive growth and social development without compromising the environment by shifting the focus of mining agreements from narrow fiscal benefits to a broader range of economic and social expenditures.

The ISS Guide is a 2014 manual designed to help African States ratify and implement the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). It details the treaty's scope—covering eight categories of conventional arms—and provides a framework for national legislation, including export assessment criteria, recordkeeping requirements, and the use of end-user certificates to prevent illicit arms diversion.

This discussion brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute reviews global studies to estimate the international finance required for climate change mitigation, specifically for a warming trajectory of no more than 2°C. It distinguishes between various metrics—such as total, incremental, and net climate-relevant investment—and highlights a significant gap between current funding and the needs of developing (non-OECD) countries.

This discussion brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the relationship between disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation, arguing for a more integrated approach that addresses the underlying drivers of vulnerability and the wider context of social and economic development.

This briefing, based on a 2014 workshop in Nairobi, examines the potential for low-carbon energy options to expand energy access in Africa. It discusses the financial requirements for universal access, the barriers to adopting renewables, and the potential for low-carbon solutions to align with broader development goals such as health, employment, and national energy sovereignty.

This report summarizes an expert workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 10-11, 2014, organized by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The workshop, part of the New Climate Economy project, examined the synergies and trade-offs between expanding modern energy access and mitigating climate change, focusing primarily on the African context.

This 2014 policy report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the water-energy nexus, specifically focusing on the sustainability of hydropower and bioenergy. It analyzes the environmental and social trade-offs of these energy sources, provides a detailed case study of Sweden's hydropower experience, and offers strategic recommendations for development assistance organizations supporting private sector bioenergy projects in developing countries.

This research paper analyzes the shifting landscape of maritime piracy in Africa, contrasting the decline of Somalia-based piracy with the significant rise of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. It examines the different tactics used in these regions, the impact on Africa's 'blue economy', and the regional security strategies being implemented by West African states and the African Union.

A condolence statement from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela following his passing in 2013.

This policy briefing examines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that the process can transform non-state actors from adversaries into governance partners. While the APRM mandates CSO inclusion in national assessments and governing structures, the author identifies significant challenges in maintaining momentum post-review and ensuring the quality of representation. The document provides recommendations for governments to involve CSOs in the implementation phase and for CSOs to leverage their exposure to state dynamics for sustained policy dialogue.

This policy note by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the first decade of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), analyzing its structural challenges, achievements in opening political space, and the systemic failures in implementing National Programmes of Action (NPoAs).

Natural Justice, a not-for-profit association, issued a statement of support for its Fellow in India, Stella James, following her public accounts of sexual harassment. The organization condemned all forms of harassment and abuse of women, particularly within the legal profession, and requested that media refer to James's original statements and respect her privacy.

A statement from the president of Friends of the Earth U.S. advocating for a 'Robin Hood Tax' to fund the global response to the climate crisis, arguing that current funding mechanisms are insufficient and often repurpose existing development aid.

The 'Minimum Standards for local climate-smart disaster risk reduction' is a practical guide and checklist designed to help local community leaders and disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners integrate future climate-related risks and uncertainties into their risk reduction efforts. It provides a framework for community-level action and guidance for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government authorities to support these efforts, ensuring that DRR activities contribute to long-term climate change adaptation and move beyond 'business as usual'.

This research paper examines Brazil's strategic shift toward the South Atlantic, driven by the discovery of pre-salt oil and gas reserves. It details Brazil's efforts to secure these resources through naval modernization, legal claims to extend its continental shelf, and expanded military cooperation with African nations to establish a regional identity and deter outside powers.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of InternationalCS International Affairs (SAIIA) argues that 'best practices' identified within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) are an underutilised resource for peer learning. While over 200 practices have been documented across 15 country review reports, the author contends they remain confined to these reports with little impact. The document recommends formalising the definition of best practices, integrating their identification into country self-assessments, and creating dedicated repositories and forums to disseminate these home-grown solutions to improve governance across Africa.

This policy briefing examines the engagement of African nations with the G-20's financial regulation and development initiatives. It highlights the challenges of aligning international standards, such as Basel II/III, with local developmental goals and identifies the institutional channels through which African countries can influence global financial policy.

This document compares over 40 studies on regional GHG reduction targets based on various effort-sharing approaches. It finds that targets vary significantly by approach and region; for a 450 ppm CO2e stabilization level by 2030, OECD 1990 allowances would be roughly half of 2010 levels, while other regions like Asia and Latin America would see different relative reductions. The author notes that current literature covers only a small fraction of possible allocation approaches and calls for more in-depth modelling.

This briefing argues that the international community should use the process of Syria's accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as a catalyst for a broader, holistic approach to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) disarmament, specifically within the Middle East.