Search Climate Insights Directory

This discussion note, prepared by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the Pan African Parliament, examines the surge of foreign investment in African agricultural land and water. It highlights the risks to food security, land rights, and the environment, while outlining the legal frameworks governing these deals and the critical oversight role parliamentarians should play to ensure sustainable development.

This briefing note, prepared for a July 2011 seminar organized by the Pan-African Parliament and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), examines the surge of foreign investment in African agricultural land and water. It highlights the risks to local food security, gender equality, and environmental standards, while outlining the legal frameworks governing these deals and the critical oversight role that parliamentarians should play to ensure sustainable development.

This policy brief argues that climate change hinders the achievement of development goals by disproportionately affecting the 'climate-vulnerable poor'. It calls for the integration of poverty reduction and adaptation strategies, a stronger evidence base on climate-poverty links, and a cautious approach to mitigation that prioritizes developmental co-benefits.

One year after hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa is urged to leverage the 'soft power' and international prestige gained from the event to address 'hard' geopolitical issues in Africa. The author suggests utilizing South Africa's roles in SADC, the AU, and the UNSC to resolve stalemates in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, and to address conflicts in Somalia, Darfur, and Abyei, while pushing for more decisive African-led solutions to avoid Western intervention as seen in Libya and Cote d’Ivoire.

This statement by the Institute for Security Studies argues that African Union (AU) member states should adopt a positive approach toward the International Criminal Court (ICC) during the 17th Ordinary Session of Heads of State. The author contends that while some states express misgivings about the court's focus on Africa, the ICC remains a vital tool for ending impunity where national systems fail, and that AU decisions shielding leaders from arrest undermine the international rule of law.

A budget vote speech delivered by Minister Molewa on June 23, 2011, to the National Council of Provinces, outlining progress and strategic plans for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in South Africa. The speech focuses on increasing water access, enhancing water security through infrastructure and desalination, combating environmental crime such as rhino poaching, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

In a statement delivered on 20 June 2011, Dame Nicola Brewer, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, outlines the evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa. She emphasizes a shift in the UK's perception of Africa from a 'problem' to a 'partner,' highlighting shared democratic values, economic opportunities, and a commitment to mutual growth and regional integration.

This report analyzes market trends and policy drivers within the international copper supply chain, specifically focusing on China's imports of copper scrap (Flow C) and primary copper mining products (Flow D). It examines the environmental and social impacts of these flows, the regulatory landscapes in key exporting and importing regions, and provides policy recommendations to improve sustainable development outcomes.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the governance of climate finance in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It analyzes the imbalance between mitigation and adaptation funding, the dominance of private finance over public funds, and the role of regional development banks in shaping climate policy and investment in these regions.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) proposes a normative framework for the governance of climate finance in developing countries. Based on a 2010 civil society meeting in Cape Town and research across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the document outlines priorities and principles to ensure that climate funding is just, effective, and driven by local developmental needs rather than donor priorities.

This briefing paper examines the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Libya following UN Security Council Resolution 1970, analyzing the legal implications of the referral, the challenges of enforcement within the African context, and the tension between international justice and military intervention under Resolution 1973.

Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson's 2011 budget speech for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) outlines a 4.719 billion rand budget focused on poverty alleviation, job creation, and the sustainable management of natural resources in South Africa.

This report by Friends of the Earth International and several partner organisations argues against the 'Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment' (RAI), asserting that large-scale land acquisitions—or 'land grabbing'—cannot be made responsible and should instead be outlawed to protect food sovereignty and human rights.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International and a coalition of social movements condemning the 'Principles of Responsible Agricultural Investment' (RAI) as a facade to legitimize large-scale land grabbing. The document argues that these voluntary principles, promoted by the World Bank and other international agencies, mask financial speculation and human rights violations while advocating instead for food sovereignty and genuine land reform.

This research paper examines South Africa's strategic objectives and challenges following its invitation to join the BRIC grouping in December 2010, focusing on its role as a representative for Africa in global governance, development, and trade.

This meeting report details a policy dialogue organized by the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in March 2011. The event focused on the implications of engagement by China, India, and Brazil (CIB) in Africa and how this affects Africa-Europe relations, emphasizing the need for mutual learning, triangular cooperation, and African-led development strategies.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the African Union's (AU) principle of rejecting unconstitutional changes of government. It analyzes the 'democrat's dilemma'—the tension between maintaining constitutional order and supporting popular uprisings against authoritarian regimes—specifically in the context of the 2011 Maghreb revolutions.

A statement by Fred Phaswana, Chairperson of the SAIIA National Council, discussing the role of think tanks in analyzing North African uprisings, the importance of democratic electoral processes in Africa, and South Africa's strategic international engagements in 2011, including its role in the UN Security Council, BRICS, and hosting the 17th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change.

This seminar report describes the activities and contributions of the Training for Peace in Africa Programme (TfP), an initiative of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document outlines TfP's efforts to build African civilian and police capacities for peace support operations (PSOs) through training, policy facilitation, and applied research, specifically supporting the African Union (AU) and various regional bodies.

This briefing analyzes the context of President Zuma's visit to Paris, focusing on the instability of French foreign policy toward Africa and the diplomatic tensions between France and South Africa regarding the political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire.