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The Green Economy Coalition (GEC) convened a global meeting in Cape Town from January 8-10, 2019, bringing together over 130 participants to address the question of how everyone can get a stake in the green economy. The event resulted in five core findings, a set of policy recommendations for the UN-PAGE Ministerial, and a framework for the GEC's next ten-year strategy. The report highlights a global trend toward green investment—noting over 9 trillion of private investment since 2007—while warning that biodiversity is in crisis and the global financial system is structurally unfit for the environmental crisis. It also provides status updates on green economy initiatives in several GEC hub countries, including South Africa, India, Mongolia, Peru, Senegal, and Uganda.

The document describes the Caribbean's approach to a green economy, defined by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) as aiming for long-term prosperity through equitable benefit distribution and ecological management. It highlights the increasing importance of resilience following the 2017 hurricanes and the emerging, though still conceptually unclear, 'blue economy' framework promoted by international actors. Key sectoral efforts focus on renewable energy (solar, geothermal, and wind) and greening the tourism industry. The text details various multi-stakeholder and intergovernmental initiatives, including the Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Group, the Santa Cruz Declaration on Local Green Enterprises, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States' (OECS) commitment to a strategic action plan for an inclusive green economy. Specific national examples include Grenada's 2016 Blue Growth Coastal Master Plan and the development of a Local Green-Blue Enterprise Radar in Trinidad and Tobago.

The report argues that social inclusion is core to the green economic transition and that citizen-led dialogues are an effective tool for bridging the gap between local stakeholders and national policymakers. It documents experiences from seven 'Hubs'—the Caribbean, India, Mongolia, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda—where multi-stakeholder processes were used to identify local priorities and influence policy. Key outcomes include the promotion of fly ash bricks in Bihar, India; the development of a Green-Blue Economy Strategy in the Eastern Caribbean; and the creation of a catchment management plan for the River Rwizi in Uganda. The document concludes with ten policy insights, emphasizing that inclusive transitions require embedded governance systems, robust institutional mechanisms for stakeholder voice, and a focus on 'nexus issues' that link social, economic, and environmental goals.

The IAI Strategic Plan (2019–2044) establishes a long-term framework to bridge the gap between science and policy in the Americas. The plan is organized into three themes: meeting the needs of member Parties, advancing science for regional sustainability, and ensuring the organizational sustainability of the IAI. Key priorities include promoting transdisciplinary research on climate action, water and energy security, and biodiversity, while expanding the institute's membership and establishing a 100 million USD endowment fund.

The IAI Strategic Plan (2019–2044) establishes a 25-year framework to bridge the gap between science and policy across the Americas. The plan is organized into three themes: meeting the needs of member states regarding global environmental change, advancing science for regional sustainability, and ensuring the IAI's own organizational sustainability. Key priorities include promoting open data, supporting underrepresented groups, and focusing research on critical areas such as food and water security, renewable energy, and climate action. The institute aims to expand its membership to all nations in the Americas and establish a $100 million endowment fund to secure its long-term operations.

The document argues that public participation is essential for the effective implementation of climate action, citing IPCC findings that stakeholder engagement increases the likelihood of success. It outlines specific entry points for enhancing procedural rights within the Paris Agreement's framework, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Adaptation Communications, the Transparency Framework, the Global Stocktake, and Article 6 mechanisms. It also emphasizes the need for an independent grievance redress mechanism for the Sustainable Development Mechanism and the operationalization of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform to ensure indigenous voices are reflected in the UNFCCC process.

The report argues that the complexity of high seas fisheries makes single-tool solutions ineffective, necessitating a combination of State regulation and economic incentives. It outlines nine principles for creating these 'smart mixes,' emphasizing the need for compatible instruments, targeted interventions, and the empowerment of non-State 'surrogate regulators.' The document supports these principles with case studies, including the Parties to the Nauru Agreement's Vessel Day Scheme and various tuna fishery initiatives in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.

The report examines the transition from command-and-control regulatory frameworks to incentive-compatible management (ICM) in highly migratory fisheries, focusing on tuna, billfish, and sharks. It analyzes the use of rights-based management (RBM)—such as individual transferable quotas (ITQs) and vessel day schemes—and market-based tools like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications and Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). Through case studies in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, the document argues that secure access rights and market incentives can rationalize fleets, reduce overfishing, and increase resource rents. It emphasizes a 'gradual' approach to implementation, the importance of stakeholder participation, and the need for enabling conditions such as robust monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) to ensure the success of these interventions.

The draft Strategic Plan (2019–2044) outlines the IAI's vision to create a sustainable and informed American continent through science-based policy. It focuses on three main themes: meeting the needs of member states regarding global environmental change, advancing science for sustainability (covering food, water, energy, and biodiversity), and ensuring the IAI's own institutional sustainability through improved communication and funding. The plan emphasizes transdisciplinary research, open data, and the inclusion of underrepresented groups such as indigenous peoples and women.

CIEL argues that IDB Invest's Access to Information Policy must be rooted in democratic principles and international law to protect affected communities and environmental defenders. Key recommendations include eliminating fees for information requests, extending the disclosure window for environmental and social documents to 120 days before Board approval, and ensuring the policy aligns with the Escazú Agreement. CIEL also emphasizes the need for robust protections for indigenous peoples' free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and the safety of environmental human rights defenders in the region.

The briefing contends that the distinction between adaptation and development projects is counter-productive and that adaptation should be viewed as 'doing development differently in response to climate change.' It proposes a framework for maximizing the impact of scarce adaptation finance by establishing strong climate rationales, building national adaptive capacity across four key areas, and shifting toward devolved decision-making to empower local communities.

The report evaluates the application of rights-based, suasive, financial, and market-based instruments within the international legal framework for fisheries, specifically focusing on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) and four key regional project areas.

The document analyzes how climate change increases the frequency and intensity of 'billion-dollar' disasters, straining national budgets and widening the 'protection gap'—the difference between total economic losses and insured losses. It details the transition from traditional actuarial science to forward-looking 'cat models' and geospatial modeling to price risk. To address 'tail risks' and the lack of insurability in vulnerable regions, the text highlights alternative mechanisms: catastrophe bonds for capital market risk transfer, microinsurance (parametric insurance) for low-income populations, and sovereign risk pools for multi-country coverage. It also notes the codification of insurance in international frameworks like the Paris Agreement's 'Loss and Damage' pillar and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Climate Central analyzed temperature data from 244 U.S. cities to determine the increase in days falling within the 61-93°F range suitable for disease transmission by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. The analysis found that 94% of these cities are experiencing an increase in these 'disease danger days' since 1970, with significant increases noted in California, the Southwest, and some northern cities. While most areas face higher risks, some locations like Phoenix may become too hot for mosquito survival. The report also highlights that warmer temperatures shorten the Extrinsic Incubation Period (EIP) of viruses, potentially increasing the number of infectious mosquitoes and expanding the range of species like Aedes albopictus.

The document analyzes the role of insurance in mitigating the fiscal shocks of climate change, highlighting the growing 'protection gap' where economic losses far exceed insured amounts. It details the shift from historical actuarial data to forward-looking 'catastrophe models' and explores innovative tools such as catastrophe bonds, microinsurance, and sovereign risk pools. The text also discusses the integration of insurance into international climate governance frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) reported progress on its 2018 work plan between January and May 2018, focusing on institutional strengthening, the development of a GCF evaluation policy, and the initiation of several key evaluations. The IEU is developing an evaluation policy through extensive stakeholder consultations and a reference group of international agencies. Key technical activities include the creation of evidence maps for forestry, adaptation, and transformational change, as well as a study on the evaluability of the GCF portfolio. The unit is also conducting a readiness evaluation and reviewing the GCF results management framework. To support these goals, the IEU has established partnerships with organizations such as the FAO and the Global Development Network and has launched a new website and newsletter to communicate standards and findings. As of April 30, 2018, the IEU had utilized 22% of its approved annual budget of USD 2,953,867.

The Government of Saint Lucia, led by the Department of Sustainable Development, implemented a strategic communications strategy to support its 10-year National Adaptation Plan (2018-2028). Key initiatives included the creation of a dedicated website, the engagement of journalists through workshops and challenges, the use of charismatic spokespersons and local artists for public awareness, and the development of a specific NAP logo. To measure the impact of these efforts, the government utilizes Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) surveys conducted between 2005 and 2016. These activities aim to foster consensus on climate threats and mobilize resources for adaptation in a country where inaction could cost up to 49 per cent of GDP by 2100.

The report analyzes the failure and survival of solar PV systems during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean to establish design and specification standards for high-wind environments. It identifies root causes of failure—such as undersized racking, inadequate bolting, and the use of T-clamps—and recommends high-load modules, through-bolting, and dual-post foundations. The authors advise against using trackers in Category 4 or higher wind zones and emphasize the need for site-specific structural engineering and collaboration between stakeholders and suppliers to develop Category 5-resistant hardware.

The report outlines the current composition of the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), noting the resignation of two members and the upcoming term conclusions for two others. It details intersessional activities, including four teleconferences and advisory roles regarding the Small Grants Call on Ecosystem Services and Adaptation for Human Well-Being (SGP-HW) and the CRN3 researchers meeting. The committee is scheduled to meet in June 2018 to evaluate SGP-HW pre-proposals and discuss research on global change, specifically regarding CRN4 and activities in the Central America and Caribbean region.

The document argues that public participation and access to information are essential for the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, contributing to higher ambition and resilience. It outlines specific entry points for enhancing these procedural rights across several UNFCCC agenda items, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Adaptation Communications, the Transparency Framework, the Global Stocktake, and Article 6 mechanisms. It also highlights the importance of regional frameworks like the Aarhus and Escazú Conventions and calls for improved engagement of observer organizations and the operationalization of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform.