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This report details the outcomes of the First Learning Workshop for Phase II of the CDKN-ICLEI sub-national learning programme, held in Quito, Ecuador, from 27 to 31 July 2015. The workshop aimed to transition sub-national climate compatible development (CCD) from planning to implementation by facilitating peer-to-peer exchange among 51 participants representing 16 projects across Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Key activities included regional meetings to identify enabling factors for CCD, site visits in Quito, and the identification of knowledge gaps to inform the development of project-specific 'Inside Stories'.

This research paper analyzes the impact of currency risk on infrastructure projects in developing markets, arguing that hard currency loans from International Financing Institutions (IFIs) create dangerous asset-liability mismatches. The authors propose that IFIs shift their strategy from direct lending to developing local capital markets and providing credit guarantees. This approach aims to leverage private commercial capital and reduce the financial burden on host governments and end-users.

The Energy Retrofit Guide for Caribbean Hospitals, published by RMI in August 2015, provides a framework for healthcare administrators in the Caribbean to reduce operating costs and improve facility resilience through deep energy retrofits. The guide outlines a three-step process—Find, Finance, and Follow-through—and introduces a complementary online tool to help facilities benchmark performance and identify energy efficiency measures (EEMs).

The June 2015 report from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) evaluates the progress of interdisciplinary research programs in the Americas. The SAC emphasizes the success of combining natural and social sciences to create policy-relevant solutions but identifies a critical lack of regional data infrastructure to distribute these findings to decision-makers and the public.

This research paper examines the strategic importance of the South Atlantic Zone for South Africa's foreign policy, arguing that treating the region as a single entity can bridge the divide between African and Latin American engagements. It highlights opportunities for cooperation in maritime security, the 'blue economy' through Operation Phakisa, and South-South economic and cultural collaboration, while noting that current trade levels remain low despite significant potential.

This report analyzes Energy Savings Insurance (ESI), a financial instrument developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and BASE to mitigate the risk of underperformance in energy efficiency projects for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in developing countries.

The IAI activities plan for July 2015 – June 2016 outlines institutional restructuring, research initiatives focused on ecosystem services and adaptation, and a series of capacity-building seminars and workshops across Latin America and the Caribbean.

This policy brief examines the conflict between the UNFCCC's principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDRRC) and the international aviation law's principle of equal treatment. It argues that 'contextual treatment'—which considers changing national circumstances and provides implementation assistance—offers a viable path to reconcile these opposing frameworks to regulate international aviation emissions.

The minutes of the Twenty-second IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP), held in Mexico City on August 13-14, 2014, detail the administrative, financial, and scientific governance of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. The meeting focused on implementing a tripartite governance structure across Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, approving the 2014-2015 core budget, and establishing a new Science-Policy Liaison Advisory Committee (SPAC) to better translate scientific research into usable policy advice for member countries.

This report by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) provides a high-level snapshot of the mitigation landscapes in 14 priority partner countries and regions to inform the development of intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) for COP21. It analyzes national legislation, emission targets, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), and donor-funded projects, highlighting the diversity in ambition and capacity across developing nations.

This research paper, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) in April 2014, examines strategies for implementing climate compatible development at the subnational level (cities, districts, and provinces) across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It identifies specific challenges, such as scientific uncertainty and limited resources, and highlights opportunities for local innovation and the use of indigenous knowledge. The paper provides a framework of effective strategies, including the use of knowledge partnerships and participatory processes, and discusses the necessity of scaling these local successes up to national levels and out to other jurisdictions to achieve global transformational change.

This conference report from the Green Economy Coalition details discussions held at Wilton Park in February 2014 regarding 'Real Green Economies'. The document critiques the macro-economic, top-down models of 'green growth' promoted by international institutions, arguing that they often ignore social justice and the needs of the poor. It advocates for a transition based on diverse, community-led pathways and the integration of social equity into green policy from the outset.

This opinion paper by Simon Maxwell, Executive Chair of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKn), proposes a five-point plan to win the public and policy argument on climate change. The author argues that because climate policy creates winners and losers, a strategic approach is necessary to build and sustain support for the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient society.

This briefing, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in 2014, distils the findings of the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It outlines the observed and projected impacts of climate change on SIDS, including sea level rise, temperature increases, and the degradation of critical ecosystems like coral reefs. The document discusses the high economic costs of adaptation relative to SIDS' GDP, the risks of 'maladaptation', and the necessity of international cooperation and finance to avert existential threats to atoll nations.

This information brief outlines the concept of 'no and low regrets' investment options to enhance climate resilience within the Caribbean water sector. It advocates for investments that provide immediate benefits and remain effective across various future climate scenarios, highlighting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and tools like CCORAL as key mechanisms for implementation.

The GEC Strategy 2014-2017 outlines the Green Economy Coalition's plan to accelerate the transition to a green, fair, and inclusive economy. The strategy focuses on improving the narrative of the transition, establishing dialogue hubs, developing ethical frameworks for natural capital, and promoting equity and financial reform through civil society leadership.

This research paper compares the socio-economic profiles and disaster coping mechanisms of low-income persons in the agriculture and tourism sectors across the Caribbean (Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Lucia) and the South West Indian Ocean (Mauritius and the Seychelles). The study evaluates the demand for microinsurance as a tool to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events.

This research paper evaluates a capacity-building approach designed to help policy-makers in the Caribbean region mainstream Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) into national and regional development strategies. Using a six-step process based on the Driving Forces–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSC-DPSIR) framework, the authors conductedSSSS conducted three training applications in Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia. The study identifies key barriers to implementation, including limited human and financial resources, a lack of cross-sectoral collaboration, and the perception that MEAs are the sole responsibility of a single ministry.

A case study detailing how the government of St. Maarten established its first national park, the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, using economic valuation tools provided by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

This progress report from the President of the Executive Council (CE) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the transition to a tripartite governance structure, the status of regional offices, and challenges regarding the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).