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The 48th meeting of the Executive Council (EC-48) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research took place on 6 June 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil, held in conjunction with the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-27).

The 47th meeting of the IAI Executive Council focused on coordinating scientific priorities, financial planning, and governance structures ahead of CoP-27. Key outcomes include recommendations for the adoption of a new IAI Strategic Plan and Scientific Agenda, the proposal to create a task force to engage national funding agencies, and the recommendation to extend the IAI Executive Director's contract. The Council also addressed the need for greater geographic and subject matter diversity within the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and discussed capacity-building efforts in Central America and the Caribbean.

The Espejo de Tarapacá project in Chile proposes the construction of a 300 MW pumped storage hydroelectric (PSH) plant and a 561 MW-AC photovoltaic (PV) solar plant. The project aims to provide a renewable baseload energy solution to the Chilean national grid, reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 1,001,187 tonnes per year. The proposal requests US$ 60 million in direct equity from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to act as an 'anchor' investor, helping to overcome market barriers and attract an additional US$ 1 billion in private sector debt and equity. Beyond energy generation, the project includes adaptation measures for local fishing communities in the Tarapacá Region, such as providing stable drinking water via a desalination plant and funding for economic diversification.

The Paris Agreement Rulebook, agreed upon in December 2018 in Katowice, Poland, provides the practical rules and guidelines for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement. It establishes frameworks for developing and communicating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reporting on climate adaptation and loss and damage, and managing climate finance from developed to developing nations. To ensure accountability, the Rulebook introduces an enhanced transparency framework, a global stocktake process starting in 2023, and an expert compliance committee. As of June 2019, outstanding issues include rules for international market mechanisms to prevent double-counting of emissions reductions and the standardization of time periods for NDCs.

The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) report for early 2019 details its operational status, including the adoption of new Procedures and Guidelines and the development of a Case Management System. While no formal complaints or reconsideration requests were received during the period, the IRM conducted a preliminary inquiry into a project in Peru regarding potential mis-categorization and lack of free, prior, informed consent. The IRM also focused on capacity building for direct access entities and outreach activities in Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, and China.

The memorandum establishes a partnership between SP/OTCA and IAI to strengthen regional capacities and scientific research in the Amazon Biome, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and the rights of indigenous and local communities.

The SB-50 negotiations in Bonn were characterized by persistent political deadlocks, particularly regarding the IPCC 1.5ºC report and Article 6 mechanisms. While there was an increase in countries advocating for human rights-based social safeguards in market mechanisms, deep divisions remain. The session also advanced reviews of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and the Gender Action Plan, while highlighting the importance of procedural rights and the Escazú Agreement for civil society participation.

The document is a participant list for the 27th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, which took place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 5-6 June 2019. It enumerates representatives from party nations, advisory committees, observers, and intergovernmental organizations.

Vigeo Eiris conducted a limited assurance procedure on the Republic of Chile's 2019 first Green Bond, concluding that it conforms in all material respects to the Climate Bonds Standard (CBS) version 2.1. The bond's proceeds are intended for 14 eligible green expenditures across solar energy, low carbon land transport, green buildings, and water management. The verification confirmed the existence of a documented decision-making process led by a Green Bond Committee and verified that the nominated projects meet specific sector criteria, such as a 30% carbon reduction target for buildings and a limit of 15% non-renewable electricity for solar projects. The report also validates the internal processes for tracking proceeds and the commitment to post-issuance compliance reviews.

The project achieved a 'Satisfactory-Highly Satisfactory' rating for its objectives, successfully strengthening national policies and engaging nine local communities in mangrove restoration and conservation. Key achievements include the update of national regulations in Panama and Ecuador, the development of a National Mangrove Plan in Ecuador (February 2019), and the creation of fisheries management plans in El Morro, Ecuador. While regional coordination through the CPPS was effective, the final regional strategy awaited official endorsement. Sustainability is rated as 'moderately likely' due to risks regarding long-term funding for on-the-ground activities.

The report examines the business models of commodity trading companies, specifically those dealing in non-fuel minerals, and identifies potential tax risks for host countries. It finds that while most trading is conducted at arm's length, risks emerge from profit-based fiscal instruments, opaque corporate structures, and specific financing arrangements like metal streaming. The authors recommend strengthening legal frameworks through mandatory contract registration, the use of globally recognized prices for tax calculations, and increased financial disclosure requirements for private trading firms.

The report examines the operations of mineral and metal commodity trading companies, highlighting their role as intermediaries and financiers for mining companies, particularly small-scale producers in emerging economies. It identifies that while most traders operate independently—reducing the risk of transfer pricing—their lack of transparency and use of complex corporate structures can facilitate tax evasion and corruption. The document specifically analyzes risks associated with 'metal streaming' and prepayments, which can shift wealth from host countries to investors. It recommends that host governments implement mandatory contract registration, use internationally recognized pricing for tax calculations, and strengthen financial disclosure requirements for private trading firms.

The report examines the operational and financial models of mineral and metal trading companies, highlighting their role as intermediaries and financiers for small and medium-sized mining firms. It concludes that while these companies generally operate on an arm's length basis, their inherent opacity and the use of complex financial arrangements, such as streaming agreements, create potential fiscal risks for host governments. The document recommends enhancing transparency through the EITI, implementing mandatory contract registration, and using globally recognized pricing for tax calculations.

The IAI Directorate Science-Policy has worked to bridge the gap between scientific research and public policy in the Americas. Key activities include drafting Rules of Procedure for the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), establishing cooperation with multilateral environmental agreements, and developing a project for decarbonization and climate resilient governance in South American megacities. The report highlights the impacts of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), where projects have influenced national inventories for GHG emissions in Brazil, changed mining policies in Ecuador, and informed water management reforms in Mexico. The Directorate is seeking to formalize mechanisms for Parties to present scientific results to decision-makers and identify priority research needs for global change policy.

The IAI Executive Directorate is implementing a multifaceted approach to improve the provision of scientific information to governments in the Americas. This includes drafting procedural regulations for the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), establishing links with multilateral environmental agreements, and strengthening the capacity of member states to integrate science into public policy. The report highlights the conclusion of the third round of Cooperative Research Networks (CRN3), detailing how specific projects on nitrogen cycles, tropical dry forests, water security, and marine ecosystems have influenced national policies and management plans in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Mexico.

The IAI Directorate implemented various capacity-building programs, including the São Paulo School of Advanced Science and science diplomacy workshops in partnership with AAAS. It established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of American States (OAS) and is developing a Science, Technology, Policy (STeP) Fellowship Program. The report also outlines efforts to secure external funding for seed grants and territorial governance laboratories to support transdisciplinary research on global change.

The IAI Executive Directorate reports on its capacity-building efforts, including the São Paulo School of Advanced Science and partnerships with the AAAS and OAS to integrate science and policy. It outlines ongoing initiatives like the STeP Fellowship and Seed Grant programs, while seeking CoP support for future implementation subject to external funding.

The IAI Directorate is implementing Phase One of its Long-Term Funding Strategy, which focuses on planning, preparation, and identifying potential donors across philanthropy, entertainment, politics, and technology sectors. Key efforts include seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the United States to facilitate external funding and pursuing 'Readiness Delivery Partner' status with the Green Climate Fund to support member countries. The IAI is also engaging in strategic partnerships, such as a climate resilient governance program for megacities in South America involving Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, and a global project on climate change and migration (SOURCES) led by the University of Amsterdam.

This report from the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines the council's activities and recommendations ahead of the 27th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-27) in Brasilia, Brazil. The EC provides guidance on the IAI Strategic Plan, the election rules for the Science and Policy Advisory Committee, and the establishment of flexible funding mechanisms for global change projects in the Americas.

This report from the Chair of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines the EC's activities and recommendations ahead of the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-27) in Brasilia, Brazil.