Search Climate Insights Directory

Colombia possesses significant wind and solar potential, estimated at 30 GW and 32 GW respectively, though installed capacity remained low at approximately 1.5% of the electrical matrix in 2022. A strong increase is projected by 2027, potentially reaching nearly 40% of capacity if approved projects are operationalized. The document details a robust incentive framework including tax deductions and VAT exemptions, alongside mechanisms for community benefit distribution and indigenous rights. While investment reached record levels in 2021, the sector faces challenges in gender representation and the need for stronger policies to ensure local employment and social equity.

Colombia possesses significant wind and solar potential, particularly in the La Guajira region, though these sources represented only 1.5% of the capacity mix in 2022. The document details a robust framework of incentives—including tax deductions and VAT exemptions—and predicts that approved projects could increase the solar and wind share of the capacity mix to nearly 40% by 2027. It also examines financing mechanisms, environmental licensing, and the integration of social safeguards such as Free Prior Informed Consent and benefit-sharing schemes for Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.

The document is a collection of research papers and reports focusing on the intersection of media literacy, audience engagement, and media accountability. It examines how these elements can counter political polarisation and fake news in India, prevent extremist violence in the United States, and support peace-building in Colombia. It also analyzes structural challenges to media accountability in Africa and Latin America, specifically highlighting gender inequalities in Argentine media and the role of audience ombudspersons in Mexico. Additionally, it discusses the digital divide and the need to decolonize digitality in Asia.

The document discusses the critical need to reduce anthropogenic methane emissions, particularly from the oil and gas sector, to limit global warming. It details a transition from 'bottom-up' estimation methods to 'top-down' monitoring using ground-based, airborne, and spaceborne instruments. The authors advocate for globally recognised testing standards, integrated observing systems, and robust reporting protocols to support smart regulation. It highlights that the oil and gas industry could eliminate nearly 75% of its global methane emissions using existing technologies at little to no cost, and notes emerging regulations in regions including North America, Europe, Nigeria, and Colombia.

The GCF Accreditation Panel recommends the re-accreditation of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a second term with no conditions. The assessment confirms that IDB continues to meet GCF's basic and specialized fiduciary standards, environmental and social safeguards, and gender policies. IDB's portfolio includes eight approved GCF projects totaling USD 761.7 million, with a strong track record in mitigation and adaptation, particularly in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The report highlights IDB's commitment to Paris Agreement alignment and its capacity to support direct access entities through capacity-building initiatives.

Friends of the Earth International condemns the intimidation of environmental leaders in the Magdalena Medio region of Santander, Colombia, who are protesting an open-pit coal mine operated by the French company Colcco S.A. The organization demands the Colombian government ensure the safety of defenders and follow through on the Ministry of Environment's January 25, 2023, announcement to begin revoking the 30-year mining permit.

Friends of the Earth International is calling on the Colombian government to protect environmental defenders in the Magdalena Medio region of Santander who are facing threats and intimidation from groups like the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC) while protesting an open-cast coal mine operated by the French company Colcco S.A.

Friends of the Earth International expresses solidarity with communities in Santander, Colombia, who are protesting an open-pit coal mine operated by Colcco S.A. The organization condemns threats and intimidation by the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC) against environmental leaders and demands that the Colombian government safeguard these defenders and finalize the revocation of the mining permit.

The 2023 Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor evaluates 24 multinational companies, finding that 15 of them have climate strategies of low or very low integrity. Key issues include ambiguous net-zero pledges, insufficient 2030 targets that fall short of 1.5°C pathways, and a heavy reliance on non-permanent biological carbon offsets. While emission disclosure transparency is moderate, the report highlights a critical '2030 blind spot' where corporate commitments do not match the required global reductions of 43-48% by 2030. The authors advocate for a shift from offsetting to a 'climate contribution' approach and call for tighter regulatory oversight to ensure corporate accountability.

The report examines the South African cannabis industry, arguing that current legal and regulatory frameworks create high barriers to entry that exclude traditional growers and small enterprises. It identifies critical bottlenecks in medical cannabis exports, such as the lack of mutual recognition for SAHPRA licenses in European markets, and a lack of processing capacity for industrial hemp. The authors advocate for a tiered licensing system, the legalisation of a regulated adult-use market to support inclusive growth, and the establishment of a specialised state agency to coordinate the sector's development and ensure decent work and environmental sustainability.

The document analyzes how host governments treat foreign rebel groups, finding a global trend toward increased suppression and decreased support since the mid-1990s. It identifies leadership transitions and US-led 'naming and shaming' after 9/11 as primary drivers of anti-rebel cooperation. The analysis concludes that joint counterinsurgency operations are more effective at destroying rebel bases than unilateral actions.

The analysis finds that interactions between key SDG targets are generally synergetic at a global level under a 1.5°C warming limit, with climate finance and policy mainstreaming acting as primary accelerators for other goals.

The document analyzes the relationship between trade and climate change in Latin America, highlighting the region's relatively low greenhouse gas emissions intensity but high vulnerability to climate hazards. It examines domestic climate commitments in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—such as electromobility, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives—and their trade implications. The paper also assesses external pressures from trading partners, specifically the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and deforestation regulations. It concludes by recommending strengthened international cooperation, technology transfer, and the expansion of 'Aid for Trade' to support a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

The document argues that the Open Government Partnership (OGP) is an underutilized platform for conservationists to drive transparency, participation, and accountability in natural resource governance. It provides three specific templates for creating OGP commitments: beneficial ownership transparency to combat deforestation, openness and integrity in wildlife law enforcement, and participatory governance for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The guide emphasizes that these reforms help prevent 'open washing' by using multi-stakeholder forums and independent reporting to track government progress.

The document argues that conservationists have underutilized the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a platform for achieving conservation priorities. It provides three specific templates for OGP commitments: beneficial ownership transparency to reduce deforestation, integrity in wildlife law enforcement, and participatory governance for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The guide explains how to identify problems, propose solutions, and define verifiable results within the OGP's multisectoral forum and independent review mechanism.

The IAI Science Diplomacy Center (SDC) held its first advisory board meeting in November 2022 to establish a framework for strengthening the science-policy interface in the Americas. The board defined a vision focused on peaceful and sustainable regional development through transdisciplinary collaborations and set goals including the creation of a science diplomacy knowledge hub and regional training. Key recommendations include focusing on 'Climate Action' as a priority thematic area, leveraging the Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) Fellowship program to produce non-technical policy briefs, and developing a strategic communication plan to attract diverse funding from foundations and member Parties. The meeting also highlighted the need for contextualized training that includes scientists, diplomats, and journalists, and the establishment of a formal mentorship program to bridge the gap between early-career researchers and policy-makers.

The report assesses gender gaps in Colombia, specifically within rural and indigenous communities, to inform the Heritage Colombia (HECO) program's efforts in climate-responsive planning and forest management. It identifies significant disparities in land tenure, labor participation, and the burden of unpaid care work, while highlighting the risks of gender-based violence against environmental leaders. The document outlines a Gender Action Plan across three project components: strengthening governance, establishing participatory monitoring systems, and improving land and forest management, with specific targets for women's participation and the integration of gender-responsive indicators.

The document argues that energy transitions in Latin America are often reductionist, focusing on decarbonization while continuing to support fossil fuels as economic drivers or transition catalysts. Through case studies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, it highlights a disconnect between international climate commitments and public investment, warning that the current approach risks creating carbon 'lock-in' and prolonging extractivism.

The report examines climate misinformation surrounding extreme weather in Latin America, focusing on case studies in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. It finds that highly visible, multi-causal, and emotional events are frequently weaponized by political figures to assign blame to scapegoats or promote conspiracy theories, thereby obscuring the scientific drivers of the climate crisis.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is seeking concept notes for projects in Africa that leverage local and indigenous knowledge for climate resilience. Up to five projects will be selected for grants of up to $150,000 over a maximum of three years. Projects must align with themes such as gender equality, social inclusion, resilience financing, ecosystem-based approaches, climate knowledge, and youth empowerment. Priority is given to organisations founded and led within Africa, with a strong emphasis on locally-led adaptation and the inclusion of marginalised groups.