Search Climate Insights Directory

The document examines the high volatility of coffee prices and the resulting financial instability for 20–25 million coffee-producing households. It argues that while traditional risk mitigation—such as diversification and reduced input use—is costly and inefficient, market-based instruments like futures, options, and over-the-counter (OTC) contracts can provide a more effective alternative. The report identifies significant barriers to adoption, including stringent 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) rules, lack of financial sophistication, and the inefficiency of many cooperatives. It suggests that the most viable path forward involves local banks acting as intermediaries, the development of local commodity exchanges, and the integration of risk management into physical trade and finance contracts.

The document assesses how certification schemes like Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance affect coffee producer incomes. It argues that while these standards can reduce price volatility through premiums and minimum price floors, their overall impact is limited by the small market share of certified coffee relative to conventional markets. The author also explores non-price factors, such as improved farm management and shade-grown quality, as potential drivers of long-term income stability.

The IAI Executive Directorate report for 2006-2007 details the institute's efforts to integrate climate science with policy, specifically focusing on land-use change in the Plata Basin and urbanisation in Latin America. It highlights the transition from the CRN I to CRN II research networks, the success of the Training Institute Seed Grants (TISG) in fostering multidisciplinary networks across 19 countries, and new strategic partnerships with organizations like IDRC, SCOPE, and the MacArthur Foundation to address biodiversity in the Andes.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) requests a core budget of US$ 1,014,931 for fiscal year 2007/2008, a level consistent with the previous two years. The budget supports the Directorate's operations, including the management of the CRN II Program, the implementation of the Small Grants Program for the Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), and the development of a new IAI Strategic Plan. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, with proposed adjustments to compensate for the loss of purchasing power of the US dollar against the Brazilian Real. The budget is funded by contributions from member countries, with the United States providing the largest share at US$ 595,000.

The IAI's central budget request for 2007/2008 is US$1,014,931, maintaining a stable funding level compared to previous years. The budget supports the administration of the CRN II program, the implementation of the Small Grants Program for Human Dimensions (SGP-HD) with a US$800,000 budget, and the development of a new Strategic Plan to link science with policy. Key financial adjustments include proposed salary increases for international staff to offset the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation and exchange rate fluctuations in Brazil. Member contributions are led by the United States (US$595,000) and Canada (US$125,000).

The IAI report details the successful implementation of the CRN-II program and the closure of CRN-I, alongside new funding from the NSF for human dimensions research. It highlights expanded institutional cooperation with entities like RIOCC, CYTED, and IICA, and the organization of several workshops on climate-land use interfaces and disaster risk management. Administratively, the IAI appointed a new Financial and Administrative Officer and is transitioning its Data and Information System to open-source software. Financially, as of November 2006, only 6% of approved member contributions had been collected, though the institute expects to reach 90% for the 2006/2007 period.

The IAI Directorate report for May-November 2006 highlights the implementation of the CRN-II program, the closure of CRN-I, and the initiation of a new human dimensions program funded by the NSF. The period was marked by expanded regional cooperation with entities like RIOCC, CYTED, and IICA, as well as capacity-building efforts including a summer school in Germany and workshops on climate-land use interactions. Internally, the IAI appointed a new Financial and Administrative Officer and completed an independent audit. Financially, as of November 2006, only 6% of approved member nation contributions had been collected, though the Directorate estimated a final collection rate of 90% for the 2006/2007 period.

The paper explores the creation of markets for ecosystem services (MES) to address the decline of nature's regulating, supporting, and cultural services. It argues that while provisioning services are easily priced via property rights, indirect services are often public goods requiring government intervention and innovative valuation. The author proposes that multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) can provide the necessary institutional structure and trading platforms to implement pro-poor MES, potentially bundling services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation to reduce transaction costs and align with Millennium Development Goals.

The 23rd SAC meeting in Toronto focused on evolving the IAI's mission to better bridge the gap between global environmental change science and policy. Key discussions included the need for a 10-year strategic plan, the integration of social and natural sciences, and the importance of ecosystem services as a unifying theme. The committee also addressed ethical frameworks for human research, the allocation of approximately USD 1 million in remaining CRN II funds, and the transition of leadership to Michael Brklacich as the new SAC President.

The IAI's 2006/07 program focuses on transitioning from a period of scientific excellence to one of policy relevance and regional integration. Key initiatives include the implementation of the second Collaborative Research Network (CRN II), the synthesis of CRN I, and the development of a Program on Climate Variability in the Americas with CPTEC. The IAI aims to strengthen capacity building through seed grants, training institutes on disaster risk and climate impacts, and strategic partnerships with organizations like the UN ISDR and IICA. Administrative efforts are centered on optimizing internal processes through new manuals and an electronic proposal and report system.

The IAI's 2006/07 annual plan focuses on transitioning from a purely scientific excellence program to one that integrates policy relevance and adaptation to global change. Key initiatives include the launch of the Cooperative Research Networks II (CRN II), the conclusion of CRN I, and the implementation of six strategic goals approved in 2002. The plan emphasizes administrative rationalization, the expansion of the Data Information System (DIS), and increased cooperation with Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Capacity building will be driven by 'seed grants' and multidisciplinary training institutes focused on the science-policy interface, including collaborations with organizations like the UN's ISDR and the IICA.

The report evaluates a project that engaged young researchers from seven developing countries to bridge the policy gap between the information society (IS) and sustainable development (SD). It identifies key success factors for youth engagement, such as 'learning by doing' and a 'sense of ownership,' while highlighting the critical need for robust institutional and intellectual support. The document details how researchers in countries like South Africa and Kenya directly influenced national ICT strategies and emphasizes the necessity of gender-disaggregated data and specialized recruitment to effectively integrate young women into the policy process.

The report examines how trade liberalization, specifically through the WTO's Doha Round and NAMA negotiations, facilitates the privatization of natural resources and harms marginalized populations. It provides case studies on the depletion of fisheries in the Philippines and Seychelles, deforestation in Indonesia and Central America, and the impact of industrial pig farming and soy expansion in Denmark and Argentina. The document advocates for food and energy sovereignty and the recognition of water as a human right over a tradable commodity.

The IAI Executive Directorate report for May-August 2005 outlines the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director, the evaluation of 37 proposals for the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) program, and the planning of training institutes on climate vulnerability in Paraguay and climate-health in Jamaica. Administratively, the IAI approved new employee and project management manuals and initiated the process to become an observer of the UNFCCC. Financially, the report notes that as of June 30, 2005, the core budget received 99% of contributions, though several member countries still had outstanding balances.

The IAI Directorate report for May–August 2005 outlines personnel changes, including the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Director and Mrs. Ione Anderson as Program Manager. Key scientific activities include the peer-review of 37 proposals for the Collaborative Research Network (CRN II) and the planning of a synthesis meeting in Brazil to bridge the gap between science and governance. The report also details the organization of training institutes on climate variability in Paraguay and climate and health in Jamaica, as well as administrative progress such as the approval of employee and project management manuals and efforts to obtain observer status with the UNFCCC.

The document examines the ongoing WTO negotiations on environmental goods, noting that current proposed lists of goods for liberalization primarily benefit developed countries, who account for 79 per cent of exports. To create a more balanced outcome, the author suggests expanding the definition of environmental goods to include environmentally preferable products (EPPs) of export interest to developing countries—specifically non-timber forest products and natural fibre products—and implementing Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provisions such as delayed compliance and less-than-full reciprocity.

The document examines the role of economic valuation in creating markets for ecosystem services, detailing various valuation methodologies and providing global case studies of payment schemes for watershed functions and biodiversity. It argues that while market-based instruments can be effective, their success depends on robust legal frameworks, property rights, and institutional capacity, particularly in developing countries.

This document is a list of participants for the 20th Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Executive Council (EC) Meeting, which took place in Montreal, Canada, on May 2-3, 2005.

The briefing outlines the administrative and strategic outcomes of the IAI's 12th CoP meeting, including the election of a new Executive Director, the approval of the 2005-2006 budget and annual program, and the appointment of new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee. Key institutional decisions include the approval of CPTEC/INPE as an affiliated institution and an agreement in principle to register the IAI with the UNFCCC.

The twelfth meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP) focused on administrative governance, budgetary approvals, and institutional expansion. Key outcomes included the election of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director, the approval of the 2005-2006 annual program and basic budget, and the appointment of new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The CoP also agreed in principle to register the IAI with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and to establish an annual science-policy activity, both subject to funding availability.