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This policy brief from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines the role of energy storage technologies in mitigating electricity industry challenges, integrating renewable energy, and improving grid reliability. It provides a technical overview of various storage methods, analyzes the impact of U.S. federal policies and legislation, and highlights specific large-scale implementation projects across the United States.

Carroll Muffett, President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 24, 2013, regarding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Representing CIEL, Friends of the Earth, and the Sierra Club, Muffett argued that the U.S. chemical regulation system is inadequate and that TTIP risks weakening existing environmental and health standards in the EU and U.S. states rather than improving them.

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).

This executive summary by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines the potential for institutional investors—such as pension funds and insurance companies—to fund renewable energy infrastructure. It identifies three primary investment channels and analyzes the policy, regulatory, and institutional barriers that prevent these investors from lowering the cost of capital for renewable energy projects.

This report analyzes the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embodied in international trade and explores whether shifting production to lower-intensity regions could reduce global emissions. Using MRIO models and IEA data, the authors find significant variations in GHG intensity for products like clothing (up to a factor of five) and steel. Specifically, Brazil and Turkey are highlighted as low-intensity steel producers due to their energy mixes and technologies. While shifting production to regions with better access to low-GHG energy (such as the Americas for steel) offers potential benefits, the report notes that implementing trade policies to steer these flows is complicated by WTO laws and administrative challenges.

This briefing by Energy Innovation describes two distinct applications of demand-response (DR) programs: as a capacity resource to mitigate peak demand and as a balancing tool to integrate variable renewable energy. The document argues that DR is a cost-effective alternative to building new power generation or investing in expensive grid-scale battery storage.

This research paper describes a modelling case study using DO3SE to estimate the reduction of carbon storage in European forest living biomass caused by ozone, comparing conditions from the year 2000 and projections for 2040.

This case study examines the Swaziland Sugar Association (SSA), a non-profit entity that markets and sells sugarcane products from Swaziland to the SACU region and Europe. The document details the operational constraints facing the SSA, specifically regarding financial access, infrastructure deficits, and regional trade barriers.

This research paper examines the evolving role of the BRICS grouping amidst a slowdown in China's economy. It argues that while the group was initially viewed through the lens of economic growth engines, its current value lies in political economy and its collective assertiveness in global economic governance, including efforts to reform the IMF and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

This chapter from the GEO-5 report analyzes the state of the global atmosphere, highlighting that while ozone depletion and lead in petrol have been successfully addressed, climate change remains the most critical issue. Greenhouse gas concentrations are currently on track to exceed the 2°C warming limit, with a significant gap remaining between emission pledges and necessary targets. The report notes mixed progress in air quality, with high particulate matter levels persisting in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and advocates for an integrated policy approach to address climate change, air quality, and ozone depletion simultaneously.

This chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) report evaluates the environmental governance and policy effectiveness in Europe, highlighting the role of the European Union (EU) and pan-European initiatives in managing climate change, air quality, water resources, waste, and biodiversity.

This report analyzes the state of the global securitization markets as of May 2012, examining whether recent activity in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and trade finance signals a recovery that could eventually benefit climate finance. ItS It discusses how bank recapitalization pressures have reduced renewable energy lending, which relies on banks for 95% of project finance globally, making the development of securitized clean energy assets vital for recycling capital. The report evaluates market trends in Europe and the United States, the impact of regulatory frameworks like Basel III and Solvency II, and the role of standardization initiatives like the Climate Bond Standard and the Prime Collateralised Securities Initiative (PCSI).

This research paper details the development and evaluation of a soil moisture module for the DO3SE (Deposition of O3 for Stomatal Exchange) model to better estimate how soil water deficits influence stomatal conductance and ozone flux in European forest trees.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute uses the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model to analyze the gap between current climate-economic policy recommendations and the emission reductions required to limit global warming to 2°C. The authors argue that conventional models, such as DICE, often underestimate climate damages and ignore international equity and the needs of future generations. By incorporating updated science, lower discount rates, and cross-regional investments from rich to poor countries, the CRED Optimal scenario demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a high probability of staying below 2°C while simultaneously reducing global income inequality.

This research paper argues that South Africa should lead a campaign to nominate a qualified African candidate for the presidency of the World Bank to challenge the historical precedent of American appointments and advocate for global economic governance reform.

This research paper analyzes the challenges and opportunities for establishing a common trade and investment agenda among the BRICS nations. It highlights the tension between complementary economic relationships—where China imports resources from Brazil, Russia, and South Africa—and conflicting national strategies to promote domestic manufacturing. The author suggests that BRICS cooperation should focus on resuscitating the WTO Doha round, engaging with China's shift toward a consumption-led economic model, and coordinating currency reform positions within the G20.

This policy brief by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) argues that the success of the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development depends on integrating a rights-based approach. It examines the historical evolution of human rights and environmental linkages from 1972 to 2002 and critiques the January 2012 Zero Draft of the Rio+20 outcome document for failing to recognize the fundamental right to a healthy environment.

This research paper describes the Clipore program, a large-scale research initiative funded by Mistra that operated from 2004 to 2011 to support international climate policy development.

The CRED V.1.3 Technical Report describes the methodology of the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model, an integrated assessment model designed to estimate the optimal pace of climate mitigation investment and its global cost distribution. Version 1.3, completed in June 2011, focuses on the distribution of climate damages and policy costs across nine global regions to inform international climate negotiations.

This report summarizes a workshop hosted by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) and the Florence School of Regulation on October 20, 2011. The discussions focused on the planning, regulation, and financing of European electricity transmission infrastructure, specifically in the context of integrating renewable energy and the implementation of the European Commission's proposed Infrastructure Package.