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The report finds that global carbon emissions are starkly unequal, with the richest 10% of the population responsible for nearly half of all emissions in 2015. Between 1990 and 2015, the richest 10% accounted for 46% of the total growth in absolute emissions. The analysis shows a shift where within-country emissions inequality has risen while between-country inequality has fallen. Future projections suggest that even under more equal socio-economic scenarios, the poorest 50% of the population will have very limited access to the remaining global carbon budget, as the wealthiest groups have already depleted a disproportionate share.

The document argues that offshore wind is a critical resource for achieving zero-emissions targets due to plummeting costs and high capacity factors. It highlights the transition from fixed subsidies to competitive procurement in Europe as a model for cost reduction and notes that floating turbines could unlock 80 percent of global offshore potential. For the U.S., it recommends establishing procurement targets, creating an interstate transmission backbone, and converting tax credits to direct payments to accelerate deployment.

The briefing argues that contemporary national populists in Europe employ a systematic strategy to capture the state by eroding liberal norms, dominating the information space, and subordinating the judiciary and civil service. By treating the government as a 'contractor' for a national majority, these movements justify the removal of institutional restraints to concentrate power in the executive. The author details a multi-stage assault involving 'trolling', 'building' parallel infrastructures, and 'automating' disinformation to create a facade of democracy while maintaining an effective monopoly on power.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) supports the European Commission's Hydrogen Strategy, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of low- and zero-carbon production pathways to ensure commercial success and global decarbonization. CATF specifically advocates for the inclusion of fossil hydrogen systems with carbon capture—which can capture over 95% of CO2—and nuclear energy systems with electrolyzers to mitigate the risk of failing to meet renewable energy expansion targets.

The author calls on energy ministers attending the IEA Clean Energy Transitions Summit to allocate global stimulus funds toward a sustainable recovery. The text advocates for the IEA's Sustainable Recovery Plan and specific policy targets, such as phasing out coal by 2040 and ending fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, while highlighting the potential for significant job creation and the growing corporate and public support for a green transition.

The document argues that the ETS Innovation Fund should be scaled up by recycling auctioning revenues instead of providing free emission allowances. It recommends prioritising transformational projects in industrial clusters, mandating additionality for renewable electricity to avoid grid-emission accounting errors, and limiting CCS funding to non-abatable process emissions while excluding fossil-based hydrogen and gas.

In 2019, the global green bond market reached a record USD258.9 billion in issuance, a 51% increase over 2018. The market saw significant growth in non-financial corporate issuance and the entry of eight new countries. Europe led in cumulative volume, while the USA, China, and France remained the top individual countries by amount issued. Energy, buildings, and transport dominated the use of proceeds, accounting for 82% of the total. The report also notes a rise in green sukuk and the increasing importance of external reviews and Climate Bonds Standard certification.

The report finds that global LNG terminal capacity under construction more than doubled between 2019 and 2020, increasing capital expenditure from $82.8 billion to $196.1 billion. This expansion is primarily driven by North American efforts to create new markets, but faces significant headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, falling gas prices, and intensifying opposition. The authors argue that the 'bridge fuel' narrative is undermined by high methane leakage rates, with some estimates suggesting LNG-powered electricity can have a global warming impact up to 16% higher than coal. Furthermore, the report highlights a high failure rate for proposed export projects (61% since 2014) and the risk of stranded assets as renewables become more cost-competitive.

The document examines how COVID-19 transitioned from a health crisis to a systemic human development crisis in Africa, highlighting the severe economic contraction faced by energy exporters and tourism-dependent nations. It notes that while developed economies initially bore a higher infection burden, the economic downturn is universal, potentially triggering debt crises and defaults. However, the report suggests the pandemic could accelerate digitisation and a transition toward a sustainable economy powered by renewable energy.

The briefing advocates for using the European Green Deal as a blueprint for the EU's post-pandemic recovery, emphasizing that green investments can stimulate short-term economic activity while building long-term resilience. It calls for increased 2030 emission reduction targets, scaled-up green investments, and an integrated approach to clean energy, mobility, and industrial innovation. The document highlights the necessity of aligning financial flows with climate neutrality and accelerating the transition to a circular economy to ensure a sustainable and competitive industrial future for Europe.

The document highlights that older adults are disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to physiological vulnerabilities and social isolation. It argues that while air conditioning is critical, it can be inaccessible due to poverty or power failures, and its use contributes to further warming. The report emphasizes that social connection is a primary defense against heat deaths and details successful community interventions in cities like Philadelphia and Phoenix, while warning that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates risks by increasing isolation.

The We Mean Business coalition calls on governments to integrate climate action into economic recovery plans following the Covid-19 pandemic. Citing support from over 700 businesses, the statement advocates for prioritizing investments in clean power, electric mobility, zero-carbon infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to avoid future systemic shocks and create a sustainable labour market.

The Green Economy Coalition (GEC) issued a statement of solidarity with Black communities globally following the death of George Floyd. The coalition commits to amplifying marginalised voices and using its networks to pursue racial, social, and economic justice, while encouraging its community to donate and engage in local efforts to end police brutality and institutional racism.

The document criticizes the May 30, 2020, opening of the Datteln 4 coal power plant in Germany, alleging that Uniper and its parent company Fortum received significant financial support from BNP Paribas and the European Central Bank (ECB). It claims BNP Paribas provided USD 215 million to Uniper and USD 2.9 billion to Fortum between 2017 and 2019, and that the ECB continues to support Fortum through quantitative easing without considering climate impact.

The report finds that 1.61 billion children lived in conflict-affected countries in 2019, with 426 million residing in specific conflict zones (within 50 km of fighting). Africa has the highest absolute number of affected children, while the Middle East has the highest proportional share. The number of children in conflict zones has generally increased since the 1990s, with millions exposed to continuous conflict throughout their childhood.

The report argues that a successful global low-carbon transition depends on addressing equity concerns to reduce resistance and ensure fairness. It distills seven principles from literature and historical case studies: actively encouraging decarbonization, avoiding carbon lock-in, supporting affected regions, supporting workers and communities, remediating environmental damage, addressing social inequalities, and ensuring inclusive planning. The authors emphasize that these principles must be pursued in parallel and that the need for social support does not justify delaying decarbonization. Historical analysis shows that poorly managed industrial declines lead to poverty, out-migration, and political instability, often with the public sector bearing the costs of private-sector environmental liabilities.

The guide asserts that the European Central Bank (ECB) and national central banks contribute to a high-carbon economy by providing cash to financial actors and purchasing bonds without considering climate impacts.

The authors contend that EU stimulus plans must prioritize a zero-carbon future to avoid exacerbating climate risks. They highlight broad business support for this transition, citing various corporate coalitions and analysis suggesting that green projects offer higher short-term returns and more job creation than traditional stimulus. The statement calls for the strengthening of the European Green Deal, specifically targeting a 2030 emissions reduction of at least 55%, and recommends targeted investments in green infrastructure, innovation, and workforce reskilling.

The manifesto argues that the economic stimulus packages designed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic should be aligned with sustainability and biodiversity policies. It advocates for a 'Green Recovery' based on the European Green Deal's pillars of digitalization, decarbonization, and resilience. The signatories, representing a broad coalition of politicians, academics, business leaders, and NGOs, urge the Spanish government and the Congressional Commission for the Reconstruction of Spain to adopt a sustainable recovery model, noting that Spain is well-positioned for this transition due to its renewable energy potential and industrial capacity.

The statement argues that the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic must be steered toward a sustainable, healthy, and resilient model. It supports the Green Recovery Alliance's approach, which aligns economic stimulus with the European Green Deal and focuses on digitalization, decarbonization, and resilience. The document highlights Spain's specific potential for this transition through its renewable energy capacity and natural capital, and calls for a broad alliance between political parties, businesses, unions, and NGOs to implement science-based recovery measures.