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This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the effectiveness of investment incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). It argues that fiscal incentives cannot compensate for a weak investment climate and recommends a transition from automatic tax holidays toward targeted, performance-based incentives and transparent tax administration.

This case study by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the Ouarzazate I Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in Morocco. It examines how a public-private partnership (PPP) model, supported by significant international concessional finance and government subsidies, was used to overcome the high capital costs and commercial immaturity of CSP technology to establish a foundation for a larger regional solar portfolio.

This research paper evaluates the potential of biofuels to help the UK meet emission reduction targets set in the Low Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP) and EU obligations, using a hybrid life-cycle assessment across four scenarios.

This research paper analyzes the compatibility of the Australian Government's Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. It examines the bill's proposals to ban illegally logged timber imports and domestic processing, while requiring due diligence from importers and processors. The authors conclude that the legislation is likely WTO-compatible provided it is implemented non-discriminatorily and does not afford protection to domestic products.

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 research paper evaluates the MRV systems of China, Germany, Italy, and the United States, finding that while emissions tracking is generally robust and standardized due to international frameworks (UNFCCC/IPCC), the tracking of mitigation actions is fragmented, less transparent, and lacks consistent methodologies. The report highlights that mandatory and international policies have stronger MRV than voluntary domestic ones and emphasizes the need for better cost-effectiveness analysis to inform policy design.

This briefing describes the outcomes of the May 2012 Bonn Climate Change Conference, focusing on the initialization of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) and ongoing tensions regarding the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period and climate financing.

This policy brief analyzes the impact of biofuel consumption mandates in the United States and the European Union on global food commodity prices, examining the 'food versus fuel' debate and proposing mechanisms to mitigate price volatility.

The Bottom-Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS) is a stock accounting model developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to project energy demand and evaluate the impact of energy efficiency policies, specifically Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EES&L) programs, across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

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 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the theoretical benefits and practical drawbacks of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), specifically focusing on their ability to integrate into sustainable development frameworks. It argues that while PPPs can attract capital and encourage life-cycle technology investments, they often suffer from high costs, reduced transparency, and a lack of explicit sustainability safeguards.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) argues that the European Union's REACH regulation is currently ineffective at managing the health, safety, and environmental risks of nanomaterials. The author identifies four primary regulatory gaps—identification, phase-in status, tonnage thresholds, and risk assessment—that allow nanomaterials to enter the market with insufficient data, contradicting the "no data, no market" principle. The report proposes either modifying the REACH text or creating a stand-alone "nano patch" regulation to address these deficiencies.

This briefing outlines an 8-point plan to mobilize the $75 trillion held by institutional investors toward the low-carbon transition via the bond market. It argues that while climate-resilient infrastructure provides the long-term, secure assets pension funds and insurers seek, current deal flow is too small and fragmented. The plan proposes aggregating small projects into investment-grade offerings, utilizing public sector risk-sharing and regulatory leverage, greening development banks, and implementing standardized climate bond certifications to bridge the annual investment gap of $1 trillion to $1.3 trillion.

This research paper explores how to govern the interactions between climate change, freshwater, land use, and biodiversity to prevent problem shifting. Using the EU as a case study, it argues that such governance is possible through comprehensive response packages and identifies three key governance functions: reducing system stress, navigating economic transformation, and developing diverse options.

This research paper analyzes the impasse of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) following a ministerial meeting and evaluates the strategic negotiating position South Africa should adopt. It highlights the tension between domestic policy imperatives—specifically industrial policy and agricultural support—and the need for multilateral trade agreements.

This briefing synthesises the IPCC SREX report's findings on climate extremes and the agriculture sector. It highlights that disaster risk is increasing due to higher exposure and vulnerability, particularly in developing countries. Key threats include intensified droughts, heatwaves, and flooding, which cause significant economic losses and threaten food security. The document advocates for 'climate-smart' agriculture, improved disaster risk management, and a combination of short-term coping strategies and long-term structural adaptations to build resilience.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of public procurement as a strategic tool for driving green growth and innovation. It argues that governments can leverage their significant purchasing power to create demand for sustainable products, thereby incentivizing private sector innovation and scaling green markets. The document provides a theoretical framework for sustainable value creation and presents several international case studies to illustrate different approaches to Green Public Procurement (GPP).

This report presents the proceedings of a May 2012 conference in Winnipeg, Canada, focused on the 'Water-Energy-Food (W-E-F) security nexus'. The document explores the interdependencies between water, energy, and food systems, emphasizing the need for integrated governance, the use of Earth Observations for monitoring, and the potential of the bioeconomy to provide sustainable solutions for these linked risks.

This 2012 guide by the Institute for Security Studies provides a comprehensive reference for African State representatives negotiating the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) at the United Nations. It details the proposed scope of the treaty, including categories of conventional arms and types of international transactions, and outlines the criteria for authorizing arms transfers, such as risks to peace, security, and human rights. The toolkit also examines implementation requirements, including national authority systems, record-keeping, reporting, and the potential role of an Implementation Support Unit, while highlighting existing African regional and subregional obligations.

This technical policy briefing summarizes results from the EC RTD ClimateCost project regarding the ancillary air quality and economic benefits of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies. Using the GAINS and ALPHA models, the study compares a baseline scenario with a mitigation scenario aligned with the European Commission's 2 degrees target, focusing primarily on the EU27 with additional analysis for China and India.