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3,178 results
Coal transition in Germany
The report analyzes Germany's coal transition, contrasting the historical phase-out of hard coal with the more abrupt decline of lignite in East Germany. It presents two future scenarios: an NDC-based pathway and a 2C-compatible pathway, the latter requiring a more rapid shutdown of coal capacities, potentially by 2025-2040. The authors argue that while technically and economically feasible, a successful transition requires a combination of strong carbon pricing, national policy instruments like emissions performance standards, and comprehensive structural support for affected mining regions to ensure social justice.
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Document type: Report
Coal transition in Poland
The report analyzes the necessity of transitioning Poland's coal-dependent energy system to meet global climate goals. It compares a 'baseline' business-as-usual scenario with a '<2°C-consistent' scenario, the latter requiring a 67% reduction in per capita CO2 emissions by 2050. The analysis highlights that while the power sector must shift toward renewables and nuclear energy, the transition's social viability depends on managing the decline of the mining sector—particularly in the Śląskie region—through natural attrition, retraining, and conditional financial support to avoid the social exclusion seen in previous regional closures.
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Document type: Report
An historical case study on previous coal transitions in GERMANY
The document examines two distinct coal transitions in Germany: the economically driven, subsidy-supported decline of hard coal in the Ruhr area from 1958 to 2018, and the politically driven reduction of lignite in East Germany following the 1990 reunification. It evaluates the effectiveness of various structural policies, including investment support, retraining programs, and the creation of universities and infrastructure, while highlighting the risks of 'lock-in' caused by powerful industry networks. The study concludes that a 'just transition' requires multi-level governance, stakeholder participation, and a comprehensive approach that addresses not only employment and the energy system but also soft location factors and environmental renaturation.
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Document type: Case study
NEW YORK DECLARATION ON FORESTS PROGRESS ASSESSMENT GOALS SUMMARY
The assessment finds that while over USD 4.1 billion has been committed to results-based REDD+ payments, disbursements remain limited and concentrated, primarily in Brazil. It highlights the emergence of jurisdictional-sourcing initiatives across Asia, Latin America, and Africa as a promising mechanism to scale zero-deforestation commitments, though private resource flows remain small.
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Document type: Report
2018 Progress Assessment Goal 5 Update
The 2018 Progress Assessment for Goal 5 indicates that Bonn Challenge pledges have reached 168.9 million hectares, surpassing the 2020 milestone in terms of pledges. However, actual implementation remains difficult to aggregate, with a five-country sample showing 13.4 million hectares under restoration. Analysis of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reveals that while 127 of 165 NDCs include forest landscape restoration (FLR) commitments, only 30% are quantifiable. When combining official NDC targets with non-target ambitions, 114 million hectares are reflected, representing one third of the 2030 target.
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Document type: Report
TOTAL SYSTEMS FAILURE EXPOSING THE GLOBAL SECRECY DESTROYING FORESTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Global Witness reveals that Norsudtimber, the DRC's largest logging company, is operating illegally on 90% of its sites, breaching the DRC Forest Code through a lack of management plans and logging outside authorized perimeters. The report highlights how the DRC government is complicit in this illegality, while international donors from France, Germany, and Norway continue to support industrial logging under the flawed theory of 'sustainable forest management' (SFM). Norsudtimber uses a complex web of shell companies in Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, and Dubai to obscure its beneficial owners and trade timber to markets in China, Vietnam, and Europe. The investigation finds that SFM is scientifically unsound for the Congo Basin, as tree species take 100-230 years to mature, far exceeding the 25-year rotation cycle. Furthermore, the report documents negligible development benefits for local communities and significant carbon emissions resulting from forest degradation.
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Document type: Report
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE INSTITUTION PROVIDING THE SECRETARIAT OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES SECRETARIAT AND THE INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH
The document outlines a formal partnership between IAI and the IPBES Secretariat to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity in the Americas. The cooperation focuses on integrating regional data into IPBES assessments, addressing knowledge gaps, and supporting the implementation of the IPBES Work Programme within IAI member countries. It defines operational guidelines for bilateral meetings, intellectual property, fundraising, and the use of official logos, with an initial duration ending on 30 May 2019.
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Document type: Statement
Nordic Green to Scale for countries
Scaling up 10 existing climate solutions in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine could reduce 2030 emissions by approximately 149 Mt (CO2e), representing a 13% reduction compared to baseline projections. The most significant absolute reductions are possible in Poland (71 Mt) and Ukraine (64 Mt), while the highest relative impacts are in the Baltic States, potentially cutting emissions by nearly 40% in Estonia and over 30% in Latvia and Lithuania. Energy efficiency in buildings and industry offers the highest potential and is the most cost-effective, with building efficiency alone potentially saving 2.9 billion euros by 2030. Conversely, wind power provides the greatest relative potential in the Baltic States. The report identifies common barriers such as high investment costs, weak carbon pricing, and lack of financing, and recommends policies including the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, stable legal frameworks, and targeted financial incentives.
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Document type: Report
The Business of Planting Trees
The report identifies a growing "restoration economy" where businesses generate financial returns by improving the ecological function of degraded landscapes. It categorizes these opportunities into four main investment themes: technology, consumer products, project management, and commercial forestry. Through case studies of 14 companies across eight countries, the authors illustrate how various models—from drone-based reforestation and climate-smart credit for smallholders to sustainable timber and bamboo plantations—can scale. The document highlights that while significant market opportunities exist due to government pledges and rising resource demand, investors face hurdles such as high transaction costs, low liquidity, and insecure land tenure in developing regions.
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Document type: Report
Farm Torque: electric orchard tractors
The report argues that electric orchard tractors are well-suited for the low-speed, high-torque requirements of South African horticultural farms, particularly in the citrus industry. It estimates a potential market of 1,480 electric tractors by 2030, which could save up to 5,200 tonnes of CO2 annually if powered by renewable energy. While initial capital costs are higher than diesel alternatives, the report identifies a payback period of less than six years due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. It further proposes a local manufacturing model developed by Nelson Mandela University, suggesting that producing 300 units annually by Year 5 could create 53 direct jobs.
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Document type: Report
Potential for solar thermal heating in South African hospitals
The report assesses the feasibility of solar thermal systems in South African hospitals, finding a total annual thermal energy demand of 370 GWh for domestic hot water. While current adoption is very low—with only 23 systems totaling 1,333 m² of collector area—the study suggests hospitals could feasibly meet 20% to 40% of their thermal needs through solar thermal capacity. A case study at Paarl Provincial Hospital indicates a potential internal rate of return (IRR) of 10% and a payback period of 12.3 years. However, widespread uptake is hindered by the prevalence of energy-efficient heat pumps, high upfront costs, and infrastructure challenges such as asbestos roofing and limited roof space.
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Document type: Report
Solar thermal technologies: clean fit for food and beverage industries
The report argues that solar thermal technology is an ideal fit for South Africa's food and beverage industries, where up to 77% of energy use is for heating, mostly below 250°C. While the current local industry is dominated by domestic water heaters, there is a significant opportunity to scale industrial applications. The report estimates that replacing non-coal fuels with solar thermal could save 158,685 tonnes of CO2e per annum, while replacing coal could save 942,556 tonnes. Financial viability is high for replacing fuels other than coal, with potential Internal Rates of Return above 10% over 20 years. However, barriers include a lack of sustained demand, a skills gap in industrial design, and limited familiarity among financial institutions.
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Document type: Report
3 Things Companies Can Do in 2018 to Push Global Climate Action
The document outlines a strategy for companies to drive global climate action by engaging with governments. It recommends that CEOs use high-profile events to advocate for the Paris Agreement, align corporate emissions-cutting efforts with national 'nationally determined contributions' (NDCs), and meet with government ministers to break down policy silos. The text highlights a gap in NDCs, noting that while 114 NDCs highlight renewable energy, far fewer address energy storage (31) or water conservation and reuse (33).
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Document type: Site page
Itore time for business to back the Powering Past Coal Alliance
The We Mean Business coalition calls for corporate support of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, highlighting the health and economic costs of coal and the financial benefits of transitioning to 100% renewable electricity.
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Document type: Statement
COP-out: Why are so many media outlets failing to tell the climate story?
Climate Outreach criticizes the media's reliance on repetitive imagery—specifically negotiators and protesters—during UN climate conferences, arguing that this approach makes the issue seem remote and technocratic. The organization advocates for the adoption of a more diverse visual language that reflects the human impact of climate change to better engage the public.
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Document type: Statement
促进跨境资本流动 发展中国绿色债券市场
The report identifies significant barriers to international investment in China's green bond market, including divergent green definitions, limited market awareness, and infrastructure gaps. It recommends aligning standards with international benchmarks, simplifying approval processes, and enhancing market transparency to mobilize the private capital necessary for China's environmental goals.
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Document type: Report
Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform and the Just Transition
The document argues that fossil fuel subsidies are often socially regressive and environmentally damaging, and that their reform can provide the necessary budgetary space to fund a just transition for workers and communities. It outlines strategies for successful reform, including market-based pricing, impact management, and stakeholder engagement, while highlighting the higher employment potential of renewable energy sectors compared to fossil fuels.
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Document type: Research paper
Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform and the Just Transition
The report argues that fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR) is a critical tool for financing a just transition, as global subsidies total at least USD 425 billion per year. It posits that FFSR can reduce global carbon emissions by roughly 10 per cent by 2050 if both production and consumption subsidies are eliminated. The document outlines a framework for successful reform based on three elements: getting prices right, managing impacts, and building support. Through case studies of Morocco, Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, and the Netherlands, the report demonstrates that while FFSR can create budgetary space for social safety nets and renewable energy, a lack of stakeholder engagement and abrupt price hikes—as seen in Mexico—can lead to civil unrest. Conversely, the Netherlands' long-term transition of its coal sector illustrates how targeted supports and social dialogue can protect workers during industrial shifts.
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Document type: Report
Estado del arte del monitoreo y evaluación para la adaptación al cambio climático en el Perú
The document analyzes the conceptual frameworks, global and regional experiences, and existing sectoral information systems in Peru to guide the creation of a national M&E system for climate change adaptation. It highlights that while Peru has strong political commitments and sectoral data, it lacks a formally approved National Adaptation Plan and a corresponding national M&E system.
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Document type: Report
Report on India’s Climate Mitigation and Adaptation: Key Strategies
The document outlines India's approach to climate change, emphasizing the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and its commitment to the Paris Agreement despite the US withdrawal. It highlights India's challenges with erratic weather, forest fires, and water shortages, while noting its continued reliance on coal alongside growing renewable energy. The report identifies five key areas for potential India-Norway cooperation: CO2 sequestration in Enhanced Oil Recovery, mini-hydro power and turbine retrofitting, REDD+ pilots for ecosystem restoration, smart grid solutions for renewables, and R&D in biogas from waste.
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Document type: Report