Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper evaluates the prospects and challenges of economic integration among the BRICS nations, specifically the possibility of forming an Optimum Currency Area (OCA) and a common currency. While the bloc has established significant institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to foster cooperation and reduce US dollar dependency, profound economic heterogeneity—ranging from commodity-driven to manufacturing-based economies—poses a major hurdle to monetary union. The analysis suggests that while traditional economic criteria for a currency union are not fully met, political will and strategic alignment may drive convergence over time.

This report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the power sector transition across the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates). It finds that while the bloc continues to build fossil-fueled capacity, non-fossil capacity additions are accelerating, with the share of power capacity fueled by coal, oil, and gas potentially falling below 50% by the end of 2024.

This report analyzes the inclusion of fossil fuel production in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the world's top 20 producing countries and provides a framework for incorporating the COP 28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels into third-generation NDCs and long-term low-emissions development strategies (LT-LEDS).

This report by Ember analyzes global electricity generation trends in 2023 across solar, wind, coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, and bioenergy. It highlights record growth in solar and wind, a slight increase in coal generation driven by droughts in China, and the gap between current growth rates and the IEA Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario requirements.

The April 2024 report by Global Energy Monitor and partners reveals that while global coal capacity reached a record 2,130 GW in 2023, there is a stark divide: China continues to expand its fleet, while most other countries are reducing new construction. The report highlights that only 15% of operational capacity has retirement plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal. Regional analysis shows significant progress in the EU and UK, stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (dominated by South Africa), and a lack of new projects in the MENA region.

A briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzing the potential methane emissions from 74 proposed oil and gas extraction projects scheduled to reach peak production by 2030. The report highlights a conflict between new fossil fuel expansion and global methane reduction commitments, noting significant discrepancies between company-reported emissions and GEM's estimates for projects under development.

This executive summary outlines the findings of a survey comparing foreign policy perspectives between Germany and the IBSA countries (India, Brazil, and South Africa). It highlights divergent views on the war in Ukraine, the dominance of the US dollar, and the role of BRICS+, while identifying shared hopes for the G20 and a mutual desire for UN Security Council reform.

A December 2023 briefing by Global Energy Monitor reporting on the global expansion of gas transmission pipelines, highlighting that Asia accounts for over 80% of current construction costs and length.

The 2023 update report by the NewClimate Institute analyzes projected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 2030 for 25 countries, comparing current policy outcomes against Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While aggregated emissions projections remain stable, the report identifies significant shifts in individual countries and a persistent gap between current policies and the 43% reduction required for Paris Agreement alignment.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the rapid expansion of renewable energy in the Middle East, highlighting the region's shift toward solar power, the role of sovereign wealth funds in financing the transition, and specific national progress in countries like Oman and Jordan.

The July 2023 report 'Pedal to the Metal' by Global Energy Monitor assesses the global iron and steel plant fleet, highlighting a critical gap between current capacity developments and the decarbonization targets required for net-zero emissions by 2050. While there is a growing shift toward Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, the continued expansion of coal-based Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) capacity, particularly in Asia, threatens to lock in high emissions and create significant stranded asset risks.

This report analyzes the 2022 activities of United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) regarding state obligations in the context of climate change. It tracks the increasing frequency of climate-related recommendations in state review processes and examines specific trends in mitigation, fossil fuel regulation, adaptation, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights analyzes the 2022 activities of seven UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) regarding climate change. It documents an increase in climate-related references in State reporting procedures and highlights key developments in General Comments and individual communications, specifically the landmark Billy et al. v. Australia case.

This report by Ember provides a detailed analysis of global electricity generation, demand, and emissions for 2022, evaluating progress toward net-zero targets. It highlights a record growth in wind and solar power, offset by a continued reliance on fossil fuels and a historic decline in nuclear generation. The report notes that while emissions intensity is at its lowest level, absolute power sector emissions reached an all-time high in 2022.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and its partners analyzes the global state of coal-fired power plants as of April 2023. It highlights a stark divergence between China, where coal capacity is expanding rapidly, and the rest of the world, where new projects are declining. While the report notes that the 'return of coal' in Europe due to the energy crisis was minimal, it emphasizes that current retirement rates are insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals, particularly in non-OECD countries.

The Türkiye Electricity Review 2023 by Ember analyzes Türkiye's power sector in 2022, highlighting a return to peak coal generation driven by expensive imports from Russia, the critical role of hydropower in mitigating gas supply crises from Iran, and the gap between ambitious solar capacity targets and current installation barriers.

This briefing by the Center for International Environmental Law and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights synthesizes the 2022 activities of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) regarding climate change. It details the Committee's interactions with State parties through the review process, its focus on mitigation, adaptation, and fossil fuel financing, and the publication of General Comment No. 26 on land and economic, social and cultural rights.

This research paper examines the drivers of flow regime alteration in the Mond River basin in southern Iran, comparing the impacts of dam operations against climate change factors like sea-level rise and drought on the Mond-Protected Area estuary-coastal system.

The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 executive summary evaluates the climate mitigation efforts of the 60 largest emitters. It highlights that no country is currently on a 1.5°C pathway, leaving the top three ranks unoccupied. While Denmark leads in most categories, major emitters like China and the US are ranked in the 'very low' category. The report notes a wide disparity in performance among EU member states and identifies Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan as the worst overall performers.

A November 2022 briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) identifies 30 fossil fuel companies responsible for 43% of the energy sector's global methane emissions. The analysis breaks down emissions by fuel sector (oil/gas and coal) and ownership type (national/state-owned vs. international/investor-owned), highlighting the disproportionate impact of a small number of large producers.