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The document examines the 'sustainability of democracy,' exploring how representative systems can be reformed to address ecological challenges and the rights of future generations. It analyzes the role of Green political foundations as bridges between civil society and state institutions, critiques the 'short-termism' of current political cycles, and presents various democratic experiments—such as the Finnish Citizens' Initiative and the Green Primary—as pathways toward a more participatory and post-national European democracy.

The document examines the use of performance-based contracts (PBCs) to reduce non-revenue water (NRW), contrasting them with traditional contracts. It highlights the benefits of PBCs, such as harnessing private sector technical expertise and aligning incentives through results-based payment. The author identifies key implementation challenges, including the need for accurate baseline data, the risk of 'cherrypicking' easy gains, and the difficulty of sustaining improvements after a contract ends. Drawing on examples from Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and Ireland, the paper provides guidance on scoping, risk-reward balancing, and procurement to support the implementation of similar frameworks in South African municipalities.

Friends of the Earth South Africa and groundWork argue that the South African government is rushing to lift the fracking moratorium without transparent impact studies or meaningful public consultation. They contend that promises of job creation by corporations like Royal Dutch Shell are misleading and that fracking would exacerbate socio-economic inequalities and environmental degradation. The authors highlight the climate risk, noting that methane is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2, and urge the president to protect regions like the Karoo and KwaZulu-Natal by pursuing renewable energy alternatives.

The study analyzes the impact of partial CCS deployment in Europe by 2030, categorizing countries as pioneers or laggards based on their R&D projects and national roadmaps. Using a dispatch model, the authors find that the economic outcomes of pioneering are heterogeneous: while electricity suppliers in Poland, the UK, and the Netherlands may see increased producer surpluses, consumers in the UK could face higher wholesale prices due to the high cost of gas-fired CCS. Conversely, Romania is projected to experience lower wholesale prices and increased domestic production. The results suggest that being a pioneer does not automatically guarantee an advantage, as benefits are unevenly distributed between producers and consumers.

The document updates the 2011 subsidy estimates for EU biofuels, reducing the total estimated support from €9,272–€10,653 million to €5,515–€6,896 million. This correction stems from an overestimation of the volume of biofuels eligible for fuel excise tax exemptions. While budgetary support figures for bioethanol and biodiesel were lowered, other support elements, such as market transfers, remain unchanged. The report also details the calculation methodologies for excise tax exemptions and market price support via blending mandates.

The text criticizes the austerity strategies implemented in Portugal following its request for international aid, asserting that these policies have failed to reduce debt while causing severe economic recession and social distress. It highlights catastrophic outcomes, including a 4% GDP drop in early 2013, mass unemployment, and unprecedented emigration. The author calls for a political solution through debt renegotiation and a transition toward a green and socially just alternative to protect the welfare state.

The author contends that the current European crisis cannot be solved with less federalism, but rather through a renewed federalist pact that balances autonomy, cooperation, and solidarity. Using Belgium as a model, the text proposes the creation of federal districts for elections to foster a common vision and the implementation of a common industrial policy and the IRENE project to strengthen EU climate policy.

The author contends that austerity policies in Portugal have led to a 'social emergency,' characterized by rising poverty, historic unemployment, and an exodus of young people. The text claims these measures increased public debt to over 126% of GDP while causing a recession and the 'uncontrolled exploitation of the natural resources.' It advocates for a debt renegotiation led by the Portuguese State, citing the 1953 London Agreement as a precedent, to prioritize citizens over financial markets.

The author describes the devastating impact of austerity measures imposed on Portugal via a Memorandum of Understanding, noting that these policies have led to record unemployment, mass emigration, and increased poverty. The text highlights the failure of the 'Troika's' economic forecasts and calls for the Portuguese state to lead a debt renegotiation, similar to the 1953 London Agreement, to prioritize human rights and the welfare state over financial market interests.

The document outlines a proposed carbon tax for South Africa, starting at R120 per tCO2-eq in 2015 with annual increases of 10% through 2019. It argues that a carbon tax is more suitable than an emissions trading system (ETS) in the short term due to the oligopolistic nature of the domestic energy sector. The design includes a basic tax-free threshold of 60%, with additional allowances for trade-exposed and process-emission sectors, and the possibility of using carbon offsets to reduce tax liability. Economic modelling suggests the tax would have a largely neutral impact on GDP and employment if revenues are recycled effectively through tax shifting or government investment. The paper also details complementary flagship programmes in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transport to support a just transition.

Carbon Market Watch and other organizations call on Ryanair to avoid using industrial gas offset credits, arguing that HFC-23 and adipic acid projects lack environmental integrity and undermine climate objectives.

The report analyzes R&D management through interviews with 17 leaders from innovative companies. It finds that while centralized R&D structures promote long-term breakthroughs, a lack of STEM talent and inconsistent tax policies hinder U.S. innovation. It highlights the effectiveness of direct government grants and technology-neutral regulations in stimulating private research, while noting that restrictive immigration and IP licensing disputes with universities drive R&D overseas.

The document provides a detailed breakdown of climate finance pledges from various developed nations and the European Union, detailing the amounts pledged, the actual allocations made, the channeling institutions used, and the countries' positions on whether the funds are 'new and additional' to existing Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The research develops a Composite Forest Biodiversity Indicator (CFBI) to measure the qualitative and quantitative changes in forest ecosystems across 17 European countries. Using a three-stage-least-squares (3SLS) regression model, the authors analyze how rising temperatures, socio-economic factors, and biodiversity loss impact the economic value of provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. The findings indicate that while warming generally reduces biodiversity, its effect on ecosystem service values varies by region and service type, suggesting that biodiversity management can mitigate some negative climate impacts.

The document examines the role of fiscal incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), arguing that tax exemptions cannot compensate for a weak investment climate. It critiques the use of blanket tax holidays, which can lead to tax avoidance and minimal domestic economic embedding. Instead, the author proposes a framework of 'timely, targeted and temporary' incentives, advocating for performance-based measures such as tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and green bonds. The paper suggests that governments should gradually move toward a uniform low corporate tax rate to create a level playing field for domestic and foreign investors while ensuring that incentives are administered through transparent tax codes rather than discretionary sector ministries.

The author contends that Spain's economic crisis stems from a real estate bubble and high private debt rather than irresponsible public spending. They argue that austerity policies are counterproductive, increasing unemployment and public debt. The text proposes a European bank bailout fund funded by banks (similar to the US FDIC) and the use of Eurobonds to protect against interest rate spikes, while suggesting green taxes and estate taxes as alternatives to social cuts.

Irish Green Party leader Eamon Ryan advocates for Ireland's continued membership in the Eurozone, arguing that a breakup would offer no benefits. He proposes a 'Green' economic model based on productivity and innovation, similar to the German and Scandinavian models, to ensure prosperity while reducing environmental impact. Ryan calls for a more federal Europe with restored democratic legitimacy, a resolution to Ireland's debt payment issues, and the adoption of a Financial Transaction Tax to curb speculative capitalism.

The author analyzes the electoral performance of European Green parties following the 2009 financial crisis, noting a trend of decline in several countries. To counter this, the text proposes five strategic challenges: focusing on societal needs over internal struggles, embracing diversity in leadership and membership, transitioning from 'whistleblowers' to 'solution providers', establishing credibility on economic issues by promoting alternative green economic concepts, and asserting a strong commitment to social justice and equity. The author advocates for a 'Green New Deal' as a practical first step toward a radical paradigm shift in the development model, emphasizing that proposed efforts must be effective, fair, and legitimate to restore public trust.

The letter expresses concern that carbon offsets are undermining EU climate goals by stifling domestic emission reductions and supporting projects that lack environmental integrity. It specifically highlights the negative impacts of coal-fired power plants and large hydro projects in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), as well as the lack of transparency in Track 1 Joint Implementation (JI).

The author contends that austerity policies in Europe, especially in post-socialist states, have led to substantial budget cuts in higher education and a push toward the commodification of learning. The text highlights that these measures often shift costs to students through tuition fees and prioritize market-driven research over humanities and fundamental sciences, thereby undermining social equality and the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy.