Search Climate Insights Directory

This issue brief from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute examines the role of energy storage technologies in mitigating electricity industry challenges, integrating renewable energy, and improving grid reliability. It details various storage technologies—ranging from pumped hydro and compressed air to advanced batteries and flywheels—and analyzes the impact of U.S. federal policies, specifically FERC orders and Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives, in overcoming implementation barriers.

This policy brief from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines the role of energy storage technologies in mitigating electricity industry challenges, integrating renewable energy, and improving grid reliability. It provides a technical overview of various storage methods, analyzes the impact of U.S. federal policies and legislation, and highlights specific large-scale implementation projects across the United States.

This commentary analyzes a May 6, 2013, World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body ruling regarding renewable energy generation measures in a dispute involving Canada (Ontario), Japan, and the European Union. The author argues that the ruling failed to provide necessary legal clarification on WTO rules for sustainable energy and may have created a problematic carve-out of the subsidy agreement, concluding that WTO members rather than the Appellate Body should define the boundaries for renewable energy support.

This research paper by GLOBE International examines the relationship between domestic climate change legislation and a country's negotiating position within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It argues that strong national laws act as an enabler for international ambition by creating political space, increasing economic competitiveness, and building confidence among leaders and investors.

The Sovereign Emission Rights Framework is a proposal by Sandbag, submitted to the European Commission in 2013, for an equitable global emissions trading regime. It argues that emissions rights should be distributed based on 1990 population shares and that historical emissions since 1990 should be counted against these budgets to avoid 'hot air' and ensure a fair distribution of the remaining carbon space needed to avoid 2°C of warming.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law analyzes the human rights implications of the 'Doha Gateway' decisions from the UNFCCC 18th Conference of the Parties. It argues that while the decisions do not explicitly reference human rights, the outcomes regarding mitigation ambition, loss and damage, REDD+, the Clean Development Mechanism, public participation, and gender have significant impacts on vulnerable populations.

This guide, written by Antonio G. M. La Viña and Cecilia Therese T. Guiao for the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, provides an introduction to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. It focuses on the mechanics of consensus-building, offering strategic advice for new negotiators and facilitators to navigate the complex human and political interactions required to reach international agreements.

This report analyzes the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embodied in international trade and explores whether shifting production to lower-intensity regions could reduce global emissions. Using MRIO models and IEA data, the authors find significant variations in GHG intensity for products like clothing (up to a factor of five) and steel. Specifically, Brazil and Turkey are highlighted as low-intensity steel producers due to their energy mixes and technologies. While shifting production to regions with better access to low-GHG energy (such as the Americas for steel) offers potential benefits, the report notes that implementing trade policies to steer these flows is complicated by WTO laws and administrative challenges.

This briefing analyzes the divergent methods used to quantify the GHG emissions impact of new fossil fuel infrastructure. It contrasts the 'literalist' view (full combustion emissions), the 'fatalist' view (zero net impact due to displacement), and the 'economist' view (increased consumption due to lower prices). The authors conclude that a net-zero impact is highly unlikely due to market responses and systemic 'lock-in' effects.

This executive summary by the World Resources Institute (WRI) analyzes the 'fast-start' climate finance pledges made by developed countries following the 2010 Cancun Agreements. The document evaluates whether these pledges meet international criteria regarding the balance between adaptation and mitigation, additionality, and prioritization of vulnerable nations, while highlighting significant gaps in reporting transparency and consistency.

This document is an address by Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) delivered to the 49th Session of UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Board on September 25, 2012. Cosbey argues that the outcomes of the Rio+20 conference are insufficient for guiding states through the trade tensions arising from the transition to a green economy. He highlights the conflict between the use of green industrial policies—such as subsidies and local content requirements—and their impact on the multilateral trading system, particularly for developing countries. Cosbey calls for a non-legal, non-negotiating framework, potentially led by UNCTAD, to determine the propriety and effectiveness of these measures before they escalate into formal trade disputes.

The CRED v.1.4 Technical Report describes the methodology of the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model, an integrated assessment model designed to estimate the optimal pace and distribution of global investment in emissions mitigation and climate policy costs.

This report analyzes foreign direct investment (FDI) in the agriculture sector of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), examining the business models used by investors and their impact on economic development. It identifies a tension between macroeconomic growth and local economic development, noting that while FDI has increased agricultural output, it often fails to align with broader development goals and can negatively impact food security and local livelihoods.

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 argues for the integration of disaster risk management into national economic and fiscal policies to combat the rising trend of global economic losses from disasters, which are primarily driven by increased human and asset exposure to natural hazards.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The author assesses the country's progress toward its 'African Agenda,' including goals of South-South and North-South cooperation and the pursuit of permanent African representation on the Council.

The Barbados Declaration, issued on May 8, 2012, by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), outlines the challenges and commitments of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to sustainable, renewable energy to ensure economic resilience and climate survival.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author finds that South Africa has become more confident, increasing its co-sponsorship of resolutions and successfully promoting its 'African Agenda,' particularly regarding cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union (AU).

This research paper examines the politicization of rice in Southeast Asia and argues that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen existing information-sharing and reserve mechanisms to improve regional food security and market stability, rather than attempting full trade liberalization.

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.