Search Climate Insights Directory

This document provides guidelines for a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) issued by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and GEF’s Challenge Program for Adaptation Innovation. The initiative seeks to identify and scale innovative financial mechanisms that support private sector resilience solutions in Fragile and Conflict-Prone Least Developed Countries.

This special report analyzes the initial response to COVID-19 in Africa, examining the vulnerabilities of the continent's health systems, the various mitigation strategies adopted by different nations, and the challenges of implementing lockdowns in contexts of high poverty and informality.

This case study describes Smiling Through Light, a social enterprise founded by Mariama Kamara to increase electricity access in Sierra Leone through a women-led business model that trains local women as solar technology entrepreneurs.

This document is a written contribution from Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) to the UN's open-ended working group (IGWG) regarding a proposed legally binding treaty to regulate transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises in relation to human rights. FoEI analyzes the 'Zero Draft' presented in 2018, arguing that it is too weak to end corporate impunity and represents a setback compared to previous 'Elements' papers. The document details specific legal gaps in the draft—such as the lack of direct obligations for corporations and insufficient definitions of value chains—and includes testimonies from affected peoples across different continents calling for an international court and the primacy of human rights over investment agreements.

This report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) provides a critical analysis of the 'Zero Draft' of a proposed UN legally binding instrument to regulate transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises in relation to human rights. FoEI argues that the draft is too weak, lacks essential principles, and fails to provide effective mechanisms to end corporate impunity. The document includes general comments on the draft's structure, specific contributions from FoEI representatives across different continents, and recommendations for the revised version of the treaty to be presented at the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).

This written submission by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) analyzes the 'Zero Draft' of a proposed UN legally binding instrument to regulate transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises in regarding human rights. FoEI argues that the Zero Draft is too weak, lacks direct obligations for corporations, and fails to provide effective mechanisms to end corporate impunity, calling for a revised version that prioritizes human rights over commercial interests.

This research paper examines the implementation of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Africa, using Zambia as a primary case study. It analyzes the benefits of trade facilitation for landlocked lower-middle-income countries, the role of the TFA Facility and donor assistance, and the specific challenges and successes of trade facilitation reforms at four of Zambia's strategic border posts.

This briefing argues that the European Union's (EU) reliance on 'formalisation'—increasing legalisation and transparency—in natural resource governance has failed to improve human wellbeing in producer countries. Using case studies from Sierra Leone's diamond sector and Liberia's forest sector, the author contends that these technocratic approaches often ignore local socio-political contexts and fail to deliver tangible benefits to affected populations. The document calls for the EU to adopt a 'human security' approach, shifting focus from state security to the security of individuals, specifically targeting freedom from want and fear.

This report analyzes local procurement policies (LCPs) in the mining sector, examining how governments can increase the purchase of goods and services from domestic suppliers to foster industrial development and economic diversification. It details various ways to define "local"—through geography, value addition, or ownership—and evaluates demand-side and supply-side policy instruments, ranging from mandated percentages and targeted lists to supplier development programs and access to finance. The document emphasizes that LCPs are most effective when supported by a conducive business climate, reliable data, and complementary capacity-building measures for local firms.

This IISD report presents the results of a 2018 online survey of 72 respondents from 54 developing countries regarding their investment treaty negotiation processes. It examines trends in treaty renegotiation, the impact of investment disputes, the use of model treaties, ratification procedures, and the specific government agencies involved in leading and supporting these negotiations.

This executive summary report, produced by WWF South Africa in collaboration with IIASA, assesses the current and future potential for sustainable aviation biofuel feedstock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a systems analysis approach and RSB sustainability criteria, the study identifies 'REMAIN' land—areas not required for food security or environmental conservation—and evaluates the technical potential of various feedstocks to meet a minimum 60% greenhouse gas (GHG) savings criterion. The report concludes that while significant technical potential exists, it is likely to decrease by 2050 due to population growth, food demand, and climate change.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and UNDP examines the progress of African nations in implementing and monitoring Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Based on a survey of 126 stakeholders across 38 countries and a review of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), the document highlights Africa's leadership in governance statistics and the challenges of funding and data accessibility, while showcasing innovative national practices in data sovereignty and multi-stakeholder engagement.

This 2019 fact sheet from Sustainable Energy for All tracks populations at risk regarding cooling needs, identifying 1.05 billion people at the highest risk (Rural and Urban Poor) in 2019, a decrease from 1.1 billion in 2018.

An open statement by Friends of the Earth International and the World Rainforest Movement, signed by over 100 organizations, denouncing the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to eliminate violence and environmental destruction in the industrial palm oil sector over 14 years.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International and the World Rainforest Movement, signed by over 100 organizations, denouncing the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to eliminate violence and environmental destruction over 14 years of operation.

A statement signed by over 100 organizations criticizing the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to eliminate violence and environmental destruction over 14 years. The document argues that the RSPO serves as a 'greenwashing' tool for the industrial palm oil sector, masking human rights violations and deforestation while facilitating the industry's expansion.

This research paper, produced by Friends of the Earth Africa (FoEA), proposes the establishment of a sui generis international tribunal to hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights violations. The document argues that existing national and international mechanisms are ineffective, allowing multinationals to operate with impunity through complex corporate structures and influence over governments. It provides a detailed proposed statute for an 'International Tribunal on Multinationals, Other Enterprises and Human Rights' (TIMEDH), emphasizing accessibility for victims, a shift in the burden of proof to companies, and a permanent seat in a southern state.

This report, produced by Friends of the Earth Africa with support from Friends of the Earth Europe and International, proposes the creation of a legally binding international tribunal to hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights violations. The document argues that existing national and regional mechanisms are insufficient to protect victims, particularly in the Global South, and provides a detailed draft statute for a 'sui generis' court designed to ensure access to justice and reparations.

This document consists of the minutes from the 25th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Bogotá, Colombia, on June 13-14, 2017. It details the approval of the IAI's core budget for 2017-2018, the election of members to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), and progress reports on science programs, capacity building, and global outreach. The document also includes a farewell letter from outgoing Executive Director Dr. Holm Tiessen, reflecting on 12 years of institutional growth and the shift toward transdisciplinary science.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies compares peacebuilding and inclusivity efforts in Liberia and South Sudan to provide practical recommendations for the United Nations and other international actors on sustaining peace.