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The Brazilian sustainable debt market reached USD 33.3bn by H1 2023, with green bonds dominating at 45.2%. Within the agriculture sector, forestry is the most financed land-use category, followed by agriculture and bioenergy. The report highlights the role of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) for hard-to-abate sectors and recommends government guarantees and a national taxonomy to scale GSS+ financing.

The report examines how international taxonomies and the national policies of the US, China, and Germany handle fossil fuels to inform the development of a Canadian taxonomy. It finds that while most taxonomies exclude new oil and coal capacity, fossil gas is often treated as a transitional fuel with strict emission limits and phase-out dates (typically 2030–2035). The document highlights the critical role of fugitive methane emissions in determining the actual climate impact of natural gas, arguing that lifecycle assessments are necessary to avoid 'carbon lock-in'. It concludes that Canada's main trading partners are using economic incentives and regulations to reduce hydrocarbon consumption, suggesting that a science-based taxonomy is essential for attracting private capital for decarbonization.

Analysis using the Climate Shift Index (CSI) shows that human-caused climate change significantly increased the likelihood of record-shattering heat during the June-August 2023 period. Approximately 48% of the global population experienced at least 30 days where heat was made at least three times more likely by climate change (CSI level 3 or higher). The report highlights a stark inequity in exposure, noting that countries with the lowest historical emissions experienced three to four times more days of very strong climate fingerprints than G20 countries.

Analysis of G20 coal power emissions reveals that while 12 of 20 economies saw per capita declines since 2015, Australia and South Korea remain the top polluters, each emitting more than triple the global average. In contrast, emerging economies like Indonesia, Türkiye, China, and India experienced increases in per capita emissions as electricity demand outpaced renewable growth. The G20's combined per capita emissions rose slightly from 1.5 to 1.6 tonnes of CO2 between 2015 and 2022, underscoring a slow overall transition despite individual national progress.

The Lendable Decarbonization Fund (LDF) is an innovative financial instrument designed to provide sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and middle market companies (MMEs) in emerging economies. By utilizing the proprietary Maestro technology for real-time monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), the LDF aims to reduce the administrative costs that typically prevent smaller firms from accessing SLLs. The fund also includes a Carbon Project Preparation Facility (CPPF) to provide technical assistance and grants for developing carbon offset projects. LDF targets an initial assets under management (AUM) of USD 250 million by year three and USD 500 million by year five, focusing on sectors such as energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and transport across Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America.

The report finds that oil- and gas-fired power plants in development increased by 13% in the last year to 783 GW, with Asia accounting for nearly two-thirds of this capacity. If built, these projects would cost an estimated US$611 billion and generate 41,239 million tonnes of CO2e lifetime emissions. The analysis highlights that China leads global development, while the United States possesses the largest existing capacity. The report further challenges the reliability of fossil fuels during extreme weather and notes that renewables with storage are now cheaper than gas-fired power in many regions, including China.

Analysis of July 2023, likely Earth's record hottest month, shows that human-caused climate change significantly increased the likelihood of extreme heat globally. Using the Climate Shift Index (CSI), the report finds that 6.5 billion people experienced at least one day where heat was at least three times more likely due to climate change. Particularly strong influences were noted in the Caribbean, Mexico, the southern U.S., and parts of Africa and Asia. In the U.S., 73% of the population experienced at least one day at CSI level 3 or higher, with several cities in Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona showing the strongest climate fingerprints.

The analysis finds that July 2023 was likely Earth's hottest month on record, with human-caused climate change making extreme heat significantly more likely for a vast majority of the global population. Using the Climate Shift Index (CSI), the report demonstrates that 81% of people experienced at least one day where temperatures were at least three times more likely due to climate change. The strongest signals were observed in tropical regions and small island developing states, where conditions were often five times more likely due to human influence. The report highlights specific record-breaking temperatures in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, emphasizing that such extremes will increase in frequency as long as fossil fuel combustion continues.

The report uses the Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY) to categorize Facebook users in 110 countries and territories into six groups: Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive. The 'Alarmed' group is the largest in approximately 80 of the surveyed locations, with the highest percentages found in Chile (65%), Mexico (64%), Malawi (63%), Bolivia (62%), and Sri Lanka (61%). Conversely, the United States exhibits a higher proportion of 'Doubtful' and 'Dismissive' respondents (22%) compared to other major carbon emitters and is less 'Alarmed' (34%) than many of its peers. Regional analysis shows South America has the highest proportion of countries with a majority of 'Alarmed' respondents, while Southwest Asia and North Africa show higher levels of doubt or dismissal, particularly in Yemen (34%).

The sustainable debt market in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) reached a cumulative total of USD 154.1 billion by the end of 2022. While the region represents only 4% of global sustainable debt, these instruments account for approximately 21% of the region's total debt volume from 2019 to 2022. The market is led by Chile, Mexico, and Brazil, with a strong presence of sovereign issuers and development banks. Key trends include the rise of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), the emergence of 'blue bonds' for ocean conservation, and the development of national taxonomies in Colombia and Mexico to standardize sustainable investments.

The VSS+ debt market in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) reached a cumulative total of $154.1 billion by the end of 2022. While the market experienced a volume contraction in 2022 due to global inflation and rising interest rates, it represents approximately 21% of the region's total debt volume from 2019 to 2022. Sustainable bonds are the largest segment (35%), followed by green (28%), social (19%), and sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) (17%). Chile, Mexico, and Brazil are the primary markets, with Chile being the only country to have issued sovereign bonds across four of the five thematic labels. The report highlights the emergence of 'blue bonds' and nature-debt swaps in the Caribbean and Ecuador, and emphasizes the need for standardized taxonomies and improved reporting transparency to attract further international capital.

The LAC GSS+ bond market reached a cumulative total of USD154.1bn by the end of 2022. While 2022 saw a contraction in volumes, the market remains significant, accounting for an average of 21% of the region's debt. Sustainability bonds are the largest segment (35%), followed by green (28%), social (19%), and sustainability-linked bonds (17%). Chile, Mexico, and Brazil are the primary market drivers, with Chile leading in total volume at USD43.2bn. The report highlights the emergence of sovereign sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), the potential of the blue economy, and the critical need for adaptation and resilience (A&R) financing. Key barriers include reporting inconsistencies and limited local capital market liquidity. The document recommends the adoption of national taxonomies, enhanced disclosure through platforms like the IDB's Green Bond Transparency Platform, and the use of innovative instruments to mobilize capital for the energy transition.

The report argues that private equity firms have consolidated the disaster restoration market, leading to a decline in workplace standards and community protections. It details systemic wage theft, numerous OSHA safety violations—particularly regarding asbestos—and the paradox of firms profiting from disaster cleanup while owning high-emitting fossil fuel assets. The document calls for legislative action, such as the Climate Resilience Workforce Act, and stricter labor standards for private equity owners.

A coalition of Global South organizations argues that the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) lacks sufficient due diligence and safeguards to protect the rights of people and environments in resource-rich countries. They demand a human-rights-based approach to decarbonization, including mandatory due diligence, the requirement of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for Indigenous Peoples, and a shift from treating these countries as mere raw material suppliers to establishing equitable partnerships that include technology transfer and value addition.

Earthjustice is calling for a moratorium on deep seabed mining, arguing that the ecological impacts of untested mining technologies on deep-sea ecosystems and the climate are unknown. The organization highlights the risk to Indigenous Pacific Islander communities and supports U.S. legislation, including the International Seabed Protection Act, to prevent mining in American and international waters. Earthjustice advocates for a circular economy based on reducing, reusing, and recycling minerals as a sustainable alternative to deep-sea extraction to meet the demand for clean energy technologies.

Iberdrola is implementing a just transition strategy focused on decarbonizing the economy while supporting affected workers and communities. The company has closed all its coal plants and is investing heavily in renewables, with planned expenditures of €47 billion from 2023-2025 and €65-75 billion between 2026 and 2030. Key initiatives include the Exiom-Iberdrola Alliance in Spain to manufacture photovoltaic modules, the School of Electricians for Women in Brazil, and collaborations with UNICEF to promote green employment in Spain, Brazil, and Somalia. Iberdrola also advocates for a just transition through international pledges and was the first company to share its Climate Transition Plan for net zero emissions before 2040 with the UN.

The report examines Australia's exposure to illegally harvested timber, focusing on high-risk supply chains from East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. It highlights the role of China and Vietnam as processing hubs that obscure the origin of timber from high-risk regions like the Congo Basin. The authors argue that current enforcement of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act (ILPA) is limited and recommend increased transparency, scientific species testing, and a shift toward tracing timber back to the country of harvest rather than the country of export.

The document argues that traditional mining tax regimes (corporate income tax and royalties) are often insufficient or vulnerable to profit shifting. It proposes ten alternatives, including variable royalties, production sharing contracts, and state equity participation, while addressing the impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the need for better production monitoring through remote sensing technology.

The guide examines the current state of mining taxation, highlighting challenges such as base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), and proposes ten innovative policy ideas to improve revenue mobilization. These include minimum profit shares, production sharing contracts, variable royalties, and the 'Sixth Method' for transfer pricing. It also addresses the impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and suggests the implementation of domestic carbon pricing and remote monitoring technologies for industrial minerals. The document emphasizes the need for transparent governance, professional board management for state-owned enterprises, and a balanced approach to fiscal stability clauses to ensure sustainable development.

This document is a list of participants for the 31st Meeting of the Executive Council to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, held on June 21, 2023, in Panama City and via videoconference.