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The document examines the necessity and challenges of regulating microfinance, particularly as the sector shifts toward commercialization and deposit-taking. It argues against a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, suggesting that prudential and consumer protection rules must be adapted to the specific risks of microfinance, such as unsecured lending and high operational costs. Using Indonesia's experience, it highlights the importance of independent oversight and the transition from enabling deregulation to corrective legislation.

The report analyzes the economic, environmental, and social impacts of fossil-fuel subsidies in APEC economies, estimating that consumption subsidies alone cost at least US$105 billion in 2010. It argues that such subsidies are often regressive, benefiting wealthier populations and increasing GHG emissions. The document proposes a three-phase reform framework—research, developing options, and implementation—and details case studies from Australia, Indonesia, Chile, Mexico, Thailand, China, and Russia to illustrate best practices in transparency, targeted social compensation (such as cash transfers), and gradual price deregulation.

The document examines Nigeria's energy subsidy regime, focusing on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), household kerosene (hhK), and electricity. It highlights the immense fiscal burden on the government, with fuel subsidies alone estimated at over ₦2 trillion in 2011. The guide argues that these universal subsidies disproportionately benefit higher-income earners and are plagued by systemic corruption, such as inflated import claims and the diversion of kerosene to black markets. It also notes that under-pricing of energy has stifled investment in refining and power infrastructure, leading to high reliance on private generators and significant gas flaring. The document outlines the government's transition toward cost-reflective electricity tariffs via the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) and the attempted removal of gasoline subsidies through the SURE-P program, while providing international lessons on gradual price liberalization and targeted social compensation.

The report outlines the progress of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, highlighting over 100 commitments from governments and businesses, including more than USD $50 billion from the private sector. It details a four-step country-action process adopted by 55 developing countries and identifies 50 high-impact opportunities across 11 action areas. The document also proposes a distributed global network for future implementation and a baseline report to track progress toward 2030 goals.

The research examines the interplay between climate mitigation and economic development using the CRED integrated assessment model. It finds that while climate and development policies are largely independent under extreme assumptions of climate risk (very mild or very serious), they are deeply interconnected under intermediate assumptions. Specifically, the study identifies a threshold where significant resource transfers from high-income to low-income regions are necessary to make emission reductions economically attractive for poorer nations, thereby enabling global climate stabilization.

The 2050 Criteria identifies primary environmental and social risks for ten major commodity sectors—including aquaculture, beef, cotton, dairy, palm oil, soy, sugar, timber, wild-caught seafood, and bioenergy—and establishes Key Performance Criteria (KPC) to help banks and investors identify responsible practices. The document argues that the global economy is consuming natural resources faster than they can be replenished, creating systemic risks for the financial sector. It promotes the use of credible third-party certifications, such as the RSPO for palm oil and FSC for forestry, as proxies for business performance and risk management. The report also highlights investment opportunities in sustainable technologies, such as methane capture systems in palm oil and dairy sectors, and the rehabilitation of degraded lands to meet growing global demand without further deforestation.

Transparencia Mexicana analysed 150 Project Design Documents (PDDs) for CDM projects in Mexico as of June 2012 to evaluate the integrity of public consultation processes. The study found that a lack of regulation allows project developers full discretion over consultation design, leading to poor reporting of results and minimal recording of public requests for mitigation or compensation. The authors argue that current guidelines are insufficient and recommend reforming the CDM consultation process to better facilitate interactions between diverse stakeholders, including local communities, academics, and specialized public authorities, to prevent manipulation and exploitation.

The document argues that local stakeholder consultations for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in India and Mexico are frequently inadequate or falsified due to a lack of clear guidelines and oversight. In India, project proponents often omit meeting details from public notices, provide documents in English that are inaccessible to impoverished villagers, and produce reports that omit unfavorable comments. The author provides case studies from Gujarat involving a solar project and a biogas project to illustrate how villagers were excluded or ignored. To improve transparency and sustainable development, the document recommends mandatory videography of consultations, publishing notices in local languages and multiple newspapers, and ensuring the public is informed about their 2% share of carbon credit sales.

The report examines the high cost of petroleum subsidies in India, specifically for domestic LPG and PDS kerosene, and proposes a transition to direct cash transfers. It highlights significant under-recoveries for oil marketing companies and systemic leakages in the Public Distribution System (PDS). The authors recommend short-term measures such as capping subsidized LPG cylinders and conducting more pilot studies, while proposing long-term reforms including improved BPL surveys, increased financial inclusion, and calibrated price decontrol.

The CRED v.1.4 technical report details an integrated assessment model designed to optimize the pace and distribution of emissions mitigation investments across 16 global regions. The model utilizes a Cobb-Douglas production function that accounts for the productivity of 'green capital' and employs a vulnerability index to apportion global climate damages. Key updates in version 1.4 include a 2010 base year, expanded regional disaggregation, and a climate module recalibrated to match the MAGICC5.3 model. The model's optimization process maximizes a global utility function based on regional per capita consumption, with an optional feature to calculate the social cost of carbon.

The IAI Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) managed the review and selection of CRN3 proposals from June 2011 to June 2012. Out of 88 pre-proposals, 26 full proposals were reviewed, and 8 were selected for funding. These 8 projects involve 117 investigators from 75 institutions across 16 countries. The SAC emphasized the need for multi-country teams, capacity building, and the integration of human dimensions and social sciences into climate research.

The report analyzes how California's 10 largest publicly owned utilities (POUs) met the 2010 RPS goal of 20 percent renewables. While collective RPS-eligible investments rose from 4.1 percent in 2003 to 18.8 percent in 2010, the quality of these investments varied. The authors emphasize that long-term contracts for new facilities are the most effective way to drive new clean energy development and stabilize rates. The report categorizes POUs into three groups: those 'sprinting ahead' (e.g., Silicon Valley Power), those 'on the right track' (e.g., LADWP), and those with a 'false start' (e.g., Imperial Irrigation District). It concludes with recommendations for the California Energy Commission (CEC) and POUs to prioritize long-term investments and improve reporting to meet the 33 percent RPS by 2020.

The IAI Executive Council met on June 26, 2012, to address operational budgets, scientific research grants, and governance restructuring. Key outcomes include the recommendation of a tripartite headquarters model distributed across Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, and the approval of eight research projects under the third round of the Collaborative Research Network (CRN3) program. The Council also reviewed financial reports for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, noting a total of US$1.3 million in pending member contributions.

The report argues that the EU ETS is failing due to a massive oversupply of allowances caused by the 2008 economic recession and industrial overallocation. Sandbag identifies a total excess of 3.1 billion tonnes (Gt) of allowances, including 2.2Gt from obsolete demand forecasts and 0.9Gt from industrial overallocation. The document highlights that 78% of the net surplus is concentrated among ten steel and cement companies, which have generated significant revenues from selling surplus permits. To remedy this, the report recommends the permanent cancellation of 3.1Gt of allowances from Phase 3 auctions, the establishment of a more ambitious Phase 4 carbon budget aligned with 2050 goals, and the introduction of mechanisms like a "heat exchanger" and a strategic demand-correction reserve to protect the system from future exogenous shocks.

The document analyzes internal ANC power struggles, focusing on President Jacob Zuma's strategic appointments and cabinet reshuffles intended to secure his second term. It highlights the roles of rivals such as Kgalema Mothlante, Tokyo Sexwale, and the expelled Julius Malema, while noting a rise in public service protests and internal party instability.

The Californians for Toxic-Free Fire Safety coalition applauds Governor Jerry Brown's decision to update California's outdated flammability standards, specifically Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117). The coalition argues that toxic flame retardants are ineffective at stopping fires, contaminate the environment globally, and are linked to severe health issues including cancer, infertility, and lower IQ. They highlight that Californians, particularly children and pregnant women, exhibit some of the highest levels of these chemicals in their bodies.

The report details the financial status of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. While 99.5% of approved contributions for the year were received by April 30, 2012, the institute faces significant arrears totaling US$1.3 million, with Mexico and Venezuela cited as major debtors. Operational expenses through February 2012 were 11% below budget, though salary costs exceeded projections by 6.4%. Cash reserves cover 3.8 months of operations, increasing to 9.2 months if US committed funds are included. Administratively, the report notes instability regarding the contracting of four staff members via INPE.

The document examines the conflict between Vattenfall and Germany arising from the 13th Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, which mandated the closure of nuclear plants by 2022. It explores how the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) allows foreign investors to bypass domestic courts and seek compensation through the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The report compares the investor-friendly standards of international arbitration—such as 'fair and equitable treatment' and 'indirect expropriation'—with the more public-interest-oriented protections of the German Basic Law. It concludes that the current investor-state dispute settlement system lacks transparency and predictability, potentially creating a 'chilling effect' on environmental policy-making.

The document examines the transition of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets toward central clearing via central counterparties (CCPs) following the 2007–2008 financial crisis. While CCPs can enhance stability by reducing counterparty credit risk and price volatility, the author argues they may introduce new systemic risks, such as destabilizing margin calls and the potential for CCP insolvency. The paper concludes that current regulatory efforts, including the Dodd-Frank Act and EU regulations, are reallocating rather than reducing risk, and warns that a loophole for 'individually negotiated' contracts could lead to further deregulation.

The briefing details how President Jacob Zuma used cabinet reshuffles and the appointment of National Police Commissioner Mangwashi Phiyega to ensure political loyalty ahead of the ANC national conference in Mangaung. It highlights growing opposition from figures such as Julius Malema, Kgalema Mothlante, and Tokyo Sexwale, as well as increasing public unrest evidenced by frequent service delivery protests.