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The report examines biofuel subsidies in Australia, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, and the US, finding that government support reached at least US$ 11 billion in 2006. It argues that these measures often fail to cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve energy security while driving up food prices and causing environmental degradation. The author recommends a moratorium on new first-generation biofuel subsidies and a fundamental rethink of the policy rationale.

The paper examines how National Revenue Funds (NRFs) can mitigate the 'resource curse'—the negative correlation between natural resource wealth and economic growth. It argues that while NRFs can theoretically smooth expenditures and prevent 'Dutch Disease', their success depends more on the political-economic environment and institutional strength than on technical design. The author suggests that in countries with weak institutions, NRFs should be established through nation-wide multi-stakeholder consultations and given constitutional status to prevent unilateral government manipulation.

The document examines the high volatility of coffee prices and the resulting financial instability for 20–25 million coffee-producing households. It argues that while traditional risk mitigation—such as diversification and reduced input use—is costly and inefficient, market-based instruments like futures, options, and over-the-counter (OTC) contracts can provide a more effective alternative. The report identifies significant barriers to adoption, including stringent 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) rules, lack of financial sophistication, and the inefficiency of many cooperatives. It suggests that the most viable path forward involves local banks acting as intermediaries, the development of local commodity exchanges, and the integration of risk management into physical trade and finance contracts.

The document assesses how certification schemes like Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance affect coffee producer incomes. It argues that while these standards can reduce price volatility through premiums and minimum price floors, their overall impact is limited by the small market share of certified coffee relative to conventional markets. The author also explores non-price factors, such as improved farm management and shade-grown quality, as potential drivers of long-term income stability.

The 24th SAC Meeting, held in December 2006, focused on transitioning IAI science from individual projects to broader research programs and increasing the societal relevance of global environmental change (GEC) research. The committee identified priorities for 2007-2008, including the development of an overarching strategic plan, the integration of human dimensions research via a US$800K fund, and the need to balance scientific excellence with informed action and policy relevance. The meeting also outlined the criteria for renewing SAC membership to ensure interdisciplinary expertise in areas such as meteorology, biodiversity, urban/energy, and environment/economy.

The 24th SAC meeting, held in December 2006 in Cuernavaca, Mexico, focused on transitioning the IAI from individual projects to broader research programs. The committee emphasized increasing the social relevance of global change research, promoting interdisciplinary work between natural and social sciences, and developing a general strategic plan. The meeting also outlined the criteria for renewing SAC membership to ensure coverage of key areas such as meteorology, biodiversity, urbanization, and economics.

The document lists the attendees of the 14th IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP) Meeting and the Science Symposium, both held in Manaus, Brazil, on June 14-15, 2007. Participants included representatives from national governments, research institutions, and international bodies from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, the United States, and Venezuela, as well as IAI directorate staff and external review committee members.

The IAI Directorate report for 2006-2007 outlines the institute's efforts to integrate global change science with policy, specifically focusing on land-use change in the La Plata Basin and the impacts of biofuels. The report highlights the implementation of Collaborative Research Networks (CRN I and II), the success of Training Institute Seed Grants (TISG) in fostering multidisciplinary networks across 19 countries, and new strategic partnerships with organizations like IDRC, NCAR, and the Asia-Pacific Network. It also details capacity-building efforts through summer schools and internships, and fundraising initiatives targeting the MacArthur Foundation for biodiversity research in the Andes.

The IAI Executive Directorate report for 2006-2007 details the institute's efforts to integrate climate science with policy, specifically focusing on land-use change in the Plata Basin and urbanisation in Latin America. It highlights the transition from the CRN I to CRN II research networks, the success of the Training Institute Seed Grants (TISG) in fostering multidisciplinary networks across 19 countries, and new strategic partnerships with organizations like IDRC, SCOPE, and the MacArthur Foundation to address biodiversity in the Andes.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) requests a core budget of US$ 1,014,931 for fiscal year 2007/2008, a level consistent with the previous two years. The budget supports the Directorate's operations, including the management of the CRN II Program, the implementation of the Small Grants Program for the Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), and the development of a new IAI Strategic Plan. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, with proposed adjustments to compensate for the loss of purchasing power of the US dollar against the Brazilian Real. The budget is funded by contributions from member countries, with the United States providing the largest share at US$ 595,000.

The IAI's central budget request for 2007/2008 is US$1,014,931, maintaining a stable funding level compared to previous years. The budget supports the administration of the CRN II program, the implementation of the Small Grants Program for Human Dimensions (SGP-HD) with a US$800,000 budget, and the development of a new Strategic Plan to link science with policy. Key financial adjustments include proposed salary increases for international staff to offset the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation and exchange rate fluctuations in Brazil. Member contributions are led by the United States (US$595,000) and Canada (US$125,000).

The document argues that the US uses bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) to implement "TRIPS-plus" intellectual property standards that undermine the 2001 Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health. These provisions—including data exclusivity, patent term extensions, and restrictions on compulsory licensing—increase drug prices and delay generic competition, thereby hindering access to essential medicines in developing countries. The author suggests that civil society should raise public awareness in both negotiating countries and the US, engage ministries of health, and advocate for a WTO moratorium on TRIPS-plus provisions. Furthermore, the paper argues for shifting the global discourse from intellectual property protection to a health-needs-driven R&D model, citing evidence that high IP standards have not significantly boosted research for diseases predominantly affecting the developing world.

The document explains that international investment agreements (IIAs), including bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and preferential trade and investment agreements (PTIAs), often grant foreign investors legal protections that exceed domestic laws. These agreements allow investors to bypass national courts and seek financial compensation through international arbitration if government regulations—such as environmental protections or public health measures—are deemed to be 'expropriations' or discriminatory. The guide highlights a critical lack of transparency in these proceedings, particularly under UNCITRAL rules, and discusses ongoing tensions in EU-ACP negotiations regarding the inclusion of investment rules in economic partnership agreements.

The World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank, reported total revenue of $25,345,212 and total expenses of $21,237,532 for the 2005 tax year. The organization operates seven primary programs focusing on climate change, urban mobility, ecosystem protection, and environmental governance. Its largest program expenditure was for the People and Ecosystems Program ($4,443,154), followed by the Institutions and Governance Program ($3,450,686). WRI maintains a staff of over 130 experts and partners with nearly 400 organizations globally.

The policy brief by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) proposes specific amendments to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules to distinguish 'State arbitrations' from private commercial ones. The authors argue that because State arbitrations often involve public funds, governmental misconduct, and critical public policy issues—such as drinking water systems or hazardous waste bans—they require higher standards of transparency. The brief proposes revisions to four articles to ensure public notice of proceedings, open hearings, public access to awards and documents, and the explicit ability for tribunals to accept amicus curiae briefs.

The document summarizes recent emissions inventories and health studies to demonstrate that shipping emissions are growing rapidly and significantly impacting human health. It highlights a global inventory projecting a 4.1% annual growth in emissions through 2040 and a North American inventory projecting 5.9% annual growth. The text argues that current and proposed IMO regulations are insufficient to offset this growth and calls for steep, fleet-wide reductions. Additionally, it cites California Air Resources Board (CARB) data showing that premature deaths attributed to ocean-going ships in California are predicted to more than double by 2020.

The report develops a high-resolution global inventory of ship emissions (SOx, NOx, PM, and black carbon) using power-weighted ICOADS data. It argues that a business-as-usual (BAU) growth rate of 4.1% per year, driven by trade globalization and containerization, will likely offset current IMO emission control measures. The authors conclude that fleetwide reductions of at least 60% would be required within two decades to maintain 2002 pollution levels.

The document asserts that the global expansion of genetically modified (GM) crops showed signs of stagnation by 2006, failing to outperform conventional crops in yield or reduce pesticide use. It highlights that GM varieties—primarily maize, cotton, soy, and rapeseed—have not alleviated hunger or poverty and have often negatively impacted small-scale farmers in countries such as India, China, and Colombia due to increased costs and secondary pests. Furthermore, it notes public opposition in the European Union and the inability of the industry to prevent the illegal spread of transgenic rice across multiple continents.

The report assesses the first decade of GM crop commercialization, focusing on soy, maize, cotton, and rapeseed. It argues that the promised benefits—such as increased yields and reduced pesticide use—are largely myths. In the US, it notes that GM crops have not increased potential yields and have actually increased overall agrochemical use. In South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, the expansion of GM soy is linked to deforestation and increased pesticide use, with GM varieties showing higher susceptibility to drought than conventional ones. In Asia and Africa, the report highlights the failure of Bt cotton in China, India, and Indonesia, citing the emergence of secondary pests and increased farmer indebtedness. It concludes that the primary beneficiary of this technology is Monsanto, which has consolidated control over the global seed market, while small farmers face increased dependency and economic risk.

The report analyzes the landscape of investor-state disputes in 2006, noting a shift toward non-ICSID arbitration venues and a lack of transparency in ad hoc proceedings. It examines specific cases involving land reform, intellectual property, and privatization, while highlighting legal contradictions in rulings against Argentina. The document also discusses the practice of 'treaty-shopping' and the ongoing debate over the distinction between legitimate government regulation and indirect expropriation.