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The report analyzes 2013 cable news segments from CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, finding significant disparities in scientific accuracy. MSNBC had the highest accuracy rate (92%), followed by CNN (70%) and Fox News (28%). The authors argue that misleading coverage, particularly the use of 'false debates' on CNN and the disparagement of scientists on Fox News, hinders democratic dialogue on climate policy by conflating established scientific facts with political opinions.

The document details the risks posed by rising temperatures and sea-level rise in the Southeast US, highlighting threats to energy and transportation infrastructure, agricultural productivity, and native ecosystems.

The 28th SAC meeting in Miami reviewed the status of IAI's Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) and Small Grants Programme for Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), emphasizing the need for better scientific integration across projects and increased institutional visibility. Key discussions included the development of a Latin American optical phenology network, the creation of science-society interaction proposals, and the importance of translating scientific achievements into policy briefs.

The Reefs at Risk Caribbean project workshop focused on improving a threat assessment model for coral reefs using proxy indicators. Key discussions centered on refining data for coastal development, watershed-based pollution, overfishing, and coral bleaching. Participants recommended incorporating higher-resolution data, adjusting population density metrics for fishing pressure, and treating coral bleaching and disease as separate analysis layers rather than integrated threat model components. The workshop also addressed the need for better mapping of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the economic valuation of reefs.

The guide argues that sustainable development requires moving beyond traditional PR and marketing toward 'engagement,' a process of relationship building that transforms passive audiences into active partners. It outlines a theoretical basis drawing from permission marketing, moves management, and social psychology, proposing an 'engagement pyramid' that moves from information provision to nurturing relationships and finally to joint action. The text provides practical advice on goal setting, audience identification, and a diverse suite of communication tools—ranging from personal contact and print to web content and audio-visuals—to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation.

The IAI invested approximately US$20 million between 1995 and 2000 to establish multinational research networks in the Americas. This was achieved through four primary programs: Start-up Grants (SG), the Initial Science Program (ISP), the Collaborative Research Network (CRN), and the Program to Expand Scientific Capacity in the Americas (PESCA). The IAI's Science Agenda focused on four themes, with the largest funding allocation going to 'Changes in the Composition of the Atmosphere, Oceans and Fresh Waters'. The institute reports 145 publications resulting from ISP and CRN funding and emphasizes student training as a key mechanism for regional scientific development. However, the IAI notes a funding gap of over US$6 million for high-quality research proposals that remain unfunded.

The document outlines the conditions under which the IAI may suspend or terminate a grant, including material failure to comply with terms, mutual agreement, or scientific misconduct. It details the notification process, the right of beneficiaries to request informal dispute resolution through the Executive Council, and the specific protocols for investigating and penalizing scientific malpractice.

The IAI Communications Task Force met in Miami in April 1999 to review communication activities from June 1997 to April 1999. The group concluded that initial mandates were met, including the improvement of the Newsletter, the creation of an independent homepage, and the publication of annual reports and brochures. To sustain progress, the Task Force recommended extending its mandate for one year, appointing a Communications Officer, and developing a long-term communication strategy. Specific operational goals include reducing annual report costs by exploring publication in Brazil, USA, or Canada, and enhancing the digital presence of the IAI through better homepage integration and reader surveys for the Newsletter.

The report examines the ZEDE law in Honduras, which creates autonomous zones with their own judicial and administrative systems. It argues that these zones undermine democratic governance, threaten indigenous land rights, and lack transparency. The author contends that IDB funding for ZEDEs would violate the bank's own operational policies regarding indigenous peoples, environmental governance, and access to information.

The document details the establishment of the IAI Summer Training School, noting that the University of Miami (RSMAS) will act as the agent to secure funding from the NSF for a three-year program. It describes a joint supervision model between RSMAS and IAI to ensure interdisciplinary and multinational participation, managed by a coordinator and a scientific leader. Proposed thematic areas include social science methods for natural scientists, climate downscaling, sustainable coastal management, socioeconomic impacts of El Niño, and remote-sensing data for ocean-land interactions.

The IAI Task Force met on March 31 and April 1 to reform the IAI newsletter, establishing a new Editorial Board and a budget of $52,800 for 1998/99. The group decided to increase scientific content, integrate the newsletter into the main IAI website, and explore electronic versions through a reader survey in January 1999.

The report argues that state preemption—where state law supersedes local ordinances—is frequently used to block municipal efforts to regulate corporate landlords, particularly private equity firms. It highlights that while 'home-rule' states offer more local autonomy than 'Dillon's rule' states, state governments can still override local housing policies. Using examples from California, Florida, and Illinois, the document demonstrates how preemption limits rent control, eviction protections, and inclusionary zoning, often influenced by corporate lobbying. The authors conclude that housing advocates must focus on state-level legislative changes and coalition building to abrogate these preemptions.