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The paper examines how the international linking of emissions trading systems (ETSs), which allows allowances to flow across borders and alter emission levels, should be accounted for under the Paris Agreement. Specifically, it focuses on the framework provided by Article 6.2 to ensure that such links are properly reflected in the achievement of nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The document notes that the European Union and Switzerland intend to use Article 6.2 to account for their ETS link.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing the Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle Campaign, is urging the South African government to prioritise the promulgation of the Climate Change Bill, 2018. The authors argue that delaying climate legislation is unacceptable given South Africa's extreme vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for 'rapid and far-reaching' transitions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. They assert that the state has a Constitutional obligation to protect the environment and prevent pollution, citing the Dutch Urgenda case as a legal precedent for the state's duty to pursue ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction plans.

The report finds that ten companies were responsible for an estimated two-thirds of the health damage caused by EU coal power plants in 2016, including 7,600 premature deaths. RWE is identified as the most harmful company, with health costs of €5.4 billion in 2016. The analysis highlights that for many companies, the health costs imposed on society are similar in magnitude to the revenues they earn from selling coal-fired electricity. The report argues that companies are 'clinging to coal' through lack of retirement plans, continued investment in old plants, and lobbying for subsidies, and recommends a full phase-out of coal by 2030.

The Defenders in Development Campaign urges states and development finance institutions (DFIs) to integrate human rights protections into development projects, noting that defenders of land and environmental rights face extreme risks of violence and criminalization.

Vigeo Eiris conducted a limited assurance engagement in September and October 2018, concluding that Royal Schiphol Group's 2018 first Green Bond is in conformance with the Climate Bonds Standard version 2.1. The bond's proceeds are intended to finance low carbon emissions vehicles, charging infrastructure, and the construction or refurbishment of low carbon buildings. The verification confirmed that the nominated assets meet the technical criteria for Low Carbon Buildings and Low Carbon Land Transport, though the verifier noted that the lack of quantified contributions to corporate sustainability objectives and the absence of a commitment to periodic assurance engagements are areas for improvement.

The report identifies hazardous substances, including phthalates, flame retardants, and PFAS, in carpets from major EU manufacturers, arguing that current regulations and voluntary certifications are insufficient to protect consumers and enable safe recycling.

The report reveals that hazardous substances, including phthalates, flame retardants, and PFASs, are present in carpets from several of Europe's largest manufacturers. It argues that current EU regulations contain loopholes—such as exemptions for recycled PVC—and that voluntary certification schemes are often insufficient. The findings suggest that while non-toxic, recyclable carpets are possible, systemic policy changes and ecodesign are required to scale these solutions.

The report reveals that many carpets from leading European manufacturers contain hazardous substances, including phthalates, halogenated flame retardants, and PFAS, which pose health risks and obstruct circular economy goals. Testing of 15 samples showed that while some products are non-toxic, others contain substances like DEHP and TDCPP, even when using recycled materials. The document argues that current EU regulations and voluntary certifications are insufficient, calling for a shift toward family-based chemical regulation and extended producer responsibility to ensure safe recycling.

The document examines the shift in international investment governance as countries move toward 'new-generation' model investment treaties. It highlights how states are revising their models to correct problematic language, integrate sustainable development goals, and limit the use of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). The text details specific national approaches from Canada, the Netherlands, India, Nigeria, and Brazil, while noting a general trend toward more transparent, consultative processes in drafting these agreements.

The document argues against a sequential model of research where results are merely 'translated' for stakeholders at the end of a project. Instead, it advocates for knowledge co-creation, an inclusive process where stakeholders are involved from the design phase through data analysis and communication. Using examples from the 'Active Citizenship in Culturally and Religiously Diverse Societies' (ACT) project, the brief demonstrates how interactive workshops and conferences can facilitate the exchange of experiential and professional knowledge. It concludes that while this approach increases relevance, new evaluation mechanisms are needed to capture the unpredictable, bottom-up nature of its societal impact.

The 2018 Climate Accountability Scorecard evaluates Royal Dutch Shell's response to climate change, noting that while the company acknowledges climate science and supports the Paris Agreement in principle, it lacks a concrete net-zero action plan and maintains ties to industry groups that spread climate disinformation.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) reported total assets of $141,669,442 as of September 30, 2018, an increase from $106,449,500 in 2017. The organization's primary operating revenues for 2018 totaled $111,151,598, with the majority of expenses directed toward "Policy research, technical support, and communications programs". An independent audit by Grant Thornton LLP issued an unmodified opinion, stating the financial statements present fairly the Institute's financial position. WRI maintains a permanent endowment of $25,100,000 and operates subsidiaries in India, China, and Europe to support its focus on climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities.

Friends of the Earth International calls for an immediate transition from a pollutant-heavy energy system to a decentralized, people-led model. The statement rejects 'false solutions' like carbon capture and argues that developed nations must take primary responsibility for emissions reductions and financial transfers to the Global South to ensure a just transition.

Friends of the Earth International calls for a transition from 'Dirty Energy'—including fossil fuels, nuclear power, and large-scale hydropower—to decentralized, people-centered community energy. The statement criticizes 'false solutions' like BECCS and carbon offsets, highlighting the disproportionate responsibility of the global North for emissions and the need for a just transition that includes significant financial flows to the global South.

The report argues that coal transitions are already underway due to economic shifts, the falling cost of renewables, and environmental concerns, independent of climate policy. Through analysis of China, India, South Africa, Poland, Germany, and Australia, it concludes that phasing out coal is technically feasible and cost-neutral or advantageous for consumers. It emphasizes that a 'just transition' for workers and communities is possible through early stakeholder consultation, tailored workforce programs, and regional economic diversification. The document also warns coal exporters of the risks of stranded assets and the potential for abrupt declines in global demand.

The document examines the transition from a linear to a circular economy, highlighting its potential to create jobs and increase GDP. It synthesizes projections from various international bodies, noting that while Europe has extensive data suggesting net job gains in recycling and services, Canada's 'environmental and clean technology' sector employs approximately 274,000 people as of 2016, though its growth lags behind the broader economy.

The briefing contends that the distinction between adaptation and development projects is counter-productive and that adaptation should be viewed as 'doing development differently in response to climate change.' It proposes a framework for maximizing the impact of scarce adaptation finance by establishing strong climate rationales, building national adaptive capacity across four key areas, and shifting toward devolved decision-making to empower local communities.

The document examines five types of illegality—resource rights, labor rights, other laws, fraud, and corruption—across several global commodity chains. It provides case studies on beef, palm oil, pulp and paper, cocoa, shrimp, olive oil, dairy, and soy, highlighting how illegal practices drive deforestation, biodiversity loss, and labor abuse. The paper argues that illegality is an underappreciated threat that increases with global food demand and climate change, calling for precompetitive cooperation between governments and companies to ensure supply chain transparency.

The policy brief argues that South Africa has experienced premature deindustrialisation, with manufacturing's GDP contribution falling from 21% in 1994 to 13% in 2016. To reverse this, the Institute for Economic Justice recommends strategic interventions in three key areas: the machinery and equipment sector through a regional SADC strategy to create approximately 270,000 total jobs; the fruit industry by addressing phytosanitary constraints and expanding high-value exports (e.g., avocados) to create 130,000 jobs by 2022; and the plastics conversion industry through the establishment of light manufacturing clusters and raw material price regulation to potentially add over 40,000 jobs by 2024.

The report details a growing movement across Europe to replace the 'war on drugs' with policies based on harm reduction, public health, and human rights. It provides country-specific accounts from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the UK, highlighting a tension between restrictive national laws and progressive proposals for decriminalisation, legalisation of cannabis, and the implementation of safe consumption rooms.