Search Climate Insights Directory

The AfCFTA aims to create a single African market by eliminating 97% of tariffs, but full implementation is hindered by delayed Rules of Origin negotiations and clashes between national interests and pan-African goals. The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) serves as a pilot to maintain momentum and test regulatory instruments among eight selected countries.

This case study describes a pilot project by SAO Energy and Okra Solar to deploy Nigeria's first fully fledged mesh-grid in Omolege, Ondo State. The project energises a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and surrounding households using a "keymaker" business model where productive hubs offset residential tariffs.

The Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023 by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the rapid expansion of gas infrastructure in the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The report argues that a 'gas panic' has led to uncoordinated buildouts of LNG terminals and pipelines that risk creating massive overcapacity and locking the region into fossil fuel dependency, potentially undermining the EU's climate goals under the European Climate Law and the Fit for 55 package.

This report provides a status update on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E-commerce as of December 2022. It analyzes the initiative's progress during its fifth year, contrasting it with broader trends in national, regional, and multilateral digital governance. The report highlights a shift toward a potentially less ambitious agreement for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), focusing on resolved trade facilitation issues while deferring controversial market access and data flow topics.

This report provides a status update on the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on e-commerce as of December 2022. It analyzes the evolving landscape of digital trade governance at national, regional, and multilateral levels, noting a trend toward more flexible regional Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs) and an increased focus on the digital divide within the WTO's broader Work Programme. The author suggests that the JSI is likely moving toward a less ambitious agreement focusing on minor facilitation points to ensure a conclusion by the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).

A Global Energy Monitor briefing on the expansion of gas extraction in Africa, highlighting a shift toward new market entrants and the associated climate and socio-economic risks.

This research paper examines the co-constitutive relationship between economic decline and rising insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that poor governance, dwindling state capacity, and systemic poverty drive violence across the country's geopolitical zones.

This research paper argues that Nigeria's growing insecurity is driven by a vicious cycle of poverty, dwindling state capacity, and the rent-seeking practices of the political elite. The author contends that economic desperation, exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption, pushes citizens toward crime and violence across all geopolitical zones.

This research paper analyzes Nigeria's foreign policy under President Buhari, arguing that a persistent conflict between regional aspirations and domestic policy instincts has hindered the country's economic and diplomatic goals. The author highlights how domestic measures, such as land border closures and a delay in ratifying the AfCFTA, contradicted Nigeria's stated goals of regional integration and economic growth.

This case study describes a pilot project in Bassa, Nigeria, where Creeds Energy used Okra's mesh-grid technology to create a 'Hub-and-Spoke' power sharing network for 50 households. By connecting high-powered prosumers and businesses (hubs) to low-powered residential users (spokes), the project reduced the average CAPEX per connection from $642 to $450 and achieved over 99% up-time.

This research paper analyzes Nigeria's 2023 general elections, highlighting the role of ethno-regional dynamics over ideology. It details the platforms of the four main contenders—Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—and discusses the country's severe security and economic challenges. The paper notes that while policy goals are similar, the outcome will impact Nigeria's internal stability and its role as a critical LNG supplier to Europe amid the energy crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

This executive summary outlines evidence-based and costed roadmaps for transforming agriculture and food systems in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Nigeria to combat hunger, improve nutrition, increase small-scale producer incomes, and address climate change.

This report provides an evidence-based and costed roadmap for transforming agriculture and food systems in Ethiopia to address hunger, nutrition, and climate change.

This report by the Global Center on Adaptation and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network documents 19 locally led adaptation (LLA) initiatives globally. It emphasizes the importance of devolving decision-making to the lowest appropriate level, addressing structural inequalities (particularly for women and Indigenous Peoples), and providing patient, predictable funding. The document highlights how communities use ecosystem restoration, circular economy practices, and intergenerational collaboration to build resilience, while calling for a shift in climate finance to better support holistic, community-defined priorities.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) has issued a call for concept notes for its 'From Knowledge to Action' program, which provides grants to African organizations to support locally-led, inclusive, and climate-resilient actions by mobilizing indigenous and local knowledge.

The 2023 CleanAir NDC Scorecard by the Global Climate and Health Alliance analyzes 170 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to assess how governments integrate air quality and health considerations into their climate plans. The report finds that while most NDCs mention air quality, there is a significant gap in quantifying health impacts and establishing forward-looking targets, with low- and middle-income countries generally showing higher levels of integration than high-income nations.

This document provides the technical annexes for the 2023 Forest Declaration Assessment, detailing the definitions, regional aggregations, and methodologies used to track forest loss, degradation, restoration, and biodiversity. It includes a specific data table comparing 2022 deforestation levels against a 2018-2020 baseline for 30 high-impact countries.

The Resilience Evidence Forum 2023 Synthesis Report documents a global gathering of over 1,200 participants aimed at taking stock of evidence on building resilience across people, communities, urban systems, socio-ecological systems, and market systems. The report emphasizes the need for 'locally led adaptation,' the integration of mixed-methods evidence (combining quantitative data with lived experience), and the bridging of funding gaps for climate resilience, noting that less than $50 billion is spent annually against needs of $160 billion to $340 billion.

The 'GUIDANCE NOTES: IGF Mining Policy Framework 2023' is a comprehensive guide published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to help governments implement the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Mining Policy Framework. The document provides detailed recommendations across six 'Pillars'—Laws, Policies, and Institutions; Financial Benefits; Socio-economic Benefits; Environmental Management; Post-Mining Transition; and Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining—to ensure the mining sector contributes to sustainable development and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 'Cadre d´orientation des politiques minières de l'IGF' is a comprehensive guide published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in 2023. It provides a policy framework for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) to support its 80 member countries in implementing sustainable mining laws and regulations. The guide is structured around six pillars: laws and institutions, financial benefits, socio-economic benefits, environmental management, mine closure transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).