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The document examines technical approaches to establishing reference levels for REDD+, comparing historical baselines with forward-looking and adjusted models. It argues that while different methods exist, most produce similar emissions reductions and costs, and that prioritizing the participation of high-forest low-deforestation (HFLD) countries is essential to prevent global leakage.

The report examines how existing corruption and weak governance in forest-rich developing countries may undermine REDD objectives and how REDD resource flows could create new incentives for rent-seeking. Through case studies in the DRC, Kenya, and Tanzania, it identifies risks such as 'carbon fraud', elite capture of funds, and the marginalisation of local communities. It suggests that while REDD can act as a catalyst for improving forest governance, success depends on tailored anti-corruption measures, independent monitoring, and the integration of REDD into national development strategies.

The document analyzes Asia's climate investment requirements, estimating annual mitigation needs at US$90–180 billion and adaptation costs at US$40–45 billion by 2030. It argues that while private finance can drive mitigation in major economies like China and India, public resources are essential for adaptation and for less developed countries. The briefing highlights opportunities in carbon markets and public-private leveraging, but warns that the Copenhagen Accord's US$100 billion target is insufficient for Asia's needs and that transport or financial transaction levies could negatively impact Asian trade and financial hubs.

The document critiques the World Bank Group's draft palm oil strategy, highlighting systemic failures in protecting indigenous land rights and biodiversity. It specifically warns against a 'loophole' regarding Financial Intermediaries (FIs) and Advisory Services, which the authors claim could be used to bypass environmental and social safeguards. The authors argue that investment should only occur after a strict sequencing of policy and regulatory capacity building, and they call for the continuation of the sector-wide moratorium on palm oil lending until these issues are resolved.

This report examines the mining sector in Tanzania, focusing on the economic contributions of the industry, the challenges of securing a 'social licence to operate' from local communities, and a case study of the Barrick Gold Corporation's operations within the country.

The report examines the Tanzanian mining sector, noting that while it contributes modestly to GDP (2.3%), it accounts for approximately 45% of foreign earnings. It highlights a significant gap between public perceptions of mining profitability and the operational realities of the industry. A case study of Barrick Gold reveals varying levels of social legitimacy across its mines, with the North Mara mine facing severe challenges including criminal activity and community mistrust, while the Buzwagi mine was designed to follow global best practices. The report recommends greater fiscal transparency through EITI compliance and the creation of a national mining forum.

The document examines the technical and political challenges of integrating REDD into global climate policy, focusing on the scope of activities (from REDD to REDD++), financing mechanisms, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) standards, and institutional governance. It highlights the diversity of national circumstances, particularly in Africa, and the need for a phased implementation approach that balances equity with efficiency.

The report examines the technical, financial, and institutional challenges of implementing REDD, focusing on the definitions of 'forest', funding mechanisms, and measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems.

The document argues that international financial support for climate mitigation in developing countries must shift from simply purchasing cheap carbon offsets to supporting comprehensive low-carbon development strategies. It details a variety of Public Finance Mechanisms (PFMs)—including grants, loans, equity, and risk guarantees—and maps these to the specific needs of project developers, private investors, and governments. The authors emphasize that tailored support is necessary to address incremental costs and high policy and technology risks, suggesting that a 'social value of carbon' could serve as a reference price to stabilize investments. The paper concludes that a combination of bilateral cooperation for flexible grants and multilateral institutions for large-scale loans and guarantees is essential to leverage the private capital needed for a global low-carbon transition.

The document assesses the 2008 proposal for the Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, focusing on its mechanisms for price control and international linking. It examines the implications of a domestic price cap and the potential for bilateral linking with the European Union and New Zealand, while analyzing the impact of 'hot air' units from Russia and Eastern Europe on the global carbon market.

The report argues that EU consumption and trade policies drive the expansion of monoculture tree plantations in the Global South, which disproportionately harms women by destroying their livelihoods, health, and cultural identities. Through case studies in Nigeria (rubber), Papua New Guinea (oil palm), and Brazil (eucalyptus), the document details the loss of food sovereignty, the erosion of traditional medicinal knowledge, and the increase in gender-based violence and economic dependency. It highlights that while these projects are often framed as 'development,' they frequently result in land theft and environmental degradation. The report concludes by documenting the emergence of women-led resistance movements fighting for land return and food sovereignty.

The document analyzes the 'Global Europe' strategy, which shifts the EU from multilateralism toward 'WTO+' bilateral free trade agreements. It argues that this approach focuses on 'competitiveness' and securing raw materials, often at the expense of social and environmental protections in the Global South. The report details negative impacts in Central America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, specifically highlighting threats to food sovereignty, the displacement of peasant communities for agrofuels, and the erosion of domestic policy space through the liberalization of services and government procurement.

The report analyzes the 'Global Europe' strategy as a political and economic tool used by the EU to secure access to raw materials, energy reserves, and open markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It argues that 'Association Agreements' go beyond trade in goods to include the liberalization of services, investments, and government procurement, which the author claims undermines the sovereignty of developing nations. The document highlights specific negative impacts, such as the promotion of agrofuels in Central America, the pressure on African nations to sign Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to maintain tariff preferences, and the role of European financial institutions like the European Investment Bank in funding extractive projects. It concludes that the strategy prioritizes corporate competitiveness over human rights and environmental sustainability.

The report critiques REDD as a flawed approach that focuses on reducing rather than stopping deforestation, potentially rewarding polluters through carbon offsetting. It highlights significant risks to Indigenous Peoples' land rights, the danger of replacing natural forests with carbon-poor plantations, and methodological failures such as 'leakage'. The author argues that market-based funding is volatile and inequitable, suggesting instead that funding should be grant-based, managed by the UN, and focused on addressing the underlying drivers of deforestation.

The report finds that REDD is a low-cost climate mitigation strategy, with $20 billion in annual funding potentially reducing 2020 deforestation emissions by 50%. However, it argues that political and institutional constraints—specifically the capacity and interest of major emitters like Brazil and Indonesia—will likely delay the implementation of a comprehensive global system until 2020 or later.

The document argues that the PS/EPs fail to provide a robust framework for managing human rights risks, citing substantial gaps in substantive standards, due diligence procedures, and grievance mechanisms. Through a review of 61 project cases and an analysis using the Danish Institute for Human Rights' tool, the authors conclude that the PS/EPs do not align with international human rights norms and require significant amendment to ensure project sponsors meet their baseline responsibility to respect human rights.

The report argues that environmental change acts as a 'threat multiplier' for Canadian security, particularly through the opening of Arctic shipping routes and the scramble for newly accessible oil and gas reserves. It highlights tensions with Denmark over Hans Island and the U.S. over the Northwest Passage. Internationally, it notes that climate-induced migration and resource conflicts increase the burden on Canadian peacekeeping and aid. Conversely, the report asserts that Canada's 'new security agenda'—focused on counter-terrorism and energy independence—often competes with environmental management, as seen in the push for oil sands development and the proposed militarization of the Great Lakes.

The report presents a business case for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), arguing that failing to secure community approval creates significant financial, operational, and reputational risks. Through four case studies in the Philippines, Argentina, Thailand, and Peru, it demonstrates that while FPIC requires an iterative process of information sharing and negotiation, the costs are minimal compared to the potential losses from project delays, asset write-downs, and lost revenues. The authors recommend that project sponsors, financiers, and host governments integrate FPIC into their decision-making and permitting processes to avoid costly conflicts.

The document examines the complex relationship between anthropogenic climate change and forced migration, arguing that while precise numerical predictions (such as 200 million migrants by 2050) are tentative, the 'carrying capacity' of many regions will be compromised. It distinguishes between slow-onset climate processes and sudden climate events, noting that non-climate drivers like governance and poverty are equally critical. The author outlines three scenarios—'The Good', 'The Bad', and 'The Ugly'—based on IPCC emission storylines, and highlights that the poorest countries will bear the heaviest burden of displacement. The paper concludes that forced climate migrants currently 'fall through the cracks' of international law and national adaptation strategies, which often view migration as a failure of adaptation rather than a tool for it.

The report examines the shift from traditional state-centric security to 'human security,' noting that modern conflicts are increasingly linked to poverty and occur within poor states. It argues that while trade and aid can theoretically promote stability, in practice, unfair trade rules and misused aid often exacerbate instability. The author proposes six objectives for the international community and the Commonwealth to ensure these policies 'do no harm' and support enduring peace.