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This policy brief evaluates the first phase (2009–2012) of the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Knowledge Platform for Asia (AKP), a collaborative initiative designed to build adaptation knowledge and capacity across Asia. The program utilized a three-tiered approach—sharing, generating, and applying knowledge—to mainstream climate adaptation into development planning. While the AKP successfully established a diverse network of local experts and produced over 50 knowledge products, it faced significant challenges regarding leadership consistency, language barriers in dissemination, and the limitations of linear project planning frameworks in measuring long-term social learning.

This briefing analyzes the divergent methods used to quantify the GHG emissions impact of new fossil fuel infrastructure. It contrasts the 'literalist' view (full combustion emissions), the 'fatalist' view (zero net impact due to displacement), and the 'economist' view (increased consumption due to lower prices). The authors conclude that a net-zero impact is highly unlikely due to market responses and systemic 'lock-in' effects.

This briefing by the Stockholm Environment Institute explores extraction-based emissions accounting as a method to track greenhouse gas emissions associated with the supply of fossil fuels, contrasting it with traditional territorial and consumption-based frameworks to better assess economic risks and producer responsibility.

This policy brief examines how international greenhouse gas (GHG) emission offsets can be designed to provide a 'net decrease' in emissions, moving beyond the standard one-to-one credit ratio. It analyzes the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to identify project types and accounting methods—such as stringent baselines and discounting—that could generate surplus reductions and a net atmospheric benefit.

The document describes how South Africa, Brazil, China, and India (the BRICS/BASIC group) have coordinated their efforts in the World Trade Organization and climate change negotiations to advocate for the interests of developing countries. It highlights their role as a counterpoint to advanced economies and their efforts to redefine South-South economic ties through new partnerships with other developing and least-developed nations.

This research paper examines the history and potential of rural biogas production in China, arguing that while subsidy-based programs have increased growth, policies must adapt to current livestock production realities to be effective. It explores how China could integrate these policies into a Sustainable Development – Policies and Measures (SD-PAM) mechanism to access international funding and technology.

This 2012 report by the Climate Policy Initiative examines how public policies and financial injections can mitigate risks to attract private investment in green infrastructure. Through case studies in the UK, Tunisia, and Morocco, it argues that well-articulated policies and innovative risk-mitigation instruments (like first-loss protection and policy risk insurance) are essential to overcome the inertia of 'plain vanilla finance.' The report highlights the critical role of National Development Banks in emerging economies, noting that China, Brazil, and India were the largest recipients of mitigation-directed climate finance in 2011.

This research paper by Energy Innovation and the Paulson Institute argues that the scale and speed of urbanization in China will be a primary determinant of future global climate change. The authors propose six critical 'ingredients for success'—permeable urban form, transit-centered transportation, effective building codes, municipal finance reform, sustainability metrics for mayors, and a strengthened planning process—to prevent the proliferation of unlivable, auto-centric 'superblocks' and instead create sustainable, world-class cities.

This research paper evaluates the potential economic impact of Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs) on Chinese exports, specifically focusing on proposed schemes from the United States and the European Union. Using 2007 input-output tables and IPCC methodology, the authors analyze how different carbon pricing, product coverage, and emission calculation methods (direct vs. embodied) affect the vulnerability of various industrial sectors.

This resource book, published by the Government of Nepal's Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology in November 2012, serves as a guide for climate change negotiators. It details the institutional and procedural framework of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, analyzes the specific climate vulnerabilities of Nepal—particularly in its mountain regions—and outlines national policy responses, including the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) and REDD+ initiatives. The document emphasizes the need for increased international climate finance, technology transfer, and gender-sensitive policies to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This 2012 report by the Climate Policy Initiative evaluates the preparedness of China, Germany, Italy, and the United States to meet emerging measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) needs. It finds that while most countries are well-positioned for emissions tracking, significant gaps exist in tracking the impact of mitigation actions, particularly regarding sub-national data in China and the U.S., and policy comparability in Germany and the U.S.

The Landscape of Climate Finance 2012 executive summary estimates annual global climate finance flows for 2010/2011 at approximately USD 343-385 billion. The report details the roles of public and private sources, the importance of financial intermediaries, and the distribution of funds toward mitigation and adaptation, noting that current levels remain insufficient to limit global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius.

The research paper argues that while South Africa does not fit the original economic profile of the Brics, its political influence justifies its membership. It suggests the group focus on mutual learning, trade facilitation, and financial cooperation while cautioning South Africa to prioritize pragmatism over ideology, maintain strong bilateral ties, and leverage its role as a political gateway to Africa.

This issue brief analyzes China's clean power sector, detailing its massive growth in electricity capacity, its continued heavy reliance on coal, and the government's strategic shift toward renewable energy and emissions controls under the 12th Five Year Plan.

This policy brief examines the Technology Mechanism established under the UNFCCC's Cancún Agreements, analyzing its potential to facilitate the development and transfer of climate technologies to developing countries. The authors argue for a systemic approach to innovation that balances 'push' and 'pull' factors, recommends the use of cooperative research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) programs, and emphasizes the need for dedicated funding windows within the Green Climate Fund to overcome financial barriers like the 'valley of death'.

This report examines the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in Manitoba, Canada. It identifies promising practices, such as the development of a new alternative energy program and the inclusion of sustainability outcomes in curricula, while highlighting significant barriers including lack of funding for green equipment, insufficient teacher training, and a gap in provincial-level policy guidance. The report suggests strengthening partnerships with industry to identify green skill demands and expanding professional development for educators to better prepare students for a green economy.

This document is an address by Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) delivered to the 49th Session of UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Board on September 25, 2012. Cosbey argues that the outcomes of the Rio+20 conference are insufficient for guiding states through the trade tensions arising from the transition to a green economy. He highlights the conflict between the use of green industrial policies—such as subsidies and local content requirements—and their impact on the multilateral trading system, particularly for developing countries. Cosbey calls for a non-legal, non-negotiating framework, potentially led by UNCTAD, to determine the propriety and effectiveness of these measures before they escalate into formal trade disputes.

This case study examines how China leveraged the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol to build expertise in carbon markets and prepare for a domestic emissions trading system. It highlights the role of powerful government ministries, coordinated capacity building, and specific regulatory controls used to ensure local sustainable development benefits and protect national economic interests.

This policy brief examines how China successfully leveraged the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to promote sustainable development. It highlights the role of powerful government ministries, coordinated capacity building, and the implementation of specific market restrictions to protect national interests and ensure local benefits.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates whether South Africa's 'African Agenda' and 'diplomacy of Ubuntu' align with its national interests and constitutional values. The author argues that South Africa is over-extended in its international engagements, often creating contradictions between its commitments to human rights and its strategic partnerships with authoritarian states.