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The report models a hypothetical national EPR framework in the U.S. to evaluate the economic benefits of harmonization over fragmented state-level policies. Key findings indicate that such a framework could reduce municipal waste management costs by 49%–53%, generate $111 billion in economic value added over 10 years, and significantly lower producer compliance costs. The analysis also highlights job creation in recycling infrastructure and innovation, particularly in the food and beverage sector, and examines the potential for improved domestic rPET markets and rural recycling access.

The 2026 wildfire season has seen record-breaking burn areas, with roughly 579,000 square miles burned globally in the first four months. This trend is driven by a powerful El Niño, hydroclimate 'whiplash', and the expansion of fires into previously immune regions. These conditions have led to over 110 military deployments across 49 countries between January and July 2026, straining defense priorities and threatening critical infrastructure. The document analyzes different military response models—ranging from Spain's dedicated standing unit (UME) to Indonesia's integrated civilian-military approach—and recommends expanding collaborative models, investing in joint training, and building international interoperability to manage wildfires as a standing security challenge.

The report analyzes the recurrence of climate disinformation during extreme weather events in 2026, specifically focusing on wildfires in Canada, the US, and the UK, and heatwaves in the EU, Spain, and Portugal. It highlights the role of 'participatory disinformation' and the failure of social media platforms to act on advance warnings from organizations like CAAD and EDMO.

The European summer of 2026 has been marked by exceptional heat and widespread dryness, leading to severe agricultural and hydrological impacts. Analysis shows that while precipitation trends vary by region, human-induced climate change has significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of drought by driving higher potential evapotranspiration (PET). In the western region, soil drought is estimated to be 5 times more likely than in a climate 1.4°C cooler, while in the eastern region, it is about 11 times more probable. The study highlights a compound crisis where rainfall deficits that previously would not have caused drought now do so because of shifted thresholds driven by warming.

Spain's strategic investment in wind and solar power has significantly reduced the influence of gas on electricity prices, keeping power costs among the lowest in the EU during the 2026 energy crisis. While high gas prices caused spikes in other European markets like Italy, Spanish consumers benefited from a decoupling effect that saved a typical household approximately €10 per month. The report also highlights policy responses following the April 2025 Iberian blackout, including reforms to battery storage and grid management, and temporary tax cuts to encourage electrification and reduce fossil fuel import dependency.

Europe is facing a significant demographic shift characterized by declining working-age populations and increasing old-age dependency, which is expected to create tighter labour markets and labour shortages by 2050. While this trend may stunt GDP growth and complicate investment, it provides an opportunity for trade unions to increase worker bargaining power and revitalize their membership, particularly by organizing the expanding care sector.

The article examines the global and European trend of restricting social media access for minors, highlighting legislative actions in Australia, France, and Spain. It contrasts the view that age bans are necessary public health measures to protect vulnerable adolescent brains from addictive algorithms with the argument that such bans punish children rather than platforms and may hinder digital participation. Experts suggest that focusing on harmful design features—such as infinite scroll and personalized recommendations—via frameworks like the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) is a more effective solution than blanket prohibitions.

The report provides a detailed breakdown of aligned GSS+ debt volumes, issuer types, and geographic trends for Q1 2026, highlighting the continued dominance of green bonds and the European market.

The document outlines a framework for responsible mining of transition minerals, focusing on protecting carbon-rich ecosystems, upholding Indigenous rights through Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and implementing rigorous climate-integrated impact assessments. It advocates for standardized Scope 1-3 emissions reporting, digital traceability, and a shift toward a circular economy to reduce virgin metal demand. Additionally, it proposes equitable benefit-sharing models, such as co-ownership and sovereign wealth funds, to ensure a just energy transition.

The report projects that Cape Verde will experience significant urbanisation and GDP per capita growth by 2043, though it remains highly dependent on food imports and tourism. While various sectoral interventions—particularly free trade and manufacturing—could further boost GDP and reduce poverty, they are also projected to increase carbon emissions. The Combined Agenda 2063 scenario suggests a potential GDP increase to US$8.7 billion and a reduction of extreme poverty to 3.6% of the population by 2043.

The briefing advocates for the adoption of Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) as a central mechanism within the EU Ocean Act to replace siloed marine governance with an integrated framework. It suggests that SOPs can align fisheries, offshore energy, and conservation efforts across EU member states, citing the success of 29 countries globally and the potential for better sea-basin coordination in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

ClientEarth argues that the European fashion industry must advocate for the inclusion of leather in the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to ensure supply chains are free from illegal deforestation and human rights abuses. The letter challenges industry claims that leather is a harmless by-product or that traceability is impossible, noting that Brazil generates over US$1.1 billion annually in leather exports and that several major exporting nations already possess compatible traceability systems. It warns brands that failing to support the EUDR leaves them exposed to legal and reputational risks as consumers increasingly demand deforestation-free products.

Turkey experienced record growth in wind and solar energy capacity in 2025, with combined new installations reaching 6.5 GW and total installed capacity for both sources hitting approximately 40 GW. Solar electricity generation doubled between 2023 and 2025, rising from 18.4 TWh to 37.3 TWh. While Turkey leads in its immediate region, its overall renewable energy share of electricity production (43% in 2025) remains below the European Union average of 48%.

In 2025, wind and solar energy reached a record 22% of Türkiye's electricity generation, though coal remained the largest source at 34%. While the country has a massive 33 GW battery project pipeline that exceeds any single EU nation, it still trails European averages for renewable energy share. Persistent drought has significantly reduced hydroelectric output, increasing reliance on natural gas imports by an estimated $1.8 billion annually. A new purchase guarantee for domestic coal plants starting in 2026 may further increase coal generation, potentially contradicting the country's 2035 target of 120 GW of wind and solar capacity.

Ember's analysis reveals a significant gap between planned renewable energy expansion and available grid capacity in Europe, with at least 120 GW of projects at risk. While some distribution grids can support household electrification, transmission bottlenecks threaten large-scale wind and solar projects, particularly in countries like Austria, Bulgaria, and Poland. The report advocates for 'non-wire solutions' and administrative reforms to unlock capacity and ensure energy security.

ClientEarth opposes the revision of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), arguing that current evidence supports full implementation over legislative changes. The organization warns that weakening the WFD would undermine legal certainty, jeopardize freshwater ecosystems, and shift economic costs from polluters to society. It specifically highlights risks from the mining sector and argues that the current revision process fails to comply with the European Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines.

The document argues that the combined effects of various slave trades and subsequent European colonialism fundamentally altered African agriculture. It details how the loss of productive labour and the imposition of export-oriented crop systems undermined domestic food security and regional trade.

The EU significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity between 2022 and 2025, with solar PV reaching 406 GW and wind reaching 246 GW. This transition reduced the bloc's reliance on imported fossil fuels, saving an estimated EUR 58 billion in coal and gas import costs. While countries like Spain have successfully delinked electricity prices from gas costs, others like Italy remain highly vulnerable due to continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly during the 2026 Strait of Hormuz blockade.

A conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the US, and Iran has caused global fossil fuel supply disruptions, leading to a nearly 50% increase in European gas prices in early March 2026. The briefing highlights that the EU's fossil import bill rose by an estimated €2.5 billion in the first ten days of the crisis. It argues that countries with high gas reliance for electricity, such as Italy, are most exposed to price spikes, while those that have decoupled gas from electricity prices, like Spain, are more resilient. The author contends that electricity market reforms or removing carbon costs (EU-ETS) are less effective than investing in renewables and clean flexibility to ensure long-term energy security.

A conflict in the Middle East in March 2026 caused European gas prices to spike by nearly 50%, increasing the EU's fossil import bill by €2.5 billion in ten days. The report highlights that countries with lower gas reliance, such as Spain, are more insulated from electricity price hikes than gas-heavy markets like Italy. It argues against suspending carbon costs under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, noting that gas volatility has a far greater impact on bills than carbon pricing.