Search Climate Insights Directory

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the proposal to expand the contributor base for climate finance to include emerging economies. It argues that while some emerging countries already contribute voluntarily, mandating their contributions at the current rate of developed countries would only provide an additional USD 51.19 billion, which is approximately 5.12% of the estimated USD 1 trillion annual need for developing countries. The document emphasizes that developed countries must maintain primary responsibility and calls for clearer definitions of 'developed countries' and 'climate finance' during the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) negotiations at COP29.

This report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the power sector transition within the BRICS bloc, noting that non-fossil power capacity is poised to exceed fossil-fueled capacity for the first time in 2024. While the bloc hosts a significant portion of the world's coal capacity and continues to develop new fossil fuel plants, there is a massive pipeline of wind, solar, and hydropower projects that could potentially align the group with global goals to triple renewable capacity by 2030.

This research paper examines the feasibility, potential benefits, and challenges of establishing a unified currency among the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It analyzes the proposal through the lens of Optimal Currency Area (OCA) theory, highlighting the geopolitical goal of reducing reliance on the US dollar while noting significant economic and political hurdles.

This research paper examines the feasibility, potential benefits, and risks associated with the adoption of a unified currency among the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It analyzes the proposal through the lens of Optimal Currency Areas (OCA) theory, highlighting the tension between the desire for reduced dollar-dependency and the reality of significant economic and political divergence among member states.

This research paper analyzes the first ten annual intergovernmental declarations of the BRICS configuration (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to evaluate how the group represents the interests of the 'majority world'. The author argues that while BRICS has successfully used discursive strategies to advocate for the reform of global economic governance and has achieved some practical outcomes through the G20, there remains a significant gap between its declarative statements and collective policy implementation.

A briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlining the expected agenda for the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, focusing on post-expansion integration, trade in local currencies, global governance coordination, and climate transition strategies.

This fact sheet by Ember warns that Romania's hard coal production in the Jiu Valley is significantly more methane-intensive than the limits set by the EU Methane Regulation of May 2024, risking penalties if intensity is not reduced by 2027.

This research paper evaluates the prospects and challenges of economic integration among the BRICS nations, specifically the possibility of forming an Optimum Currency Area (OCA) and a common currency. While the bloc has established significant institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to foster cooperation and reduce US dollar dependency, profound economic heterogeneity—ranging from commodity-driven to manufacturing-based economies—poses a major hurdle to monetary union. The analysis suggests that while traditional economic criteria for a currency union are not fully met, political will and strategic alignment may drive convergence over time.

This report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the power sector transition across the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates). It finds that while the bloc continues to build fossil-fueled capacity, non-fossil capacity additions are accelerating, with the share of power capacity fueled by coal, oil, and gas potentially falling below 50% by the end of 2024.

This briefing by the Stockholm Environment Institute provides a policy overview of solar and wind energy in Mongolia as of June 2024. It details the country's renewable energy potential, current installed capacity, legislative frameworks, financing from international partners, and gender disparities within the sector.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International and partners arguing that the current multilateral system, led by the United Nations, has failed to address global crises due to the dominance of corporate interests and geopolitical power struggles, calling for a democratic restructuring of global governance.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International, Transnational Institute, and IT for Change criticizing the current UN-led multilateral system as a failure that prioritizes corporate interests and neoliberalism over the needs of the Global South and the planet.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International, Transnational Institute, and IT for Change arguing that the current UN-led multilateral system has failed due to corporate capture and geopolitical conflict, and calling for a democratic global government to address climate and social crises.

This policy brief analyzes the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the UK Critical Minerals Strategy (CMS), evaluating their potential to support African industrialization. It argues that both frameworks are primarily driven by domestic energy and economic priorities, focusing on reducing dependency on China and mitigating geopolitical risks. The author contends that current capital allocations and the emphasis on domestic processing capacity are insufficient to attract private investment for African value addition and beneficiation, suggesting a need for a shift in political and commercial relations to align with African industrialization goals.

This report by Global Energy Monitor examines China's coal mining sector, highlighting a record-breaking production of 4,700 million tonnes in 2023 and a massive pipeline of proposed new capacity. It details the environmental impact, specifically the sector's role as a primary source of global coal mine methane emissions, and analyzes the tension between China's energy security needs and its 'dual-carbon' climate goals.

This research paper by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the market dominance of the top three gas turbine manufacturers—GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power—and the financial and geopolitical risks they face as the energy transition accelerates. The report highlights the industry's reliance on 'hydrogen-ready' technology and long-term service contracts as precarious strategies in the face of rising renewable energy capacity and potential gas power overcapacity.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the geopolitical competition between global powers—specifically the US, China, and Russia—within Africa. It argues that African states are increasingly pursuing a strategy of non-alignment and diversification to avoid becoming proxies in global disputes, seeking instead equal partnerships and autonomy. The paper suggests that African agency can be enhanced by strengthening the African Union (AU), diversifying international partnerships, and prioritizing internal economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) analyzes the 2023 activities of UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) regarding states' human rights obligations in the context of climate change. It tracks the increasing frequency of climate-related references in state reporting procedures and examines specific themes such as fossil fuel extraction, the right to a healthy environment, loss and damage, and intergenerational equity.

This guide by RMI explains the role of ammonia (NH3) in the energy transition, detailing its current fossil-fuel-based production, the transition to low-carbon 'colors' of ammonia, and its potential as a zero-carbon fuel for maritime shipping and a carrier for hydrogen transport.

An address by Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola outlining South Africa's foreign policy, which emphasizes active non-alignment, the centrality of Africa through Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA, and solidarity with peoples resisting occupation in Palestine and Western Sahara.