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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).

This fact sheet by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the state of energy markets one year after the invasion of Ukraine, detailing the European Union's rapid reduction of Russian gas imports, the acceleration of the global energy transition toward renewables, and the financial impacts of energy sanctions on Russia and high fuel prices on global consumers.

An analysis by Ember reporting that wind and solar growth in the EU saved €12 billion in avoided gas costs in the year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while helping the EU reduce its reliance on Russian gas imports from 40% to 16%.

This briefing note by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (GIESCR) reviews the 2023 activities of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) regarding climate change. It details the Committee's focus on mitigation policies, adaptation strategies, and the transition away from fossil fuels across various State parties' Concluding Observations (COBs) and Lists of Issues (LOIs).

RMI argues against the use of climate finance from wealthy nations to support natural gas development in the Global South, asserting that such a move would jeopardize the 1.5°C global warming target and the goals of the Paris Agreement. The document contends that fossil gas is a poor investment for developing countries due to supply dependency, price volatility, and the risk of methane leakage.

The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 executive summary evaluates the climate mitigation efforts of the 60 largest emitters. It highlights that no country is currently on a 1.5°C pathway, leaving the top three ranks unoccupied. While Denmark leads in most categories, major emitters like China and the US are ranked in the 'very low' category. The report notes a wide disparity in performance among EU member states and identifies Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan as the worst overall performers.

The NewClimate Institute reports that global expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fossil gas is undermining the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C warming limit. Despite some policy progress in the US, China, and the EU, current 2030 targets put the world on a path toward 2.4°C of warming, while the pipeline of new LNG capacity threatens to significantly increase emissions by 2030.

A November 2022 briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) identifies 30 fossil fuel companies responsible for 43% of the energy sector's global methane emissions. The analysis breaks down emissions by fuel sector (oil/gas and coal) and ownership type (national/state-owned vs. international/investor-owned), highlighting the disproportionate impact of a small number of large producers.

This report examines the role of international finance institutions (IFIs) in supporting the transition to low-carbon steel production, particularly in emerging and developing economies. It finds that IFIs have historically had limited exposure to the steel sector and are only in the early stages of developing green industrial strategies. However, the report argues that IFIs can accelerate the transition by de-risking first movers, supporting the development of green hydrogen and circular economy strategies, and creating demand for green steel through sustainable procurement in infrastructure projects.

This policy brief examines how the war in Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains and increased fertilizer prices across Africa, threatening food security and crop yields. It argues that while short-term input subsidies are necessary, African nations must pursue long-term industrialization to build local fertilizer manufacturing capacity using the continent's own natural gas, coal, and phosphate rock reserves.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) analyzes the climate commitments of the 70 largest public financial institutions, representing USD 20.4 trillion in assets. It finds a significant gap in ambition, particularly among national and subnational development banks and institutions in non-OECD countries, where Paris-aligned and net-zero targets are rare. The report highlights a lack of specificity in climate finance goals, a deficiency in adaptation-focused commitments, and a general slow adoption of institutional climate strategies. CPI identifies insufficient accountability and a lack of government and global coalition guidance as primary barriers and provides recommendations to strengthen the integrity of public finance in the energy transition.

The document details how the production and use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have grown ninefold since 1961, contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions (roughly 2% from nitrogen fertilizer alone) and biodiversity loss. It highlights a deep convergence between the fossil fuel and agrochemical industries, noting that these sectors are collaborating to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) to produce 'blue' ammonia and hydrogen. The report argues that these are 'false solutions' designed to secure government subsidies and extend reliance on fossil gas, while warning that the current industrial agricultural model undermines food sovereignty and global food security.

This briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes the global expansion of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, detailing over 24,000 km of pipelines in development. The report highlights the financial costs, environmental impacts, and the risk of stranded assets as countries transition to renewable energy, noting that this buildout contradicts global climate goals to limit warming to 1.5°C or 2.0°C.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that African nations must develop a unified strategy and structured communication channels through the African Union (AU) to engage with Russia. It highlights Russia's increasing military and political push into Africa, the continent's economic vulnerability to grain and oil price shocks, and the need for collective agency to avoid becoming pawns in global geopolitical disputes ahead of the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit.

This research paper by Dr. Toni Haastrup analyzes the strained relationship between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), arguing that geopolitical tensions—specifically Russia's invasion of Ukraine—have marginalized Africa as a priority for the EU and reinforced historical power imbalances.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics analyzes the volume and value of Russian jet fuel imports into Europe, highlighting a significant decline in reliance since the pre-pandemic period and identifying the specific airlines and airports with the highest consumption levels in 2021.

This research paper by the NewClimate Institute compares 2021 greenhouse gas emission projections for G20 countries up to 2030 against projections made in 2015. While absolute projected emissions have decreased and growth rates have slowed, the G20 collectively remains off track to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals, with emissions still expected to increase slightly by 2030.

This research paper argues that China is leveraging African dissatisfaction with Western paternalism and the current global order to strengthen its relations with African nations during the Ukraine conflict. The author suggests that the war is accelerating a shift toward multipolarity, allowing China to position itself as an alternative partner that respects national autonomy and non-interference, potentially boosting its Global Security Initiative and diplomatic influence across the continent.

The report analyzes the climate implications of the European Union's phaseout of Russian oil imports. It argues that while replacing Russian crude is complex due to refinery specifications, the EU has an opportunity to reduce supply-chain emissions by selecting lower-intensity alternatives and transitioning toward clean energy infrastructure.

This research paper examines the diverse responses of African nations to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and proposes four strategic options for the continent to advance its political, economic, and social interests amid the shifting geopolitical landscape.