Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper evaluates the first ten years of the African Union (AU), contrasting its developmental mandate with the decolonisation focus of its predecessor, the OAU. It examines the AU's progress in governance, institutional infrastructure, and peacekeeping, while highlighting a loss of momentum in conflict resolution and a gap between ambitious goals and structural realities.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies discusses the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) held in July 2012. It examines the tension between prioritizing state security and sovereignty versus human security and the prevention of human suffering in the regulation of conventional arms transfers.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the draft South African Defence Review 2012, concluding that it is unrealistic due to a lack of fiscal planning and an overly rigid 30-year vision. The author argues that the draft fails to prioritize short-term operational needs, contradicts its own collaborative security goals by emphasizing autonomous defence, and ignores critical gender mainstreaming requirements.

This research paper examines inefficiencies in the South African schooling system, specifically the contradiction between high enrolment rates beyond compulsory age and low Grade 12 completion rates. The author argues that poor education quality and flawed assessment mechanisms drive grade repetition and drop-outs, and proposes the introduction of a General Education Certificate (GET) at Grade 9 as a medium-term policy response to improve labour market signaling and vocational transitions.

A statement from an unnamed Association to the Department of Mineral Resources objecting to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and public participation process conducted by Green Flash Trading 251 and 257 (Pty) Ltd regarding prospecting rights for marine phosphates between Cape Columbine and Cape Infanta.

This research paper examines the evolving role of the BRICS grouping amidst a slowdown in China's economy. It argues that while the group was initially viewed through the lens of economic growth engines, its current value lies in political economy and its collective assertiveness in global economic governance, including efforts to reform the IMF and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

This policy brief examines the integration of climate change considerations into the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of Cape Town and eThekwini municipalities in South Africa. It highlights that while mainstreaming climate change into these statutory planning instruments is a critical step for local governance, it must be supported by technical expertise, political leadership, and sectoral measures to achieve climate-compatible development.

This policy brief describes the South African Renewables Initiative (SARi), a government-led effort launched in December 2011 to establish financing arrangements for scaling up renewable energy. The initiative aims to achieve a target of 19 GW of renewable electricity by 2030 while managing the incremental costs compared to coal-fired power to avoid unacceptable economic burdens on the public.

This briefing describes the outcomes of the May 2012 Bonn Climate Change Conference, focusing on the initialization of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) and ongoing tensions regarding the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period and climate financing.

This report analyzes the legal and political consequences of Malawi's June 2012 decision to refuse hosting the African Union (AU) Summit because the AU insisted on the invitation of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The document examines how Malawi balanced its international legal obligations and its need to regain Western donor support against its relationship with the AU.

This briefing from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reports on the recommendation by a Board of Inquiry that South African National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele be removed from office following a maladministration probe into a police headquarters lease deal. It further discusses the security governance issues under President Jacob Zuma, specifically the appointment of loyalists over experts in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the controversy surrounding the suspension of Richard Mdluli.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The author assesses the country's progress toward its 'African Agenda,' including goals of South-South and North-South cooperation and the pursuit of permanent African representation on the Council.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author finds that South Africa has become more confident, increasing its co-sponsorship of resolutions and successfully promoting its 'African Agenda,' particularly regarding cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union (AU).

This report presents the results of a three-year investigation into the triple bottom line (TBL) performance of 1,337 small, medium-sized and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in developing countries. Conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the SEED Initiative, the study analyzes the social, environmental, and business targets of these enterprises across three cohorts of applicants. It highlights the critical role of technology, skills training, and research partnerships in the 'green economy,' while identifying significant barriers such as lack of financing, inadequate local environmental enforcement, and gender-based disparities in business management capacity.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) examines the failures of financial disclosure monitoring and oversight in South African local government. It argues that current systems focus on administrative compliance rather than the active detection of irregularities, leaving municipalities vulnerable to corruption and conflicts of interest, particularly in public procurement.

This situation report by the Institute for Security Studies analyses the socio-economic and political challenges facing Mozambique in 2012. It examines the dominance of the Frelimo party, the struggles of opposition parties like Renamo and the MDM, the country's heavy reliance on international donor aid, and the prevalence of the informal economic sector.

This case study examines the operational challenges faced by Coca-Cola Swaziland (CONCO LTD), a food manufacturing group producing soft drink concentrate for 60 bottling companies across 20 African countries. The document details systemic barriers in transport, customs, and regulatory compliance that hinder the company's efficiency and trade.

The Bottom-Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS) is a stock accounting model developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to project energy demand and evaluate the impact of energy efficiency policies, specifically Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EES&L) programs, across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

This report reviews the second phase (2012-2014) of the WWF Sanlam Partnership, focusing on securing South Africa's freshwater ecosystems. The partnership integrates conservation efforts with corporate sustainability, targeting the protection of strategic water source areas, the implementation of water stewardship in business, and the integration of water risk into financial investment and insurance practices.

This research paper examines the global significance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), China's dominant market position and strategic export restrictions, and South Africa's role in establishing non-Chinese supply chains through specific mining projects.