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The document argues that Argentina's 2001 emergency measures to freeze water tariffs during a severe economic crisis were consistent with its international human rights obligations to ensure access to water. It contends that human rights law should inform the interpretation of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), specifically regarding 'fair and equitable treatment' and 'indirect expropriation'. The brief asserts that the right to water is a prerequisite for the right to life and health, and that state police powers to protect public health justify regulatory changes that may affect investor profits without requiring compensation.

The report assesses the first decade of GM crop commercialization, focusing on soy, maize, cotton, and rapeseed. It argues that the promised benefits—such as increased yields and reduced pesticide use—are largely myths. In the US, it notes that GM crops have not increased potential yields and have actually increased overall agrochemical use. In South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, the expansion of GM soy is linked to deforestation and increased pesticide use, with GM varieties showing higher susceptibility to drought than conventional ones. In Asia and Africa, the report highlights the failure of Bt cotton in China, India, and Indonesia, citing the emergence of secondary pests and increased farmer indebtedness. It concludes that the primary beneficiary of this technology is Monsanto, which has consolidated control over the global seed market, while small farmers face increased dependency and economic risk.

The document is a series of exchange entries between Amory Lovins, Peter Bradford, and R. Stephen Berry. Lovins argues that nuclear power is a 'market loser' and that 'negawatts' (energy efficiency) and micropower are faster, cheaper, and more effective climate solutions. Bradford supports this view, highlighting the high financial risks, the need for massive taxpayer subsidies, and proliferation concerns. Conversely, Berry argues that energy efficiency alone cannot meet the growing energy demands of developing nations like China and India, and that nuclear power is a necessary, reliable, and potentially cost-competitive option if carbon costs are internalized.

The report argues that transitioning from conventional confinement systems to pasture-based production for pigs, chickens, and eggs reduces environmental pollution and improves animal welfare. While it notes that non-ruminants cannot derive as many nutritional benefits from grass as cattle do, it highlights that pasture systems lower production costs for farmers and reduce public health risks associated with antibiotics and arsenic. The document identifies challenges such as seasonality and the need for hardier breeds, while calling for clearer labeling standards and increased technical assistance for producers.

The IAI report details the successful implementation of the CRN-II program and the closure of CRN-I, alongside new funding from the NSF for human dimensions research. It highlights expanded institutional cooperation with entities like RIOCC, CYTED, and IICA, and the organization of several workshops on climate-land use interfaces and disaster risk management. Administratively, the IAI appointed a new Financial and Administrative Officer and is transitioning its Data and Information System to open-source software. Financially, as of November 2006, only 6% of approved member contributions had been collected, though the institute expects to reach 90% for the 2006/2007 period.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to focus sunlight to generate electricity, offering the lowest cost among solar technologies at $0.09 to $0.12 per kWh for plants over 10 MW. The document details three primary technologies: trough systems, power tower systems, and dish systems, noting that trough and tower systems can store heat for use after dark. While the US has significant potential—specifically in the Southwest—high capital costs and the requirement for direct sunlight remain primary challenges. The US Department of Energy projects costs could drop to $0.04 to $0.05 per kWh in the coming decades.

The document outlines the state of the US wind energy sector as of 2006, noting that installed capacity reached 6,740 MW in 2004. It highlights the role of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) in driving growth and reducing costs to between $0.03 and $0.06 per kWh. The text compares onshore and offshore wind potential, discusses the environmental benefits of avoiding carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions, and notes that the US has been surpassed by Germany, Spain, Denmark, and the UK in wind capacity and technology development.

The report assesses the potential for aerospace collaboration between India, Brazil, and South Africa, noting that while there is high political interest and complementary capabilities, actual collaboration is currently minimal. It highlights South Africa's strategic shift toward becoming a preferred supplier of subsystems to global contractors, exemplified by its role in the Airbus A400M programme. Key opportunities for IBSA co-operation include expanding supply chains for regional aircraft, collaborating on strategic defence systems, and developing small and micro satellites. However, the report identifies significant barriers, most notably corruption allegations involving Denel and the Indian government, as well as the challenge of balancing South-South co-operation with existing partnerships with 'first-tier' Northern contractors.

The paper asserts that nuclear power is a 'market loser' compared to windpower, cogeneration, and energy efficiency. It claims that nuclear power's high costs and long lead times result in a high opportunity cost, where investments in nuclear power displace far more carbon-reducing capacity than they provide. The author argues that a diversified portfolio of decentralized resources is faster, cheaper, and larger in potential than nuclear power, and that government subsidies for nuclear energy retard overall climate protection efforts.

The report asserts that ten years after the first major GM crop plantings in 1996, these technologies have not reduced hunger or poverty and have instead increased pesticide use and corporate control over seeds. It highlights the dominance of Monsanto, Syngenta, and Bayer, noting that over 95% of commercial GM plants are limited to maize, soy, and cotton. The text details failures in various regions, including poor yields of GM sweet potatoes in Kenya and farmer debt in India, while accusing Monsanto of using corruption in Indonesia and aggressive legal tactics against farmers in the US.

The research finds that proposed Phase II NAPs likely result in an oversupply of allowances, potentially leading to very low carbon prices and a 'dead market'. This surplus is exacerbated by the potential inflow of CDM/JI credits, which would shift the cost of Kyoto compliance from the private sector to government treasuries.

The document provides a comprehensive framework for using international human rights, labor, environmental, and health laws to safeguard children's health. It details specific treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Stockholm Convention, and explains the roles of global institutions like the WHO and UNEP. The guide outlines six primary functions of international law: providing blueprints for action, resolving disputes, promoting compliance, providing fora for discussion, building capacity, and promoting cooperation. It also includes case studies on housing rights in the Philippines and the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Project to demonstrate practical application of these legal tools.

The report examines the disproportionate influence of the military sector, particularly in the UK and USA, on science, engineering, and technology (SET). It highlights how military funding and corporate lobbying shape research agendas, often marginalizing broader security concepts like climate change and poverty alleviation. The document calls for a significant shift of UK military R&D funds—suggesting one-third to one-half of the budget—toward civil R&D for peacebuilding and environmental protection, while urging greater transparency and a cessation of new nuclear weapons development.

The briefing examines the impact of the 2004 EU enlargement, focusing on the difficulties of decision-making in a larger union, the management of member state diversity, and the financial strain of redistribution. It highlights the tension between the need for institutional reform—such as the proposed constitutional treaty—and the political realities of national interests, particularly regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and budget ceilings. The author argues that while the EU has successfully used the 'open method of co-ordination' for economic reform via the Lisbon strategy, it remains prone to indecision and may become a less effective negotiating partner in multilateral trade contexts due to increased internal diversity.

The Pangue/Ralco hydroelectric projects in Chile's Alto BíoBío caused severe disruptions to the Mapuche/Pehuenche people's semi-nomadic lifestyle and cultural ecosystem. The project sponsor, Endesa, and the Chilean government are accused of violating indigenous land rights and environmental laws, while the IFC faced criticism for failing to oversee social and environmental standards. After a decade of struggle and legal battles in Chilean courts and before the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR), a 'friendly settlement' was reached in 2003, providing reparations to affected families and commitments from the Chilean government to strengthen indigenous rights and environmental protections in the region.

The IAI CRN program has established a broad network of scientists and institutions across the Americas and globally, leveraging over US$ 20.7 million in additional funds. The initiative has supported 429 students and produced a significant volume of refereed publications between 1999 and 2003. Specific project summaries highlight research on climate variability in Mesoamerica, water quality in the Andean Amazon, ENSO risk management, biodiversity in grasslands and forests, and the impacts of cattle ranching on deforestation in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of Guinea-Bissau's political instability from independence in 1974 to the 2004 elections. It details the civil war of 1998-1999, the problematic presidency of Kumba Ialá, and the 2003 coup d'état that led to a transitional government. The report examines the roles of various political parties, such as the PAIGC and PUSD, and the influence of ethnic groups like the Balanta. It concludes by outlining critical challenges for the new government, including the need to restructure the armed forces, consolidate democratic institutions, and reduce extreme dependence on foreign aid.

The report examines the impact of transgenic maize, specifically the Bt 176 variety, in Spain. It argues that the Spanish government has failed to implement adequate monitoring and prevention plans, leading to genetic contamination of organic crops and the development of pest resistance. The document claims that transgenic maize does not provide the promised yield increases and poses risks to non-target species and human health through antibiotic resistance markers. It concludes that Spain is uniquely permissive within the EU and calls for a halt to transgenic cultivation until a comprehensive legal and safety framework is established.

The report examines the deployment of Bt 176 GM corn in Spain, highlighting a lack of independent monitoring and the failure of the Spanish government to enforce mandatory 'Prevention Plans'. It documents cases of genetic contamination in organic crops in Navarra and presents evidence from the ITG-A suggesting that corn borers are developing resistance to the Bt toxin. The document further argues that GM corn does not provide superior yields compared to conventional varieties and poses risks to non-target species and human health via antibiotic-resistance genes.

The document argues that NAFTA's Chapter 11 provisions are interpreted too broadly, potentially creating a 'regulatory chill' where governments avoid public welfare regulations to avoid compensating foreign investors. It highlights a lack of transparency and accountability in the investor-state dispute mechanism, which follows a commercial arbitration model rather than a public justice model. The author examines three reform options—interpretive statements, environment, health, and safety (EH&S) exceptions, and full amendment—concluding that only a comprehensive amendment can fully address both substantive and process-related shortcomings.