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The report examines how WTO rules targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and overcapacity would affect the Southern Longline (SLL) tuna fishery. While target stocks like South Pacific albacore are healthy, the fishery suffers from 'economic overfishing' characterized by falling catch per unit effort (CPUE). Analysis suggests that vessels from China and Chinese Taipei may be heavily dependent on subsidies to remain viable, whereas Fijian-flagged vessels appear marginally profitable without them. The report argues that while subsidy prohibitions could reduce overall effort and improve CPUE, they must be balanced with the development aspirations of Pacific Island countries (PICs), who rely on tuna for GDP and employment.

The document assesses how WTO subsidy disciplines regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and overcapacity would affect the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) southern longline (SLL) fishery. It focuses on six fleets (China, Chinese Taipei, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia) and finds that vessels from China and Chinese Taipei are most likely to be impacted by prohibitions on operating cost subsidies, as their revenues may not cover costs without financial assistance. While target stocks like South Pacific albacore are healthy, the fishery faces economic overfishing characterized by falling catch per unit effort (CPUE). The report suggests that while subsidy rules could reduce overall effort and potentially improve profitability for remaining vessels, they may also create short-term revenue losses for Pacific Island countries (PICs) and disadvantage their domestic fleets due to higher local fuel costs.

The report criticizes Sumitomo Corporation for its continued investment in coal-fired power plants and its role as a leading importer of wood pellets for biomass energy. It argues that these activities drive deforestation in the US, Canada, and Vietnam, and cause severe air pollution and human rights violations in Southeast Asia. The document calls for Sumitomo to commit to a full exit from coal by 2030 and adopt a 'zero deforestation' policy for its biomass supply chain.

The report examines Indonesia's transport fuel subsidy regime, noting that while 2015 reforms initially saved over USD 15 billion, subsidies re-emerged as the government fixed prices despite rising international oil costs. This underpricing, particularly of 'Premium' gasoline, resulted in an estimated IDR 54.5 trillion in foregone revenue for Pertamina between 2014 and 2019. The author argues that subsidizing low-quality, high-sulphur fuels exacerbates urban air pollution and health costs, citing a 2010 study where air pollution-related treatment costs in Jakarta reached IDR 38.5 trillion. The document also analyzes the life-cycle emissions of biodiesel and electric vehicles, noting that EVs powered by Indonesia's coal-heavy grid may increase global warming potential compared to internal combustion engines. To resolve these issues, the report proposes three pricing models—smoothing, ratcheting, and cap-and-floor—to minimize price volatility while ensuring fiscal sustainability.

The document analyzes the tension between India's push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and its continued support for fossil fuels. While the government has significantly increased EV funding through the FAME II scheme, it simultaneously provided substantial price support for petrol and diesel in 2018-2019 to counter rising oil prices. The authors argue that these fuel subsidies undermine the energy transition and that the environmental benefits of EVs will only be fully realized as India decarbonizes its coal-heavy electricity grid.

The report finds that Green Public Procurement (GPP) in Canada provides significant benefits over business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios, particularly in reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. By 2035, sustainable procurement for buildings and vehicles could save nearly CAD 2 billion annually in operating costs. While a 'sustainable plus domestic' scenario for steel and cement increases production costs due to the replacement of imports, it generates higher domestic revenue and employment. The report concludes that GPP reduces total emissions and provides substantial savings when measured by the social cost of carbon.

The report assesses the adoption of electronic vessel tracking (ET), electronic monitoring (EM), electronic reporting (ER), and electronic traceability (ETr) across various countries and RFMOs. It finds that while vessel tracking has grown rapidly, fully integrated EFIS are rare due to proprietary systems, high upfront costs, and a lack of global standards. The authors recommend promoting 'Electronic Fishery and Seafood Information Systems' (EFSIS) to drive interoperability across the entire value chain.

The author contends that Africa's high fertility rates, particularly in countries like Tanzania, hinder economic growth by maintaining a high ratio of dependents to working-age people. By comparing Africa to the 'Asian Tiger' economies and the US, the text illustrates how a higher ratio of working-age persons per dependent drives income growth. The document suggests that improving water, sanitation, education, and contraceptive access could lead to a significantly larger economy and the elimination of poverty by 2063.

The research paper examines South Africa's transition from recognizing the Republic of China (ROC) to the People's Republic of China (PRC) under President Nelson Mandela. It details an initial, unsuccessful attempt at 'dual recognition' driven by Taiwan's economic ties and Mandela's personal loyalty, as well as his uncertainty regarding the PRC's longevity. The eventual switch in November 1996 was precipitated by internal pressure from the ANC's National Executive Committee and the Department of Foreign Affairs, combined with 'hardball' tactics from the PRC, including threats to restrict access to Hong Kong and rescind Most Favoured Nation trading status.

Taiwan has introduced a renewable energy credit (T-REC) system to enable private and foreign companies to procure renewable energy, breaking the long-standing monopoly of the state-owned utility, Taipower. This initiative supports Taiwan's goal to phase out nuclear power by 2025 and increase renewable capacity to 1012.5 GW by 2030. The T-REC framework offers four procurement routes, ranging from direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) to the purchase of certificates alone. While the market is currently a 'sellers market' due to high feed-in tariff (FIT) rates, the system provides a mechanism for global companies to manage supply chain sustainability.

Ørsted has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emission intensity from energy production by 96% by 2023 compared to a 2006 base-year, a target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. To achieve this, the company is divesting from oil and gas, phasing out coal by 2023, and expanding offshore wind capacity to a target of 11-12 GW by 2025. Ørsted reports that it has already reduced GHG emissions intensity by 67% since 2006 and has reduced coal consumption by 82% in the same period.

The global green bond market reached a cumulative issuance of USD 521bn by 2018, with USD 167.6bn issued in 2018 alone. The USA, China, and France emerged as the leading national markets. The report highlights a significant increase in issuance from financial institutions, particularly commercial banks, and a growing trend toward shorter-dated bonds. While Europe remains the largest overall market, the Asia-Pacific region saw the highest year-on-year growth at 35%. The market is also diversifying into other labelled instruments, including sustainability, social, and blue bonds, and expanding into emerging markets through the adoption of regional standards like the ASEAN Green Bond Standards.

The document analyzes India's struggle with food insecurity and malnutrition despite its economic growth and history of self-sufficiency. It discusses the 2013 National Food Security Bill, the legacy of the Green Revolution, and the debate between the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the promotion of seed sovereignty to protect crop biodiversity. The authors argue for a holistic approach to food security that considers socio-political factors, indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change.

The document highlights the immediate threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), noting that the CDC estimates 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths annually in the US. It identifies key drivers of AMR, including the over-prescription of antibiotics, a lack of pharmaceutical research into alternatives, and the use of antibiotics for livestock growth. A significant emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical pollution in India and China, where high concentrations of antibiotics in water sources create reservoirs of resistance that can be exported globally.

The research analyzes how climate finance investments generate economic value added not only in recipient countries but also in third countries through international trade, termed 'spill-overs'. Using a GMRIO model, the study finds that on average 28.6% of the total economic impact spills over to other countries. The ability to retain value added varies by country, with India and Brazil retaining around 80%, while Mexico and Indonesia retain no more than two thirds. The EU is the primary beneficiary of these spill-overs. The study also identifies that different types of climate actions produce varying levels of spill-overs: renewable energy technologies often generate high spill-overs (exceeding 35% for some), whereas forestry and coastal protection generate fewer than 20%. The authors suggest that donor countries may be influenced by these spill-over prospects when allocating funds, and recipient countries should improve industrial competitiveness to retain more economic gains.

The briefing argues that deep decarbonisation in Europe's energy-intensive industries is technically possible through process, product, and business-model transformations, though it requires strong public policy and funding. It details specific pathways for the chemical sector (bio-based feedstocks and circularity), steel (HIsarna, hydrogen-based DRI, and scrap-EAF production), and cement (calcium looping CCS and clinker substitution). It specifically recommends strengthening the EU ETS Innovation Fund to support the commercialisation of these capital-intensive technologies by 2030.

The report analyzes the volatility of the South China Sea, focusing on the legal battle between the Philippines and China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. It explores the strategic rivalry between the US and China, the difficulties of joint resource development, and the potential for ecosystem-based governance. The EU maintains a position of 'principled neutrality,' advocating for UNCLOS and the rule of law to ensure regional stability and freedom of navigation.

The report argues that the United States and China are caught in a cycle of military preparation and mutual mistrust that increases the risk of nuclear war. It highlights a fundamental mismatch in strategic thinking: the U.S. considers the first use of nuclear weapons a possible contingency to stop conventional conflict, while China focuses on maintaining a credible retaliatory capability to deter such attacks. This psychological contest drives an arms race in conventional precision-strike weapons, missile defenses, and anti-satellite capabilities. The author warns that a lack of urgency among officials to address these risks, combined with the potential for technical errors or miscalculations, could lead to an inadvertent nuclear exchange.

The document argues that the WTO is facing a systemic crisis due to the failure of the Doha Round and the rise of Mega-Preferential Trade Arrangements (MPTAs). It recommends terminating or suspending the Doha Round, finalizing the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and creating mechanisms to 'dock' plurilateral agreements into the WTO system to maintain the organization's central role. The authors emphasize the need for new leadership from both developed and emerging economies, particularly China, to align trade liberalization with development needs.

The statement celebrates Uruguay's withdrawal from the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) following a mass mobilization campaign led by unions and social movements. It characterizes TISA as a secret agreement designed to force market openness for transnational corporations, privatize public services, and dismantle state regulatory capacities, specifically targeting sectors like energy and environmental services. The author highlights that the victory in Uruguay was achieved through the use of leaked documents and a broad coalition of civil society, and calls on the other 51 participating countries to similarly abandon the negotiations.