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The document argues that predictions of a dramatic wave of migration to Europe driven by food insecurity following the invasion of Ukraine are not supported by data from the first eight months of 2022. It explains that migration drivers are complex and that severe food insecurity can actually decrease the ability of the poorest people to migrate due to the high costs of travel. While the invasion has directly displaced foreign students in Ukraine and may indirectly shift migration patterns toward oil-rich economies in the Global South, it is unlikely to have significantly increased irregular migration to Europe or decreased global remittance flows.

The text examines the intersection of the cost of living crisis, geopolitical shocks, and climate change in Europe, advocating for a 'social core' to the Green New Deal to ensure a just energy transition.

The briefing examines the REPowerEU plan's reliance on bioenergy to replace fossil gas and proposes alternatives to avoid this increase. It suggests that deploying an additional 100 GW of solar power by 2030 would allow the EU to meet its 45% renewable energy target while keeping bioenergy levels consistent with the Fit for 55 package. The document further asserts that bioenergy use could be reduced below current levels through faster heat electrification and higher energy efficiency targets, such as the European Parliament's proposal for a 14.5% efficiency target.

The author argues that the Brothers of Italy (FdI) won the 2022 Italian elections not through ideology, but by promising security and a stronger state during a period of energy crisis and war. While the centre-right coalition shared a platform, FdI distinguished itself by prioritizing energy security, a presidential system, and cutting spending—including the abolition of green renovation grants—which aligned with voter priorities over climate action or immigration. Conversely, the centre-left failed by focusing on discrediting opponents rather than offering credible alternatives on economic intervention and social liberalism.

The report warns African nations against relying on fossil fuel investments, citing the 'green paradox' and the risk of stranded assets in Mozambique and Tanzania. It advocates for a strategic shift toward clean energy value chains and the use of COP27 to mobilise funding for domestic energy needs, rather than focusing on gas extraction for the Global North.

The briefing argues that the reintroduction of the SLCM-N would be counterproductive. While it could theoretically target hardened underground facilities in extreme circumstances, the author contends that the operational costs—including reduced conventional ordnance capacity, decreased vessel employability, and limited mission flexibility compared to nuclear-capable bombers—outweigh the benefits. The analysis suggests that fielding SLCM-N would actually restrict the executable options available to the U.S. President and combatant commanders.

The document outlines four strategic propositions for Sweden's 2023 EU presidency: ensuring energy crisis responses align with long-term climate goals, integrating enforceable sustainability standards into trade agreements, promoting 'just resilience' to address transboundary climate risks, and establishing an EU-wide approach to monitoring consumption-based emissions.

The 2022 U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) frames climate change as a "top-tier threat" and a potentially "existential" problem for all nations, placing it on par with geopolitical challenges. The document notes that the NSS incorporates climate risks and solutions across all aspects of national security and foreign policy, including regional strategies and carbon pollution reduction. While the briefing concludes that the NSS successfully recognizes the interdependence of natural systems, it also identifies "several contradictions which should be improved." The NSS specifically highlights the urgency of the current decade to prevent global temperatures from crossing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold.

Analysis of social media data from thirteen African countries indicates that the general public is either indifferent or negative toward Russia, with the Russia-Ukraine war serving as a primary driver of anti-Russia sentiment. While some positivity exists regarding Russia-Africa relations, particularly in South Africa and Mali, there is often a divide between government elites and citizens. The report highlights that even when users are suspicious of Western influence, negative attitudes toward Russia remain dominant, and evidence of bot activity was found in pro-Russia sentiment across all surveyed countries.

The document argues that biogas and biomethane should primarily be reserved for hard-to-abate sectors like petrochemical production and industrial heating, as electrification via renewable energy is more cost-effective for power and heat. It highlights that biogas only addresses a minority of agricultural emissions (at most 28.9%) and warns that scaling production to meet targets, such as the EU's 35 bcm goal by 2030, could threaten food security by requiring significant arable land. Additionally, the briefing notes risks from fugitive methane emissions, high reliance on public subsidies, and safety hazards including explosions and toxicity.

The document outlines the role of fossil fuel transition strategies in shifting power sectors toward clean energy, driven by the fact that renewables are now the lowest-cost power source for most countries. It examines how utilities and governments are utilizing new financing and reinvestment opportunities to transition coal fleets and limit new gas infrastructure while mitigating impacts on ratepayers.

The document asserts that based on the IEA's 2022 World Energy Outlook, there is no viable long-term scenario for the growth of fossil fuels, including natural gas. It argues that expanding long-lived infrastructure like liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a risky gamble for public funds, especially as Canada faces competition from lower-cost suppliers like the United States and Qatar. The author concludes that the only durable solution to the current energy and climate crises is a dramatic scaling up of clean energy and energy efficiency.

The Changing Markets Foundation found that 78% of 50 investigated fashion brands are linked to Reliance Industries or Hengli Group, both of which source Russian oil for polyester production. This occurs despite many brands suspending operations in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The report also highlights a lack of supply chain transparency and the risk of brands sourcing polyester from coal and fracked gas.

The report reveals that 39 out of 50 studied fashion brands are linked to Reliance Industries (India) and Hengli Group (China), both of which import Russian oil to produce polyester. Despite many brands suspending operations in Russia, their reliance on synthetic fibers continues to support the Russian economy. The investigation also highlights the use of other controversial fossil fuels, including coal-to-polyester projects and oil from Saudi Aramco, while noting a severe lack of transparency in synthetic supply chains, with 84% of responding brands providing limited information.

The document argues that current efforts, including the Global Methane Pledge, are insufficient to meet the 40–45% reduction in methane emissions required by 2030. It proposes a global agreement based on three pillars: an updated monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) framework; national methane action plans for the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors; and technical and financial assistance for developing countries.

Global Energy Monitor (GEM) finds that 30 fossil fuel companies are responsible for 43% of the industry's global methane emissions. The analysis identifies the National Iranian Oil Company as the largest emitter and highlights the dominance of Chinese state-owned enterprises in coal mine methane emissions. The report emphasizes that emissions vary based on infrastructure age, operator type, and geographic location, noting that some oil and gas emissions could be reduced at no net cost.

Zambia is positioned to benefit from the global demand for copper and cobalt driven by the energy transition, but faces challenges from a history of unstable mining taxes and poor relations with investors. The briefing recommends adopting a profit-based Mineral Royalty Tax (MRT) to encourage capital investment and exploration, particularly as ore grades decline and underground mining costs rise. It also calls for clarifying the role of Zambian Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) and resolving disputes with companies like Vedanta Resources to restore investor confidence.

The document examines the role of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in facilitating the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy in five emerging economies. It argues against the use of natural gas as a 'bridging fuel,' citing price volatility, the risk of stranded assets, and methane emissions. Instead, it advocates for 'leapfrogging' directly to renewables, noting that solar and wind are cost-competitive and better suited for expanding energy access in rural areas. The brief emphasizes that a gas-led transition would be economically disadvantageous and inconsistent with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal.

The report estimates that the global military carbon footprint is approximately 5.5% of global emissions, which would make the global military sector the fourth largest national carbon footprint in the world, exceeding that of Russia. The authors argue that military emissions are systematically under-reported due to voluntary reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement and a lack of robust data collection. Using a methodology based on personnel numbers, stationary emissions, mobile-to-stationary ratios, and supply-chain multipliers, the study estimates operational GHG emissions (scopes 1 and 2) at approximately 500 MtCO2e, or 1.0% of global GHGs. The report notes these figures are conservative as they exclude the 'global military carbon bootprint'—emissions from warfighting impacts such as infrastructure damage and ecosystem destruction.

The document argues that the EBRD should sign the Glasgow Statement by COP 27 and implement a robust fossil fuel exclusion policy during its upcoming energy strategy review. It estimates that the EBRD could shift EUR 741 million annually from fossil fuel finance toward a clean and just energy transition. The brief emphasizes that transitioning to clean energy and energy efficiency is the only sustainable solution to the energy crisis and insecurity caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.