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This fact sheet by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines the need for harmonizing demand-side management (DSM) energy efficiency data in the United States. It argues that while DSM programs are widespread and budgets have grown to over $8 billion as of 2011, inconsistent evaluation methods and reporting practices hinder their effectiveness in climate policy-making. The document maps various policy drivers for data harmonization—ranging from integrated resource planning to the Clean Air Act—and identifies the specific decision-makers and potential climate benefits associated with creating common definitions and reporting formats.

This 2012 report by the Climate Policy Initiative evaluates the preparedness of China, Germany, Italy, and the United States to meet emerging measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) needs. It finds that while most countries are well-positioned for emissions tracking, significant gaps exist in tracking the impact of mitigation actions, particularly regarding sub-national data in China and the U.S., and policy comparability in Germany and the U.S.

The Landscape of Climate Finance 2012 executive summary estimates annual global climate finance flows for 2010/2011 at approximately USD 343-385 billion. The report details the roles of public and private sources, the importance of financial intermediaries, and the distribution of funds toward mitigation and adaptation, noting that current levels remain insufficient to limit global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius.

This research paper examines Switzerland's economic diplomacy as a 'small state', detailing its strategies to influence global economic governance and protect its financial centre. It highlights Switzerland's use of inter-ministerial coordination (IDAG20), its participation in the Global Governance Group (3G), and its dual-axis strategy (proactive and preventive) to engage with the G-20 and international organisations. The paper also discusses the challenges small states face at the UN and Switzerland's specific policies on tax information exchange and financial market stability.

A group of environmental and conservation organizations wrote a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing the EPA's proposal to approve Arundo donax (giant reed) as a qualified advanced biofuel feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, citing significant ecological and economic risks.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes the status and strategies for deploying plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the United States as of October 2012. It details federal, state, and local initiatives to build charging infrastructure, the role of 'model communities' in scaling adoption, and the integration of PEVs into government and commercial fleets to reduce petroleum dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) outlines the environmental impact of international shipping and evaluates various technological and operational strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce particulate emissions, particularly in the Arctic.

This document is an address by Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) delivered to the 49th Session of UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Board on September 25, 2012. Cosbey argues that the outcomes of the Rio+20 conference are insufficient for guiding states through the trade tensions arising from the transition to a green economy. He highlights the conflict between the use of green industrial policies—such as subsidies and local content requirements—and their impact on the multilateral trading system, particularly for developing countries. Cosbey calls for a non-legal, non-negotiating framework, potentially led by UNCTAD, to determine the propriety and effectiveness of these measures before they escalate into formal trade disputes.

This briefing examines the debate over whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) following a severe heat wave and drought in the United States that reduced corn yields and increased prices. While livestock and poultry producers argue a waiver would lower corn prices and food costs, the document suggests that such a move could increase gasoline prices, heighten dependence on imported oil, and discourage investment in advanced biofuels.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the effectiveness of investment incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). It argues that fiscal incentives cannot compensate for a weak investment climate and recommends a transition from automatic tax holidays toward targeted, performance-based incentives and transparent tax administration.

This policy brief explores the potential for a 'Green Revolution' in Africa, using the International Futures (IFs) model to compare scenarios of agricultural intensification. The authors argue that while aggressive policy interventions could make Africa a net food exporter and significantly boost GDP, such production increases must be coupled with social policies to ensure food access for the poor and improvements in water and sanitation to realize human development gains.

This statement examines whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in response to a 2012 drought in the United States that damaged corn and soybean crops. While livestock and dairy producers have petitioned for a waiver to lower corn feed prices, the document argues that such a move would have minimal impact on prices while severely harming the biofuels industry and its long-term goals.

This op-ed argues that the 2012 Farm Bill is critical for U.S. energy security, specifically through the funding of bioenergy and rural energy efficiency programs to reduce dependence on petroleum imports.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) evaluates the impact of British Columbia's carbon tax and provides recommendations for its future. The document argues that the tax has successfully reduced emissions without hindering economic growth and suggests maintaining the current policy structure while addressing emerging challenges such as natural gas expansion and price misalignment with the United States.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that sustainable public procurement can serve as a catalyst for peacebuilding, nation-building, and sustainable economic growth in fragile states. It highlights the significant proportion of government expenditure dedicated to procurement in these contexts and suggests that using this purchasing power to favor environmentally and socially sustainable goods can mitigate risks, combat corruption, and build local industrial capacity.

The CRED v.1.4 Technical Report describes the methodology of the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model, an integrated assessment model designed to estimate the optimal pace and distribution of global investment in emissions mitigation and climate policy costs.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the relationship between energy and environmental policies and job creation in the United States. Through a survey of 36 existing studies and original analysis using IMPLAN 2009 data, the authors argue that shifting investments from fossil-fuel to non-fossil-fuel industries generally leads to net employment gains. The report provides a quality checklist for job impact studies and demonstrates these principles by modeling a transition to a coal-free energy sector by 2050.

This report analyzes the multifaceted relationship between the United States and South Africa, highlighting economic cooperation through the US-South Africa Strategic Dialogue and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as well as defense and nuclear collaboration. It also examines points of tension, specifically regarding sanctions on Iran and South Africa's role in the BRICS bloc.

This case study details the operational and financial challenges faced by DD Williamson in Swaziland, focusing on tax administration, border inefficiencies, and currency volatility, as well as the company's policy recommendations for the Swaziland government.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) describes various cool roof technologies—including naturally cool, coated, insulated, and green roofs—and their benefits for energy efficiency, climate mitigation, and urban environment management.