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This briefing by RMI discusses the role of non-state actors in narrowing the 'ambition gap' between current global emissions trajectories and the 1.5°C goal. It argues that while national pledges are currently insufficient, 'ambition loops'—cycles of leadership and followership among businesses, investors, and cities—can accelerate the adoption of climate solutions through collective action and positive feedback mechanisms.

A statement from the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) issued during COP26, reaffirming commitments to sustainably manage 100% of national waters and outlining key ocean-based climate actions to meet Paris Agreement goals.

This policy brief examines the development and implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a legally binding global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from mercury emissions and releases. It details the transition from regional marine protections to a comprehensive global framework, the specific challenges posed by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and the reasons why mercury was addressed separately from other toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

This report by RMI explores the potential for state and local governments in the United States to develop solar energy projects on closed and inactive landfills to advance clean energy and community revitalization.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute evaluates the progress of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in aligning their financial flows with the Paris Agreement. It argues that while some progress has been made in direct investments, MDBs are lagging in standardizing fossil fuel exclusions, greenhouse gas accounting, and the alignment of indirect investments and policy-based loans.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) identifies perceived knowledge gaps and barriers hindering the adoption of 'gridless' (decentralized) water, sanitation, and energy services. Based on workshops with 48 global stakeholders, the report argues that project failures often stem from socio-technical and systemic issues—such as regulatory mismatches, lack of user-centric design, and unsustainable business models—rather than technical performance.

A statement by research organizations tracking global recovery spending calling for the redirection of COVID-19 stimulus away from carbon-intensive activities toward nature- and climate-positive investments to align with the 1.5°C temperature limit of the Paris Agreement.

This briefing argues that African governments should avoid a zero-sum approach to the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, instead leveraging this competition to secure more resources and better trade agreements. The author suggests that by playing rivals against each other and implementing embedded domestic strategic plans, African nations can increase their agency and align foreign investment with national development priorities.

The Climate Policy Initiative analyzed public climate commitments from over 350 private financial institutions across four sectors. While assets committed to net zero have grown to over USD 93 trillion, the report finds a significant lack of interim targets, detailed transition plans, and comprehensive fossil fuel phase-out strategies.

This policy brief examines the environmental and social challenges of the mining industry and the limitations of current international and domestic governance. It argues that achieving 'sustainable mining' requires a shift toward development partnerships, stronger community consultation, and the integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals into mining operations to mitigate the 'resource curse' and environmental degradation.

This briefing from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) provides a three-month financial review for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, comparing actual expenditures against the budget approved at the 29th Conference of the Parties and detailing the status of country contributions as of September 30, 2021.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Directorate's mid-term report for the 2021-2022 intersessional period details progress in science, capacity building, and communication. Key achievements include the expansion of the Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) fellowship program, the launch of the IAI Transdisciplinary (TD) Academy, and the securing of approximately 1.3 million Euros for a drought information project in the La Plata basin. The Directorate also reports contributions to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report and the development of climate-health tools in the Caribbean.

This policy brief by RMI argues that the current design of the residential solar investment tax credit (ITC 25D) creates inequities by benefiting high-income and White residents while excluding low-and moderate-income (LMI) households who lack sufficient federal tax liability. RMI advocates for Congress to transition ITC 25D to a 'direct pay' model, similar to proposed provisions for business- and utility-scale renewables, to lower upfront costs, reduce energy burdens, and stimulate job growth in LMI communities.

The Life After Coal campaign, consisting of groundWork, Earthlife Africa, and the Centre for Environmental Rights, issued a statement calling on South Africa to meet the lower bound of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target range by accelerating the coal phase-out and renewable energy expansion. The campaign urges the South African government to lead developing nations at COP26 in demanding increased financial support from wealthy nations for adaptation and loss and damage.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute outlines how federal investment in three tree-based natural climate solutions—reforestation, agroforestry, and wildfire risk mitigation—can help the United States meet its 2030 emissions targets while driving economic growth and job creation.

This briefing by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute examines the 'digital divide' in the United States, focusing on the disparities in broadband access between urban, rural, and tribal communities. It details the various technologies used for delivery, the socioeconomic and geographic barriers to expansion, and the critical role of high-speed internet in enabling energy efficiency, precision agriculture, and a transition to a clean energy economy. The document also reviews federal funding mechanisms and the efforts of municipal governments and electric cooperatives to bridge the gap.

This report by Ember, E3G, and Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes the global pipeline of proposed coal power plants as of July 2021. It identifies economies that have already committed to no new coal, those that could readily do so because they have no active pipeline, and those that still have projects proposed, with a particular focus on the role of Chinese financing and the impact of the Paris Agreement.

This October 2021 briefing from the Global Climate and Health Alliance argues that achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement is a critical priority for global health. It calls on governments to integrate health into climate policy through transitions in energy, transport, food systems, and healthcare infrastructure to mitigate rising health threats and inequalities.

This policy brief examines the 'digital divide' in the United States, specifically the lack of high-speed internet access in rural and tribal communities. It details the socioeconomic and educational impacts of this divide, the role of broadband in enabling energy-efficiency technologies and precision agriculture, and the various federal, municipal, and cooperative initiatives aimed at expanding access.

This briefing by Energy Innovation analyzes the projected impacts of the methane fee included in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). The analysis indicates that the fee would significantly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate job growth, and increase U.S. GDP with minimal financial impact on the oil and gas industry's profitability.