Search Climate Insights Directory

The research paper examines the 'Petrochallengers' movement in Haiti, which began in August 2018 following a viral tweet by filmmaker Gilbert Mirambeau asking "kot kòb Petrokaribe ?" (Where is the PetroCaribe money?). The author argues that the movement represents a shift in political engagement, where youth—previously marginalized from the political process—used digital platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to organize a leaderless, horizontal structure. This digital mobilization extended transnationally, engaging the Haitian diaspora in protests in cities such as Paris. While the author acknowledges the power of the internet in creating a 'subaltern counter-public,' they emphasize that the movement was also a response to systemic economic crises, including fuel price hikes and currency depreciation, rather than being a purely technological product.

The paper finds that removing fossil fuel subsidies across 26 modeled countries leads to an average 6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which increases to 13.2% if combined with a 10% energy tax and reinvestment in renewables and energy efficiency. Globally, the removal of these subsidies is estimated to reduce emissions by 6.4% to 8.2% by 2050. The study highlights that governments save an average of USD 93 for every tonne of CO2e removed through subsidy reform, with total cumulative fiscal savings across the 26 countries reaching USD 2.56 trillion by 2030.

The memorandum establishes a partnership between SP/OTCA and IAI to strengthen regional capacities and scientific research in the Amazon Biome, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and the rights of indigenous and local communities.

This research paper assesses the impact of removing consumer fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 across 26 countries, finding a simple average GHG emission reduction of 6% by 2030 compared to business as usual. The study argues that while FFSR alone is insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals, combining it with a 10% energy tax and reallocating 30% of savings into renewable energy and energy efficiency could increase average reductions to 13.2% by 2030. It highlights that FFSR is a cost-effective tool, saving governments an average of USD 93 per tonne of CO2e removed. The paper also reviews the regressive nature of fuel subsidies and advocates for 'subsidy swaps' toward sustainable energy and social safety nets, noting that only 8% of current NDCs explicitly include FFSR.

The IAI Directorate Science-Policy has worked to bridge the gap between scientific research and public policy in the Americas. Key activities include drafting Rules of Procedure for the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), establishing cooperation with multilateral environmental agreements, and developing a project for decarbonization and climate resilient governance in South American megacities. The report highlights the impacts of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), where projects have influenced national inventories for GHG emissions in Brazil, changed mining policies in Ecuador, and informed water management reforms in Mexico. The Directorate is seeking to formalize mechanisms for Parties to present scientific results to decision-makers and identify priority research needs for global change policy.

The IAI Executive Directorate is implementing a multifaceted approach to improve the provision of scientific information to governments in the Americas. This includes drafting procedural regulations for the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), establishing links with multilateral environmental agreements, and strengthening the capacity of member states to integrate science into public policy. The report highlights the conclusion of the third round of Cooperative Research Networks (CRN3), detailing how specific projects on nitrogen cycles, tropical dry forests, water security, and marine ecosystems have influenced national policies and management plans in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Mexico.

This report from the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines the council's activities and recommendations ahead of the 27th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-27) in Brasilia, Brazil. The EC provides guidance on the IAI Strategic Plan, the election rules for the Science and Policy Advisory Committee, and the establishment of flexible funding mechanisms for global change projects in the Americas.

This report from the Chair of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines the EC's activities and recommendations ahead of the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-27) in Brasilia, Brazil.

The report details the conclusion of the CRN3 program, which involved 17 projects across 15 IAI Parties, and the launch of the SGP-HW program, which selected six projects focused on ecosystem services and human well-being. It also outlines the planning for the fourth round of Cooperative Research Networks (CRN4), emphasizing transdisciplinary research, regional priorities, and the pursuit of co-financing through entities like the Belmont Forum.

The IAI Directorate reports on the completion of the Third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3) program, which involved 17 projects across 15 IAI Parties and leveraged US$ 15.36 million in additional funding. The report details the transition toward the SGP-HW small grants program, which emphasizes transdisciplinary co-design with stakeholders and the implementation of an Open Data Policy. It also outlines the preliminary planning for the fourth iteration of the Collaborative Research Network (CRN4), recommending alignment with the Belmont Forum to secure co-funding and a focus on Party-driven priorities.

The report analyzes 38 ISDS cases brought by mining companies against Latin American states, highlighting a systemic bias that favors corporate profits over human rights and environmental laws. It documents how these suits often target government measures resulting from community resistance or environmental regulations, creating a 'chilling effect' on public policy. The document details specific cases in countries such as Colombia, El Salvador, and Venezuela, and proposes a fundamental shift toward a legal framework that prioritizes human rights and environmental protection over investor rights.

The document argues that while President Jair Bolsonaro's administration represents a shift toward neoliberal economics and a closer alignment with the United States, these changes are unlikely to cause a schism within the BRICS. It suggests that Brazil's national interests will continue to drive cooperation, particularly in trade, development finance, and global governance. The author recommends that the bloc leverage Brazil's presidency to address trade imbalances with China through partial scope agreements and align the New Development Bank's loans with national development agendas to ensure financial sustainability.

The author contends that Viktor Orbán's government has systematically dismantled democratic institutions in Hungary, creating an 'authoritarian regime' that serves as a model for far-right movements in Europe. The text argues that previous EU responses were too timid, relying on 'soft law' and infringement procedures that failed to produce results. It advocates for the 'nuclear' option of Article 7—which can suspend voting rights—and specifically proposes linking EU funding in the Multiannual Financial Framework to the state of the rule of law to disrupt the financial incentives supporting the current regime.

The report details how developing countries approach investment treaty negotiations, highlighting a trend toward renegotiating outdated agreements and the use of model treaties. It identifies the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and investment authorities as the primary leads in negotiations and provides a detailed mapping of ratification processes across various nations.

The report details two workshops held in 2018 focused on South-South and triangular cooperation for climate action. It highlights case studies of technological exchange in agriculture, water management, and urban resilience, while identifying systemic barriers such as funding gaps and a lack of institutional capacity at the subnational level.

The statement condemns the election of Jair Bolsonaro as a representative of the 'extrême droite fasciste', arguing that his leadership threatens human rights, social victories, and the safety of marginalized groups. It links his rise to neoliberalism and the influence of transnational oil and agro-industrial companies, while warning of increased militarization and the potential for a military invasion of Venezuela.

Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean (ATALC) condemns the election of Jair Bolsonaro, characterizing his leadership as fascist and neoliberal. The statement warns that his presidency threatens the rights of indigenous people, black communities, and activists, while serving the interests of transnational corporations, particularly in the oil and agribusiness sectors. It links the political situation in Brazil to similar patterns of depoliticization and violence seen in Colombia and Honduras, and expresses concern that Bolsonaro's victory increases the risk of a US-led military invasion of Venezuela.

Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean denounces the election of Jair Bolsonaro as a victory for the 'fascist far right' and neoliberalism. The organization warns that his leadership threatens the rights of indigenous, black, and marginalized communities, while increasing the risk of militarization and violence. It further links this political shift to corporate interests in oil and agribusiness and expresses concern over potential military intervention in Venezuela. The statement concludes with a call for an internationalist anti-fascist front under the framework of the Continental Action for Democracy and against Neoliberalism.

The document analyzes the challenges states face when seeking security for costs in ISDS, noting that tribunals often apply an excessively high threshold for granting such orders. It highlights the impact of third-party funding and the inconsistency of current jurisprudence, ultimately proposing specific treaty language to standardize the process and ensure investors can satisfy cost awards.

The document examines the challenges states face in obtaining security for costs in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), noting that tribunals often apply extremely strict criteria. It highlights the risks posed by third-party funding and the lack of consistent rules in arbitration frameworks. To address this, the guide proposes specific treaty language to mandate security for costs when investors are likely insolvent or use 'hit and run' third-party funding.