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The document examines the role of DFIs in climate finance, specifically focusing on the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa. It argues that the IDC is currently unable to meet its mandate of supporting a just transition because it operates like a commercial bank, relying on capital markets and maintaining a risk-averse, private-sector-biased governance structure. The authors recommend a significant recapitalisation of the IDC through fiscal and monetary policy, a shift toward concessional lending with longer grace periods, and a reform of its board to include broader representation from civil society and workers.

The document argues that environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS) exceed USD 2 trillion annually, creating perverse incentives that drive biodiversity loss and climate change. It proposes a theory of change based on the 'Multiple Streams and Policy Windows Framework'—defining the problem, identifying solutions, and creating political support—to catalyze reform. The playbook outlines 25 specific opportunities for philanthropic engagement, ranging from independent national assessments and technical support for Global South governments to the creation of 'first-mover clubs' of governments. It emphasizes that transparency alone is insufficient and that durable reform requires the co-development of repurposing strategies to support vulnerable groups and businesses transitioning away from harmful subsidies.

The document contains technical appendices for a report on reforming environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS). It introduces a 'Fiscal Pressure' indicator to identify countries where high debt and deficits create strong incentives for subsidy reform, and provides a stakeholder analysis mapping the influence and attitudes of businesses, governments, consumers, and civil society toward EHS reform.

The document analyzes how international agreements, regional legislation, and industry competition hinder the removal of fossil fuel subsidies in aviation and shipping. It argues that while fuel taxation is often restricted by bilateral agreements or regional directives like the EU's Energy Taxation Directive, emissions levies through the ICAO and IMO offer viable pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fund the transition to sustainable fuels.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs) as tools to prevent carbon leakage. It details the operational timelines and design features of the EU and UK mechanisms, analyzes a proposed Australian framework, and tracks legislative efforts in the US, Canada, and Taiwan. Additionally, it examines the evolving nature of CBAM discussions at the WTO, noting a shift from general concern toward specific design cooperation and interoperability.

The document identifies a strategic shift from outright climate denial to 'strategic doubt,' where influential economic and political actors—including fossil fuel companies and right-wing populist movements—deliberately spread misleading information to obstruct climate action. It highlights that policymakers are primary targets of these campaigns, which are disseminated through traditional media, social media, and non-public corporate channels. The report notes a significant research gap in the Global South and proposes four policy interventions: mandatory standardized carbon reporting, litigation against greenwashing, the creation of cross-sectoral voluntary alliances, and the enhancement of scientific and media literacy for the public and officials.

The document analyzes how Colombia and Nigeria use narratives of development, energy security, and energy transition to maintain dependence on fossil fuels. It argues that these narratives are often inaccurate or outdated, contributing to 'carbon lock-in'. The briefing suggests that civil society and researchers can counter these claims by demanding transparency, highlighting the benefits of renewables, and promoting science-based alternatives for a just transition.

The report applies the 'Unlocking a Better Future' (UBF) framework to identify policy gaps in Scotland, proposing a holistic approach to transition the economy and society. It recommends strengthening human-nature connectedness, expanding nature-based education, exploring the 'Rights of Nature', and reforming national accounting to move beyond GDP. The document also emphasizes the need for a shift from top-down to bottom-up public engagement to ensure a just transition, while proposing specific indicators to track structural transformation.

The document argues that while the energy transition is accelerating, current efforts are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C, and the shift in energy demand will fundamentally reshape global trade and geopolitics. It highlights a significant investment gap, noting that emerging markets and developing economies outside China account for only about 15% of global clean energy spending. The report identifies several trade-related barriers, including protectionist tariffs on electric vehicles, divergent technical standards, and the persistence of fossil fuel subsidies, which reached $7 trillion globally in 2023. It specifically warns that Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanisms (BCAs) and Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions in investment treaties may disproportionately burden developing nations. To achieve an equitable transition, the authors recommend reforming WTO subsidy rules, increasing financial support for local value addition in critical minerals, and coordinating the phase-out of fossil fuel production.

The report analyzes the environmental, health, and economic impacts of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) pollution in the US and advocates for an accelerated transition to battery-electric trucks. It highlights that while MHDVs make up a small fraction of road vehicles, they contribute a disproportionate share of NOx, PM2.5, and greenhouse gas emissions. The document argues that battery-electric vehicles (BETs) are technically and economically superior to hydrogen fuel-cell alternatives for most duty cycles. It details the role of state policies like California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation and federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in driving adoption. The report concludes with recommendations for expanding charging infrastructure, implementing indirect source rules for warehouses, and maintaining high-road labor standards during the transition.

The We Mean Business Coalition's Corporate Climate Policy Engagement Reporting Template guides companies through establishing a baseline, analyzing advocacy activities, and publicly disclosing their alignment with 1.5°C climate goals. It emphasizes the need for board oversight, cross-departmental collaboration, and the management of indirect advocacy through trade associations to ensure corporate lobbying supports science-aligned climate policy pathways.

The Council on Strategic Risks advocates for the restoration of Feed the Future and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), asserting that these programs mitigate national security risks by building food system resilience and providing critical forecasting for humanitarian responses. The text highlights that Feed the Future reduces migration intent in Honduras and that FEWS NET lowers the cost of humanitarian interventions. It references endorsements from former military commanders and bipartisan political support to emphasize that food security is an investment that prevents future conflict and reduces the need for costly US military or humanitarian spending.

The document outlines eight systemic challenges in climate-related mobility, including the risks of simplistic conflict narratives, the instrumentalization of migration as adaptation, and the impact of slow-onset events. It emphasizes the need for rights-based frameworks, inclusive governance, and the recognition of colonial legacies to address these inequities. To tackle these issues, SEI focuses on three priority areas: managing transboundary climate impacts, conducting grounded research to shift power dynamics (such as through the HABITABLE project), and strengthening global cooperation for sustainable livelihoods using tools like AidAtlas and Trase.

The report analyzes the rise of international disputes and geopolitical tensions, noting that state-based conflicts reached a historic high of 59 active conflicts in 2023. Utilizing Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, the document develops three plausible storylines to illustrate how the collapse of globalization, escalating rivalries, and the decline of multilateral institutions could reshape economic landscapes and international relations. These scenarios are intended to help policymakers address vulnerabilities in trade networks and food systems while enhancing resilience against climate risks.

The document examines the uncertainty surrounding the second Trump administration's approach to foreign aid and global security. It highlights a 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign assistance and the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. The text notes a divide in perception, where populations in BRICS nations are more positive about Trump's presidency for global peace compared to those in the EU and UK, despite an overall increase in global conflicts and expansionist rhetoric regarding territories like Greenland and Panama.

The document highlights the 2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, detailing how human-caused climate change is accelerating glacial melt. It emphasizes the role of glaciers as 'water towers' providing freshwater for billions and warns of increasing risks from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), particularly in Asia and the Americas. The text notes that glaciers in 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites are losing an average of 58 billion tonnes of ice annually, with a third projected to vanish within 25 years.

The Federal Hydrogen Hub Program aims to establish a national hydrogen network through seven regional hubs, with funding distributed across four phases over 8-12 years. While hubs claim local economic and environmental benefits, the guide notes that many proposed projects may increase pollution or waste energy. As of January 28, 2025, the DOE has instructed all recipients to cease activities related to Community Benefits Plans, pending further guidance.

BNP Paribas AM has ended primary market bond purchases from companies active in oil and gas exploration and production, a move Reclaim Finance views as a landmark step toward 1.5°C alignment. However, the policy contains gaps: it does not explicitly address passively managed index funds that may buy these bonds on the secondary market, and it excludes midstream projects, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals.

The study finds that human-induced warming from burning fossil fuels made peak January Fire Weather Index (FWI) conditions 35% more probable and 6% more intense. It also notes that the dry season has lengthened by approximately 23 days, increasing the overlap between available fuel and the Santa Ana winds. While climate models show varying results on precipitation trends, the overall evidence indicates that climate change has increased the likelihood of devastating fires in the region, with disproportionate impacts on elderly, disabled, and lower-income populations, including Black residents in Altadena.

The evaluation finds that while the GCF has a robust 'do-no-harm' policy framework, it is primarily treated as a compliance exercise rather than a strategic opportunity to empower Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Systemic barriers in the GCF's accreditation-based business model make direct access to resources nearly insurmountable for IPs. The report highlights inconsistent application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), limited integration of traditional knowledge, and a lack of portfolio-level monitoring for IP-specific results. It recommends establishing a dedicated IP-specific funding window and shifting the organizational culture from passive compliance to proactive engagement.