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This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies discusses the expectations and challenges surrounding the 16th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC in Cancun, Mexico, following the perceived disappointment of the 2009 Copenhagen summit.

This policy brief argues that 'vulnerability' to climate change is a socially constructed and political concept rather than a quantifiable scientific attribute. It contends that scientists cannot provide an objective method for ranking countries to determine eligibility for adaptation funding under the UNFCCC, as such rankings require normative decisions that are the responsibility of political negotiators.

This research paper by Andreas Spiegel of Swiss Re argues for a balanced climate adaptation strategy that combines cost-effective risk prevention measures with risk transfer mechanisms, such as insurance. Using data from the Economics of Climate Adaptation (ECA) working group, the author demonstrates that a significant portion of climate-related losses can be averted through preventative action, while residual risks should be managed via public-private partnerships and innovative financial instruments to protect vulnerable economies, particularly in developing nations.

This research paper by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) examines how development agencies can support national-level decision-making to foster low-emission, climate-resilient development. It identifies critical barriers to adaptation—including political leadership, technical knowledge, financial management, and accountability—and details UNDP's strategic approach to integrating climate change into broader national development and poverty reduction goals.

This research paper by Yolanda Kakabadse, former environment minister of Ecuador and President of WWF International, argues that traditional water infrastructure design—based on the assumption of a stationary climate—has led to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems and increased societal vulnerability. The author proposes a shift toward climate-sustainable development by integrating ecosystems into infrastructure planning, managing water at a basin scale, and moving away from sectoral silos in policymaking.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute examines the conflict between increasing food production to sustain a growing population and the conservation of ecosystem services under the pressure of climate change. It argues for a shift from managing ecosystems solely for food to a holistic approach that integrates food production with the maintenance of other nature-based services to avoid irreversible ecological tipping points.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute explores the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in helping countries, particularly developing nations, adapt to climate change. It details how ICTs enhance weather forecasting, risk assessment, and the dissemination of critical alerts to vulnerable populations via mobile networks, while highlighting the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) efforts to integrate these technologies into national adaptation plans.

This research paper by Diana Liverman identifies the critical types of information required for climate change adaptation decision-making, emphasizing a user-centered approach to information delivery. It argues that effective adaptation requires a combination of basic climate data, economic cost-benefit analyses, vulnerability assessments, and knowledge of best practices, all integrated into an iterative risk management process.

This document introduces a series of commissioned papers for the 2010 World Resources Report, focusing on the tension between addressing immediate development needs—such as poverty and hunger—and preparing for long-term climate risks. It highlights the projected decline in water availability and crop yields in Asia and calls for new planning tools to manage the trade-offs between short-term relief and long-term resilience.

This briefing by Mohamed El-Ashry for the World Resources Institute outlines four guiding principles for climate adaptation strategies to ensure that economic development and poverty alleviation are not compromised by climate risks. The author emphasizes that the world's poorest populations, particularly in rural Asia and Africa, are the most vulnerable and require urgent international support to build resilience and protect public health.

This policy briefing evaluates the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Forum six years after its 2003 launch. It argues that while the forum has a mixed record regarding commercial outcomes and market integration, it has successfully fostered political coordination and development cooperation. The author recommends that IBSA prioritize development efforts and the expansion of its development fund to distinguish itself from economic-centric groupings like BRIC.

This document is a report of an ISS seminar held on October 12, 2009, in Pretoria, featuring keynote speaker David Chuter. The seminar focused on the discourse of defence transformation and the management and reform of the defence sector, specifically discussing Chuter's new book which updates his previous 2000 monograph on the subject.

Opening remarks delivered at a South African Institute of International Affairs conference in October 2009, discussing the intersection of trade and climate change policy, specifically in the context of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

This report examines South Africa's perspective on the G20 summits in Washington and London, focusing on the country's interests in global financial stability, its role as a representative for other African nations, and the internal political dynamics influencing its foreign policy.

This seminar report details a presentation by Dr. Emma Archer and a response by Dr. Jakkie Cilliers on climate risk impacts and adaptation in Southern Africa. The event, hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria on 22 June 2009, examined the vulnerability of sectors such as agriculture, water, and health, and discussed the role of governance and urbanization in mitigating climate-induced risks.

A joint statement by La Via Campesina and Friends of the Earth International supporting the proposals of UN Special Rapporteur Olivier De Schutter to the 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. The document advocates for a transition from industrial agricultural models to food sovereignty, emphasizing the rights of small-scale farmers to land, seeds, and water while opposing the influence of transnational corporations and international financial institutions.

This statement, issued by La Vía Campesina and Friends of the Earth International, supports the proposals of UN Special Rapporteur Olivier De Schutter regarding the right to food and advocates for a model of 'Food Sovereignty' to replace industrial agricultural systems.

This report examines how sustainable development issues are integrated into Brazil's international trade and investment agenda, noting a shift from official government resistance to practical adaptation by economic actors due to international pressures and domestic political evolution.

This research paper examines the institutional, structural, and domestic challenges facing South Africa's foreign policy following its tenure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It analyzes the tension between South Africa's desire for UN reform and its perceived failures regarding human rights, while noting a shift toward more moderate diplomatic ambitions and a prioritization of domestic economic stability over global influence.

This research paper evaluates the SADC-brokered Global Political Agreement aimed at resolving the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. While the author praises the comprehensive nature of the diplomatic solution and the leadership of Thabo Mbeki, the paper argues that the process was too slow, allowing the country to suffer extreme economic collapse and humanitarian distress before a resolution was reached.