Search Climate Insights Directory

This report examines the growth of the tourism industry in Lao PDR, analyzing its economic contributions and the environmental risks associated with trade liberalization. It provides strategic policy recommendations to ensure the sector remains sustainable and supports conservation efforts.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International evaluates the global impact of genetically modified (GM) crops as of 2007, arguing that they provide no significant environmental, social, or economic benefits. The document specifically highlights how herbicide-resistant crops have led to an increase in pesticide use and the emergence of resistant weeds, while failing to improve food security or crop yields.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) argues that genetically modified (GM) crops provide no ecological, social, or economic benefits. The document focuses on the increased use of pesticides associated with herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties, the lack of impact on global hunger and poverty, and the stagnation or decline of crop yields compared to conventional farming.

This report, published by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, examines the complex relationship between international trade and climate change. It presents perspectives from political representatives and environmental organizations on how trade policy can either hinder or support climate goals, arguing for a paradigm shift that prioritizes environmental standards and global solidarity over market liberalization.

The 'Choose the Future: Education for Sustainable Development' conference, held in Winnipeg, Canada, from November 26–28, 2008, served as a forum for educators, business leaders, and government officials to discuss the integration of sustainable development (SD) into formal and non-formal education. Organized by the Manitoba Education for Sustainable Development Working Group (MESDWG), the event aligned with the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014) and showcased various initiatives, research, and leadership models aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability in Manitoba and across Canada.

This report documents a two-day colloquium held in April 2008 by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Stockholm Resilience Centre. The event aimed to bridge the conceptual and practical divide between resilience and vulnerability research to better support sustainable development and poverty reduction.

This fact sheet describes the Resources and Energy Analysis Programme (REAP), a software tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to analyze the environmental impacts of economic activity and policy. REAP focuses on consumption-based accounting, tracking resource use and emissions through supply chains to generate ecological, carbon, and greenhouse gas footprints for various spatial scales, primarily within the UK.

This research paper examines the environmental implications of trade liberalization within the silk handicrafts sector of Lao PDR. While the sector is currently characterized by a low environmental footprint due to organic sericulture and natural dyeing, the author warns that scaling up production to meet growing international demand may lead to increased water pollution and land-use pressures. The paper suggests that maintaining 'green' credentials is essential for accessing premium niche markets and recommends the implementation of a National Export Strategy, improved wastewater treatment, and the establishment of a National Production Centre for sericulture.

This research paper examines the environmental impacts of trade liberalization and regional integration on the tourism sector in Lao PDR. It highlights the growth of the industry, the role of ecotourism in conservation, and the risks of unplanned development, while providing strategic policy recommendations to ensure sustainable growth.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) examines the global state of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). It analyzes legal frameworks, national and international programs, and the specific challenges faced by emerging and developing economies in integrating environmental, social, and economic criteria into public purchasing.

This 2007 IISD report analyzes the compatibility of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and other market mechanisms for sustainable development (MMSD) with various proposed post-2012 climate regimes. It identifies that while the current project-based CDM works in regimes with differentiated targets, it would be incompatible with a system where all countries have binding targets. In such cases, the report suggests a shift toward Joint Implementation (JI)-style mechanisms or 'expanded CDM' models that include sectoral and policy-based crediting. The report emphasizes the need to balance the developed world's demand for low-cost, additional credits with the developing world's need for sustainable development dividends and equitable access to investment.

This research paper by Michael Tonry argues that incarceration rates are a matter of political policy rather than a response to crime levels, asserting that sentencing severity does not significantly impact crime trends. Using comparative data from several developed nations, the author contends that mandatory minimum sentences fail to deter crime or ensure consistency, and suggests that South Africa should reduce its imprisonment rates and adopt a structured approach to sentencing.

This research paper evaluates the Ecological Footprint of various diets and food production methods, specifically comparing average UK consumption with nutritionally recommended diets. Using the REAP software tool and input-output analysis, the study finds that shifting toward healthy, plant-based, local, and organic diets can significantly reduce environmental pressure while improving public health outcomes.

This document is a highlights summary of a report by Friends of the Earth International analyzing the global performance of genetically modified (GM) crops between 1996 and 2006. It argues that GM crops have failed to provide superior yields, reduce pesticide use, or alleviate poverty and hunger, while noting significant public opposition in Europe and instances of environmental contamination.

This research paper by Pedro Roffe examines the challenges developing countries face when implementing intellectual property (IP) provisions within bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs). It analyzes the shift from the flexible pre-TRIPS era to a 'TRIPS-Plus' environment, where developed nations—particularly the USA, EU, and EFTA—push for higher protection standards. The author argues that developing countries should move beyond defensive implementation toward a creative approach that modernizes national institutions and utilizes existing legal flexibilities to promote local innovation and public health.

This scoping paper, produced for the Trade Ministers’ Dialogue on Climate Change Issues in 2007, examines the multifaceted linkages between trade, investment, and climate change. It analyzes how trade policies influence greenhouse gas emissions, the legal interactions between WTO and UNFCCC frameworks, the physical risks climate change poses to trade infrastructure, and the competitiveness implications of climate regulations.

This research paper argues that South Africa and other developing nations should accept a 'bad deal' in the Doha round of WTO negotiations to prevent the collapse of the multilateral trading system and avoid the risks of bilateral trade agreements dominated by wealthy nations.

This briefing records a June 2006 discussion hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding economic cooperation within the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) initiative. The proceedings focus on the strategic objectives of South-South cooperation and a specific exploration of potential collaboration in the aerospace sector, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and tangible business integration.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes various technologies for generating electricity from the ocean's tides, waves, currents, and heat, detailing their technical requirements, existing global projects, and associated benefits and challenges.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes South Africa's (SA) positions and strategy within the World Trade Organization (WTO) agricultural trade negotiations. It examines the domestic policy-making processes, the influence of stakeholders like Agri SA, and SA's role in international coalitions including the G20, the Cairns Group, and the African Group. The document details SA's specific stances on the three pillars of agriculture negotiations: market access, domestic support, and export competition, while recommending greater transparency and more detailed identification of specific domestic offensive and defensive interests.