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This report analyzes the environmental and social impacts of China's role as a leading producer, importer, and exporter in the global cotton and textile supply chain. It examines the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental degradation, proposing a transition toward sustainable production practices and a strategic shift in sourcing toward rain-fed regions in Africa to reduce global environmental pressure.

This 2008 briefing outlines South Africa's objectives for the 63rd UN General Assembly, emphasizing the 'African Agenda,' the mid-term review of the Millennium Development Goals, and the promotion of South-South cooperation via partnerships like IBSA. It highlights the use of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a development milestone and South Africa's push to democratize the UN by increasing the powers of the General Assembly.

This report summarizes a September 2008 WTO Public Forum session organized by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and Friends of the Earth Europe (FOEE). The discussion, featuring legal experts, examined the evolution of WTO jurisprudence regarding environmental and health measures, the impact of the Brazil – Retreaded Tyres decision, and the specific challenges faced by developing countries in trade-environment dispute settlements.

This research paper examines the role of product energy performance standards and processes and production methods (PPMs) in mitigating climate change and their interaction with international trade law. It argues that while energy efficiency standards are highly cost-effective and should be supported by trade regimes, PPM-based measures are more legally complex and controversial, particularly regarding their impact on developing country exporters and their consistency with WTO rules.

This 2008 research paper examines the concept of "embodied carbon"—the total CO2 emitted during a product's lifecycle from raw material extraction to delivery. It contrasts production-based emissions accounting with consumption-based accounting, noting that developed Annex B countries are typically net importers of embodied carbon. The paper discusses the potential for border carbon adjustments to address competitiveness imbalances but highlights significant legal uncertainties regarding non-discrimination principles in trade law and the technical challenges of data availability in developing nations.

This research paper by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) examines the role of trade liberalization in diffusing climate mitigation goods and the challenges associated with negotiating environmental goods and services (EGS) within the WTO Doha Round. It argues that while lowering trade barriers can reduce costs and facilitate technology transfer, liberalization alone is insufficient without complementary financial, regulatory, and technical assistance frameworks to support developing countries.

This research paper examines the role of product standards, energy labelling, and processes and production methods (PPMs) in addressing climate change and their interactions with international trade law and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This background paper, prepared by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) for a 2008 seminar in Copenhagen, examines the complex relationship between intellectual property (IP) rights and the transfer of climate-related technologies. It analyzes how IP can act as both an incentive for innovation and a barrier to the diffusion of technology, specifically exploring the role of the WTO TRIPS Agreement and the UNFCCC framework in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The action list from the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 19-20 June 2008, details administrative decisions, budget approvals, and governance updates.

The document records the decisions made during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 19-20, 2008. The meeting focused on administrative governance, budget approvals, and organizational regulations.

The document contains the minutes of the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Executive Council (EC), held on November 28-29, 2007, in Arlington, VA, USA. The meeting focused on the IAI's financial status, the results of an external review by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the initiation of a new strategic planning process.

The minutes of the 25th Executive Council (EC) meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held on November 28-29, 2007, in Arlington, VA, USA. The meeting focused on the IAI's financial status, the results of an external evaluation by the AAAS, and the establishment of terms of reference for a new long-term strategic plan.

The Action List from the 26th Meeting of the IAI Executive Council (EC), held on June 17, 2008, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, details administrative decisions, approvals of previous reports, and recommendations to be forwarded to the Conference of Parties (CoP). Key actions include the endorsement of a joint capacity-building program with SCOPE and UNESCO, the nomination of a committee for SAC member elections, and requests for improved communication and outreach in the Caribbean.

This document is a participant list for the 26th Executive Council (EC) Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), which took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 17-18, 2008.

This document is a budget request from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, including preliminary projections for 2009-2011. It details the funding required for the IAI Directorate's operations, scientific programs, capacity building, and administrative costs, while outlining the expected contributions from member countries.

This report, commissioned by the European Parliament, evaluates sustainability criteria for the proposed EU Directive on renewable energy, specifically focusing on liquid biofuels. It analyzes the potential for biofuel production globally and within Europe, the impacts of land-use change on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the feasibility of using degraded lands for energy crops. The document provides technical critiques of GHG accounting methodologies and suggests harmonizing EU standards with international frameworks like the IPCC and UNFCCC to ensure environmental integrity and global equity.

This quarterly financial report for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), dated May 31, 2008, details the institute's operational budget, program expenditures, and administrative status. It highlights a heavy reliance on four major contributors, the implementation of the Collaborative Research Network II (CRN-II), and challenges regarding the Host Country Agreement with Brazil.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It argues that African nations must shift from an ideological 'liberation paradigm' to a pragmatic 'economic paradigm' to avoid Chinese dominance and ensure mutual benefit. The author suggests that Africa should leverage China's need for energy resources to secure technology transfer, local development projects, and fairer trade terms, while utilizing the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to coordinate a continent-wide strategy.

This research paper argues that high taxes and tariffs imposed by governments in poor countries, particularly in Africa, create significant financial barriers to accessing life-saving medicines and medical supplies, undermining international aid and drug price reductions.

This research paper argues that African countries, particularly within the SADC region, should adopt biotechnology and genetic modification to combat food insecurity and climate-change-induced droughts. The author contends that current regulatory stances in Africa are overly influenced by external pressures from the European Union and the Cartagena Protocol, leading to 'regulatory overkill' that may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and hinder the timely delivery of food relief.