Search Climate Insights Directory

This science report from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the outcomes of the Small Grants for Cooperative Research in the Americas (SGP-CRA) and the Third Cooperative Research Networks program (CRN3) between June 2015 and May 2016. It highlights the transition toward interdisciplinary research and the application of scientific findings to legislative and policy decisions across the Americas.

This research paper analyzes the impact of currency risk on infrastructure projects in developing markets, arguing that hard currency loans from International Financing Institutions (IFIs) create dangerous asset-liability mismatches. The authors propose that IFIs shift their strategy from direct lending to developing local capital markets and providing credit guarantees. This approach aims to leverage private commercial capital and reduce the financial burden on host governments and end-users.

The June 2015 report from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) evaluates the progress of interdisciplinary research programs in the Americas. The SAC emphasizes the success of combining natural and social sciences to create policy-relevant solutions but identifies a critical lack of regional data infrastructure to distribute these findings to decision-makers and the public.

This research paper examines the strategic importance of the South Atlantic Zone for South Africa's foreign policy, arguing that treating the region as a single entity can bridge the divide between African and Latin American engagements. It highlights opportunities for cooperation in maritime security, the 'blue economy' through Operation Phakisa, and South-South economic and cultural collaboration, while noting that current trade levels remain low despite significant potential.

This report analyzes Energy Savings Insurance (ESI), a financial instrument developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and BASE to mitigate the risk of underperformance in energy efficiency projects for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in developing countries.

This policy brief examines the conflict between the UNFCCC's principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDRRC) and the international aviation law's principle of equal treatment. It argues that 'contextual treatment'—which considers changing national circumstances and provides implementation assistance—offers a viable path to reconcile these opposing frameworks to regulate international aviation emissions.

This conference report from the Green Economy Coalition details discussions held at Wilton Park in February 2014 regarding 'Real Green Economies'. The document critiques the macro-economic, top-down models of 'green growth' promoted by international institutions, arguing that they often ignore social justice and the needs of the poor. It advocates for a transition based on diverse, community-led pathways and the integration of social equity into green policy from the outset.

This opinion paper by Simon Maxwell, Executive Chair of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKn), proposes a five-point plan to win the public and policy argument on climate change. The author argues that because climate policy creates winners and losers, a strategic approach is necessary to build and sustain support for the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient society.

This briefing, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in 2014, distils the findings of the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It outlines the observed and projected impacts of climate change on SIDS, including sea level rise, temperature increases, and the degradation of critical ecosystems like coral reefs. The document discusses the high economic costs of adaptation relative to SIDS' GDP, the risks of 'maladaptation', and the necessity of international cooperation and finance to avert existential threats to atoll nations.

The GEC Strategy 2014-2017 outlines the Green Economy Coalition's plan to accelerate the transition to a green, fair, and inclusive economy. The strategy focuses on improving the narrative of the transition, establishing dialogue hubs, developing ethical frameworks for natural capital, and promoting equity and financial reform through civil society leadership.

A case study detailing how the government of St. Maarten established its first national park, the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, using economic valuation tools provided by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

This progress report from the President of the Executive Council (CE) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the transition to a tripartite governance structure, the status of regional offices, and challenges regarding the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the drivers and challenges associated with Climate-Compatible Development (CCD). It defines CCD as a "development first" approach aimed at minimizing climate damage while maximizing human development opportunities in a low-carbon, resilient future. The document identifies five primary socio-political drivers—national awareness of adaptation, energy security, economic opportunities, access to climate finance, and government leadership—and seven key implementation challenges, including high costs, political opposition, and institutional limitations.

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the drivers and challenges associated with Climate Compatible Development (CCD), defined as a "development first" approach that minimizes climate harm while maximizing human development opportunities in a low-emissions, resilient future. Drawing on experience from over 40 countries, the paper identifies key sociopolitical drivers—such as national resilience needs, energy security, and economic opportunities—and outlines significant barriers, including high implementation costs, political resistance, and institutional capacity gaps.

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the drivers and obstacles associated with Climate Compatible Development (CCD). It defines CCD as a strategy that minimizes climate impact damage while maximizing human development opportunities in a low-emission future. The document identifies five key sociopolitical drivers—national resilience needs, energy security, economic opportunities, climate finance access, and strong government leadership—and seven primary implementation challenges, including high opportunity costs, political resistance, and institutional constraints.

Friends of the Earth issued a statement following Hurricane Sandy, characterizing the event as a fossil-fueled superstorm exacerbated by climate change. The organization urges the public to donate to recovery efforts and calls on voters to elect leaders committed to clean energy and environmental protections to address the "new normal" of a changed climate.

This policy brief examines the successful adoption of solar water heater (SWH) technology in Barbados, detailing how a combination of early entrepreneurial leadership, consistent government fiscal incentives, and strategic consumer marketing created a thriving industry that reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This policy brief examines the successful adoption of solar water heaters (SWHs) in Barbados, where over 50,000 units have been installed. The success is attributed to a combination of early entrepreneurial 'champions', consistent government fiscal incentives (such as the Homeowner Tax Benefit and the Fiscal Incentives Act of 1974), and strategies to reduce consumer risk through performance guarantees and credit schemes. The document highlights that these incentives provided high value, costing the government a small fraction of revenue while saving consumers millions of dollars annually. It concludes that the Barbados experience can be replicated in other sun-rich countries with high fossil fuel imports, provided there is long-term regulatory certainty and local sensitivity in implementation.

This policy brief describes Grenada's 2011 Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR), a national strategy developed under the Pilot Program for Climate Change Resilience (PPCR) to transition the country toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The document outlines the SPCR's focus on physical infrastructure and forestry, its funding through the Climate Investment Funds, and the lessons learned from its participatory design process.

This report synthesizes key findings from the IPCC's Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters (SREX), specifically focusing on the implications for Latin America and the Caribbean. It examines the interaction between climate change, human factors, and the natural environment to assess disaster risk and provides guidance on integrating disaster risk management (DRM) with climate change adaptation and sustainable development.