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This research paper evaluates the accuracy of testate amoebae (TA)-based water-table depth (WTD) reconstructions by comparing them with instrumentally-monitored data and the MILLENNIA peatland model to understand the impacts of climate change and land management on peatland carbon cycling.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting for groundWork and Earthlife Africa, submitted comments on April 19, 2018, regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) and Waste Management Licence (WML) Variation Application for the Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Retrofit Project at Medupi Power Station. The CER argues that Eskom has adopted a 'piecemeal approach' to the environmental impact assessment (EIA), deferring critical issues such as water security, waste minimisation, and health impacts to separate processes to 'fast track' the project. The submission specifically challenges the rejection of inlet gas cooler technology, which could reduce water consumption by approximately 30%, and criticizes the plan to co-dispose of gypsum and ash, which would destroy the commercial value of the gypsum.

This briefing note from the Center for International Environmental Law outlines opportunities to enhance public participation and access to information within the UNFCCC process, specifically during the 48th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies. It argues that integrating procedural rights into the implementation guidelines of the Paris Agreement is essential for effective climate action and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

This fact sheet from the Climate Bonds Initiative details the issuance of a EUR 4.5 billion green sovereign bond (Green OLO) by the Kingdom of Belgium on March 5, 2018.

This briefing by the Climate Bonds Initiative explains how green securitisation—the process of creating asset-backed securities (ABS) from low-carbon assets—can unlock finance for small-scale projects. It details various structures including synthetic ABS, PACE ABS, solar ABS, and green mortgage-backed securities, highlighting how aggregating small assets allows institutional investors to provide capital to SMEs and urban infrastructure.

This synthesis paper by the Climate Policy Initiative proposes a systems thinking approach to optimize international public climate finance. It identifies systemic barriers in developing countries—such as short-termism in banking and capital volatility—and argues that international public actors must shift from a project-finance focus to a financial system development focus to effectively leverage private capital and meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

This research paper analyzes the challenges facing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), contrasting it with the more established Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). It examines the political obstacles to the GCM, the unequal dynamics of migration negotiations between the African Union and the European Union, and the limitations of the GCM's February 2018 zero draft, which the author argues lacks binding accountability mechanisms.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of infrastructure banks in closing the global infrastructure financing gap. It analyzes best practices from various international institutions and provides eight strategic recommendations for countries establishing their own infrastructure banks to mobilize private capital and promote sustainable development.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and policy frameworks governing migration in Africa. It details the roles of the African Union (AU), various Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and partnerships with the European Union (EU) in managing refugees, internally displaced persons, labour migration, and the fight against human trafficking and smuggling.

The Carbon-Free City Handbook: Biological Resources is a guide by RMI that outlines three primary actions for cities to manage biological resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: organic waste diversion, urban forestry, and the promotion of plant-based diets.

Friends of the Earth International expresses its support for La Via Campesina's VII International Conference, emphasizing a shared commitment to food sovereignty, agroecology, and climate justice. The document summarizes three key declarations from the conference: the Euskal Herria Declaration, which calls for a global struggle against financial capital and imperialism; the Women's Assembly Declaration, which demands gender equality and an end to violence against women; and the Youth Assembly Declaration, which asserts the right of youth to land and resources for peasant agroecology.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International calling for a global, people-led transition away from 'dirty energy'—including fossil fuels, nuclear power, and large-scale hydroelectric projects—to combat the planetary emergency of climate change.

A 2017 statement by Friends of the Earth International calling for a global, grassroots-led energy revolution to replace 'dirty energy'—including fossil fuels, nuclear, and large-scale hydro—with decentralized, community-centered energy systems to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International calling for a people-led energy transition to combat the climate emergency, arguing that the Paris Agreement is insufficient and that fossil fuels, nuclear power, and large hydroelectric dams must be replaced by community-centered energy systems.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides an overview of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It details the environmental and economic benefits of PEVs, the current state of the U.S. and global markets, charging infrastructure, battery technology trends, and government incentives.

This case study examines the state of e-commerce in South Africa as of 2017, analyzing its scale, regulatory environment, and potential for economic inclusion. It highlights a growing market dominated by a few key players and a legislative framework primarily governed by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2002. The document identifies significant supply-side infrastructure gaps and demand-side trust issues as primary barriers to growth, while suggesting that e-commerce could be a vital tool for the empowerment of women and the poor.

The China Green Bond Market Mid Year Report 2017 details the growth and diversification of China's green bond market in the first half of 2017, highlighting a total issuance of USD 11.52bn and a shift toward non-bank issuers. The report outlines various policy updates, the emergence of green municipal bonds, and the alignment of Chinese bonds with international standards.

This report explores innovative funding mechanisms for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at U.S. airports, using Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) as a primary case study. It argues that while airports cannot legally fund fuel as a commodity, they can fund 'co-benefits' such as carbon reduction and air quality improvements. The report recommends several funding streams, including corporate support and non-aeronautical revenue, to catalyze regional SAF supply chains and reduce the industry's carbon footprint.

A formal Notice of Objection filed by a coalition of environmental and health organizations, including the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, challenging the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's (PMRA) re-evaluation decision (RVD2017-01) on glyphosate. The objectors argue that the PMRA dismissed critical evidence regarding glyphosate's impact on monarch butterflies, human and soil microbiomes, carcinogenic potential, and the inefficiency of current risk mitigation strategies like buffer zones and labeling.

A speech delivered by IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan at the World Circular Economy Forum 2017 in Helsinki, discussing the need for macroeconomic indicators beyond GDP to properly value the circular economy, the potential for job growth, and the necessity of reforming fiscal incentives.