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This discussion paper by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) proposes a framework to assess the credibility of company decarbonisation transitions to prevent greenwashing in sustainable finance. It introduces five 'hallmarks' for a credibly transitioning company—Paris-aligned targets, robust plans, implementation action, internal monitoring, and external reporting—which CBI intends to use as the basis for certifying Sustainability Linked Bonds (SLBs), Sustainability Linked Loans (SLLs), and the companies themselves.

This briefing by Ember compares three expert modeling scenarios—from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), National Grid, and Energy Systems Catapult (ESC)—to demonstrate that the UK can phase out unabated gas-fired electricity generation by 2035 or sooner. The report argues that such a transition is essential for meeting the UK's legislated carbon targets, would reduce dependence on expensive imported gas, and would support a green industrial revolution through the expansion of renewables and energy storage.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) mechanisms are becoming a reality as countries increase climate ambition. The author proposes a set of international principles and best practices to prevent BCAs from becoming protectionist tools and suggests the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the ideal forum for these discussions.

The September 2021 Global Update from Climate Action Tracker reports that global climate action continues to lag behind the requirements for limiting warming to 1.5°C. While some countries have updated their NDCs, the 2030 emissions gap remains significant (20-23 GtCO2e). The report introduces a new rating system where only The Gambia is rated as overall 1.5°C compatible, while most developed nations are rated as 'Insufficient' or worse due to inadequate climate finance and policy implementation. It further critiques the lack of transparency and robustness in most national net zero targets and highlights the continued reliance on coal and gas in several major economies.

The G20, responsible for 75% of global GHG emissions, currently has commitments that put the world on a trajectory for 2.4°C of warming. While announced but non-formalized pledges could lower this to 2.1°C, only a comprehensive shift where all G20 members align with 1.5°C pathways and mid-century net zero targets could limit warming to 1.7°C. The report identifies a 23 GtCO2e emissions gap for 2030 and warns that many net zero pledges are unrealistic without significantly stronger near-term (2030) targets. Achieving the 1.5°C goal will require G20 leadership, action from non-G20 countries, and the fulfillment of climate finance commitments to developing nations.

This research paper analyzes the first 29 long-term low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission development strategies (LTSs) submitted to the UNFCCC by June 2021. The authors identify common trends in midcentury targets, mitigation modeling, sectoral transitions, and governance frameworks, noting a significant shift toward net-zero goals and a broader focus on societal transformation beyond simple mitigation modeling.

This briefing by RMI's Center for Climate-Aligned Finance analyzes the increasing trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the financial sector, where large firms are acquiring smaller companies to gain expertise in climate risk and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) domains.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the evolution and challenges of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), specifically focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goal 12. It argues that current efforts often prioritize business-friendly innovation over the necessary systemic shifts in economic priorities and social values required to operate within planetary boundaries.

This research paper examines the international standardization landscape as it relates to plastics pollution. It analyzes the roles of major standards organizations like ISO, CEN, and ASTM International, identifies gaps in current standards across the plastics value chain, and proposes strategic re-orientations—such as variety reduction and digital materials passports—to support a circular economy and a potential global treaty on plastic pollution.

This briefing by RMI outlines a framework for 'climate intelligence' to accelerate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, particularly in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. The strategy focuses on four pillars: emissions visibility, standardized accounting and attribution, digitized infrastructure using distributed ledger technology, and the scaling of these standards in markets.

This report discusses the necessity and challenges of implementing a border carbon adjustment (BCA) mechanism in Canada to protect energy-intensive trade-exposed sectors as domestic carbon prices rise toward 2030.

This document is a Twitter toolkit produced by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) to support a social media campaign surrounding the release of the 'HealthyNDCs Scorecard' on July 8, 2021. The toolkit provides instructions and sample posts to encourage users to challenge governments to integrate health into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP 26.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the strategic position of African states within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It argues that African nations must shift from a strategy of blocking new negotiations to one of active participation, particularly regarding the COVID-19 vaccine TRIPS waiver, the stalled Doha Round, and Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs) on digital trade and investment.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Clean Prosperity examines the design and implementation of a border carbon adjustment (BCA) for Canada. It analyzes how a BCA could prevent carbon leakage—where emissions-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE) industries relocate or are undercut by foreign competitors—while maintaining WTO compliance. The document explores various design scenarios, identifies the most vulnerable Canadian sectors, and evaluates the potential impact of similar regimes being developed in the United States and the European Union.

The 2021 State of Cities Climate Finance report provides a comprehensive estimate of global urban climate finance, identifying a significant gap between current annual investments of USD 384 billion and estimated needs of USD 4.5 to 5.4 trillion. It analyzes the enabling conditions required to mobilize finance and offers recommendations for city, national, and international officials to accelerate low-carbon, climate-resilient urban development.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the policy processes and priorities for African nations leading up to COP26. It emphasizes the necessity of aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-term Low Emissions Strategies (LTSs) with net-zero trajectories and COVID-19 green recovery plans to achieve a climate-resilient world by 2050.

This policy brief, produced by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, serves as a "how-to" guide for designing Green Public Procurement (GPP) policies and target-setting methodologies to accelerate decarbonization in hard-to-abate industrial sectors.

This policy brief analyzes the services market access negotiations under the WTO E-commerce Joint Statement Initiative (JSI). It highlights a significant trade imbalance, where developed nations are net exporters of the targeted digital services while developing nations are net importers. The brief identifies key challenges, including the 'technological neutrality' of GATS, the undecided legal architecture of the JSI, and a lack of gender and social inclusion considerations. It recommends that developing countries pursue a 'built-in development dimension' through progressive liberalization and multi-stakeholder national assessments.

This briefing from the Stockholm Environment Institute discusses the role of public-private partnerships and international collaboration in decarbonizing heavy industry, highlighting the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) and various policy mechanisms to address hard-to-abate sectors.

Minutes from the May 26, 2021, GEC Steering Group meeting detailing the development of a green recovery intervention and a multi-year (2021-2026) 'social contract' programme to address inequality. The meeting also reviewed the status of five strategic priorities, including SME approach and funding pipelines, and approved a forward calendar for future meetings.