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This case study examines the economic and nonfinancial returns of adaptive, resilient housing designs in Da Nang, Vietnam, specifically focusing on hazards such as typhoons, flooding, and temperature increases.

This technical report analyzes the impact of climate change on extreme rainfall and flood risk in Da Nang, Vietnam, where rapid urbanization and population growth (11% annually) are compounding risks from sea-level rise and storm surges.

This policy brief examines the impact of rapid urbanization and climate change on flood frequency and severity in Da Nang, Vietnam, warning that historical construction standards are insufficient for projected increases in rainfall intensity.

This policy brief examines housing vulnerability to typhoons in Da Nang, Vietnam, highlighting how poor construction techniques and structural weaknesses in semi-permanent housing increase risk. It advocates for investigating the costs and benefits of alternative, resilient housing designs to reduce future risks as climate change intensifies storm events.

This report explores the economic impact of temperature on shelter in Pakistan's rapidly growing cities, focusing on the need for adaptive, resilient designs to mitigate the effects of temperature increases and other natural hazards.

This policy brief provides recommendations to government officials in Ahmedabad, India, regarding disaster relief and adaptation initiatives to build resilience against extreme heat events.

This policy brief introduces a report on the vulnerability of outdoor workers, particularly construction workers, to extreme heat in Ahmedabad. It notes that Ahmedabad is the first Indian city to implement a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for heat events, filling a gap in India's national climate adaptation strategies. The document advocates for coordinated action among government, employers, and health providers to reduce heat stress through educational and policy interventions.

This policy brief examines the heightened vulnerability of slum communities in Ahmedabad to extreme heat events, noting that nearly two million residents in these areas face increased exposure and fewer adaptation options compared to other city residents.

This policy brief evaluates the effectiveness of the 'Storm Resistant Housing for a Resilient Da Nang City' project following Typhoon Nari's impact on October 15, 2013. It compares the outcomes of resilient housing against general urban damage to argue that proactive storm-resistant preparation is more cost-effective than post-disaster recovery.

This fact sheet provides an overview of the proposed New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) being negotiated by the BRICS nations as of July 2014.

This research paper analyzes the impact of 'mega-regional' trade agreements on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the strategic position of South Africa. It argues that the rise of agreements like the TPP and TTIP, driven by the needs of global value chains, threatens the WTO's centrality and creates a risk of a multi-bloc trade world. The author suggests that South Africa must recalibrate its trade strategy, move beyond a blocking strategy in the WTO, and utilize regional negotiations to prepare for new global regulatory norms to avoid isolation.

This briefing paper examines the policy tools available to Eastern African states to foster 'national champions' in the mining sector and maximize sustainable development benefits from foreign direct investment. It analyzes the effectiveness of ownership and performance requirements and evaluates how international investment agreements, specifically Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), may restrict the policy space of host governments.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines agricultural cooperatives as a model for inclusive investment. It details the types of cooperatives, their benefits for smallholders, the role of foreign investment in reducing risk and improving skills, and the necessary government support and legal frameworks to ensure their success without undue state interference.

This research paper examines the transition of Russia toward a 'green economy,' analyzing the gap between official policy documents and practical implementation. It highlights Russia's immense natural capital and the critical need to reduce its economic dependence on hydrocarbon exports and improve energy efficiency to ensure long-term sustainable development.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute explains the sources, scale, and trends of global agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while highlighting the role of new Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance in helping companies measure and manage their climate footprint.

This fact sheet by the World Resources Institute describes the launch of the GHG Protocol's first international guidelines for the agriculture and livestock sector, providing data on global emissions sources, trends, and mitigation opportunities.

This case study describes the development and implementation of the Heat Action Plan in Ahmedabad, India. Led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in partnership with academic and environmental groups, the plan established the first comprehensive early warning system and heat preparedness strategy in South Asia to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat.

This guide by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the technical, operational, and institutional barriers that prevent disaster risk assessments from effectively informing public policy and investment decisions. Drawing on research from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as case studies from Ghana, India, and Pakistan, the document provides a framework for improving the 'uptake' of risk information to support the successor to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA2).

This research paper, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) in April 2014, examines strategies for implementing climate compatible development at the subnational level (cities, districts, and provinces) across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It identifies specific challenges, such as scientific uncertainty and limited resources, and highlights opportunities for local innovation and the use of indigenous knowledge. The paper provides a framework of effective strategies, including the use of knowledge partnerships and participatory processes, and discusses the necessity of scaling these local successes up to national levels and out to other jurisdictions to achieve global transformational change.

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.