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This report chapter argues that climate change can be mitigated profitably through a 'resource productivity revolution.' It details the science of the greenhouse effect and asserts that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable land-use practices are more cost-effective than continuing fossil fuel reliance or investing in nuclear power. Using examples from the U.S., Sweden, and India, it demonstrates that reducing carbon emissions can lower costs and improve living standards.

This report chapter explores how industrial production can transition from a linear 'depletion to pollution' model to a circular system based on biological principles. It argues that significant reductions in energy and material use are possible through a combination of smarter design, new technologies, distributed controls, corporate culture shifts, and the adoption of remanufacturing and recycling.

This document is a letter or statement arguing against the proliferation of nuclear power reactors, asserting that they facilitate the production of plutonium for atomic bombs and that the global community should instead focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy transitions.

This research paper by Jodie Keane explores the nature of intra-Commonwealth value chains using a mixed-methods approach. It analyzes trade intensity, shifts in intermediate goods sourcing, and firm-level data to determine how Commonwealth members integrate into regional versus global value chains (GVCs). The findings suggest a prevalence of additive value chains and a specific tendency for Small Island Developing States to export within the Commonwealth.

A speech delivered by Søren Asp Mikkelsen, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark to South Africa, on October 26, 2009, discussing the objectives of the upcoming COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen and Denmark's experience with green growth through wind energy.

This research paper by Dr. S Narayan analyzes the evolution of India's trade reforms from independence in 1947 through 2007. It details the transition from a socialist, import-substitution model characterized by tight state controls to a liberalized, pro-market economy triggered by the 1991 balance of payments crisis. The document examines specific reforms in tariffs, export controls, exchange rates, and the services sector, while evaluating the resulting impact on GDP growth, total factor productivity, and the direction of international trade.

This research paper by Mzukisi Qobo examines the global and domestic landscape of beneficial ownership transparency, focusing on the implementation of G20 High-Level Principles. It analyzes the challenges faced by South Africa and other African nations in curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs), money laundering, and corruption, while reviewing the regulatory approaches of several G20 member states.

This research paper analyzes the dynamics of South African foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade within Africa from 2006 to 2018. It finds that while South Africa remains a dominant intra-African investor, its relative influence is declining due to increased competition from global actors, particularly China, and other African nations. The paper highlights South Africa's role as a regional distribution hub and suggests policy shifts toward deeper trade liberalization and better public-private collaboration to maintain its economic footprint.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) argues for a re-invention of partnerships in Africa's extractive governance to drive inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transformation. It emphasizes the need for shared values, reciprocal responsibilities, and the alignment of national, regional, and continental visions—specifically the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV)—to move Africa beyond being a mere supplier of raw materials toward value-addition and beneficiation.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's role as the host and president of the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC in November and December 2011. It analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the climate negotiations, South Africa's efforts to coordinate a common African voice, its participation in the BASIC alliance, and the necessity of aligning its domestic climate policies with its international leadership ambitions.

This policy briefing analyzes the evolution of Brazilian foreign policy in the 21st century, specifically under President Luiz 'Lula' da Silva. It examines Brazil's efforts to balance its role as a regional leader in South America with its ambitions as a global player, emphasizing its commitment to multilateralism, the reform of international institutions, and the use of soft power to promote democratic governance.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) provides an analysis for policymakers regarding the potential legalisation of rhino horn trade for the 17th CITES meeting in 2016. It evaluates arguments in favour of regulated trade against the practical conditions required for such a system to succeed, ultimately questioning whether legal trade would effectively prevent rhino extinction or inadvertently increase demand and poaching.

This compendium, led by India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), explores how G20 countries can promote energy-efficient lifestyles by combining rational motivations with positive emotional narratives. It highlights the 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) movement and provides case studies on energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and transport, emphasizing that human-centered communication can accelerate the transition to decarbonized economies.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes the European Union's proposed 2020 climate targets using the Greenhouse Development Rights (GDRs) framework. It argues that the EU's targets are insufficient to meet the 2°C warming limit and fail to account for the 'right to development' for the global South. The authors call for the EU to adopt a 'two-fold obligation' consisting of deep domestic emissions reductions and significant international financial and technological support to enable a low-carbon transition in developing nations.

This document is a book of abstracts from the Science and Research Symposium, a segment of the first-ever Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference (SBEC) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 26th to 28th, 2018. It compiles nearly seventy abstracts submitted by global scholars and practitioners, focusing on the role of scientific research, technology, and innovation in harnessing the Blue Economy sustainably. The abstracts are organized into thematic areas including sustainable resource use, climate action resilience, global connectivity and transportation, and sustainable cities, with an additional focus on human resource capacity.

This briefing from the Stockholm Environment Institute outlines pathways for the global steel sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It highlights the necessity of transitioning away from conventional blast furnaces by 2025 to avoid stranded assets and catastrophic climate impacts, emphasizing a mix of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (HDRI), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and increased recycling. The document stresses the critical role of policy-makers in providing clean energy, creating lead markets, and fostering international cooperation, specifically mentioning the Glasgow Breakthrough on Steel.

This executive summary, based on a 2009 report prepared for the Swedish Government Offices, outlines an integrated approach for the European Union to combine climate change mitigation and energy security with economic competitiveness. It advocates for an 'eco-efficient economy' through resource efficiency, the development of new technology markets, and the establishment of stable global carbon prices.

This fact sheet describes the Strategic Collaborative Fund (SCF), a programme launched in 2018 by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia with support from the Swedish government (Sida). The SCF focuses on enhancing the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific through regional cooperation, policy dialogue, and capacity building, with a specific emphasis on rights-based approaches, gender, and social equality.

This executive summary, produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute for the Combat Climate Change (3C) initiative, examines how resource scarcity in biomass, metals, and water could hinder the transition to a low-carbon economy. It evaluates various scenarios for resource availability and proposes strategies—including technological innovation, policy shifts, and efficiency improvements—to ensure the viability of green technologies.

This research paper evaluates the impact of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) on nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement in the adipic acid sector. While the carbon market successfully incentivized abatement levels of 98% to 100%, which exceed previous technical benchmarks, the authors find that the CDM created significant economic incentives that led to carbon leakage. Specifically, production shifted from non-CDM plants to CDM plants during the 2008-2009 economic downturn, resulting in an estimated 13.5 MtCO2e of issued credits that did not represent real emission reductions.