Search Climate Insights Directory

This briefing from the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines strategies to build climate-resilient urban food systems, focusing on the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. It argues that strengthening local food production and diversifying supply chains can mitigate risks posed by extreme weather and global supply shocks.

This report by the Climate Bonds Initiative and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines a framework for collaboration between the United Kingdom and China to expand the global green bond market. It identifies the UK as a global hub for green finance and China as a leader in policy support, proposing joint actions to scale cross-border issuance, harmonise green definitions, and develop robust project pipelines to meet the massive investment needs of the low-carbon transition.

A briefing by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) discussing research on accelerated sea-level rise and the necessary emissions reductions for Canada to meet global climate targets.

The 'GREEN FINANCE: GREEN BOND DIRECTIONS COP22 Highlights' report by the Climate Bonds Initiative details the rapid growth of the green bond market in 2016, emphasizing its role in funding climate mitigation and adaptation to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It highlights the shift toward private sector issuance, the emergence of China as a dominant market, and the necessity of reaching USD 1 trillion in annual issuance by 2020 to substantively address climate change.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of financing mechanisms available to local governments to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient urban development. It categorizes funding into internal revenue sources, external revenue sources, alternative models, and international climate finance, emphasizing the need for a blend of instruments to overcome budget constraints and fiduciary barriers.

This report details the final Governance Learning Workshop of the Climate Adaptation and Water Governance (CADWAGO) project, held from 14-16 October 2015 in Sassari, Italy. The event brought together 35 researchers and practitioners from Europe, Australasia, and North America to discuss transforming water governance in the context of climate change. The workshop featured presentations on systemic governance praxis, a field visit to the Arborea dairy district in Sardinia, and a traditional conflict resolution simulation called 'La Rasgioni'.

This research paper examines the shifting landscape of Africa's extractive sector, noting the rise of emerging market companies and increasing pressure on all firms to demonstrate developmental and environmental contributions. It argues that Western and OECD companies can gain a competitive edge by adapting their business models to support local processing, reskilling workers, and enhancing transparency.

This document is a Question and Answer (Q&A) briefing issued by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) to clarify the terms of an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for project AAGL-0030a. It provides detailed guidance for potential bidders regarding the role of the 'Global Learning Partner', budget allocations for local partners, expectations for conference participation at the Resilient Cities Congress, and the internal review process for publications.

This document is an Invitation to Tender (ITT) issued by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) on 21 December 2012. It seeks a supplier to conduct research and organize a workshop to help developing countries, particularly the poorest and most climate vulnerable (PMV), integrate climate change into their foreign policy, a process referred to as 'climate diplomacy'.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is a South and North-led alliance that provides research, advisory services, and knowledge sharing to help developing countries implement climate compatible development. The network focuses on bridging climate change and development policy to achieve low-carbon, climate-resilient futures while reducing poverty.

This 2011 report analyzes transport-related CO2e and pollutant emissions in Tallinn, finding that while overall vehicle mileage and GHG emissions rose by nearly 50% between 2000 and 2009, local pollutants like NOx and PM decreased due to better engine technology. It highlights that municipal service vehicles contribute about 10% of the city's transport CO2e, with city buses and waste trucks being the largest contributors. The report recommends implementing eco-driving training, which could save up to 2,660 tons of CO2e and nearly 1 million euros annually for municipal companies. Broader recommendations for Tallinn include congestion charging, low-emission zones, and prioritizing public transport and cycling over private car use.

This research paper explores the application of global equity and "burden-sharing" principles to community-scale climate action planning. Using the City of Seattle as a case study, the authors apply the Greenhouse Development Rights (GDR) framework to demonstrate that an equitable global mitigation obligation for a wealthy city would require it to go carbon "negative" by 2020, meaning it must reduce its own emissions while financing low-carbon transitions in developing regions.

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for local governments to preserve and enhance biological diversity within urban environments. It emphasizes the role of municipal authorities in integrating biodiversity into strategic planning, managing green infrastructure, and engaging local communities to improve urban quality of life and ecosystem services.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute critiques the UK Department for Transport's (DfT) cost-benefit analysis regarding the expansion of Heathrow Airport. The authors argue that the DfT's projection of positive net benefits relies heavily on 'generated user benefits'—a theoretical construct of consumer surplus—which they claim is based on speculative and biased assumptions about future airfares, fuel costs, and passenger demand.

This research paper examines the divergent perspectives between Western leaders and the Muslim world regarding the 'war on terror,' arguing that while the West frames the conflict as a defense of freedom, many Muslims view it as a reaction to Western policies and actions in the Muslim world.

This research paper examines the 'Goldenberg' scandal, a high-level financial conspiracy in Kenya between 1990 and 1993 involving senior officials of the Daniel Arap Moi administration and private wheeler-dealers. The scheme exploited government incentives for non-traditional exports and foreign exchange controls to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), contributing to severe economic instability and inflation.

This conclusion section of a research paper examines the complex role of remittances and diasporas in Africa South of the Sahara, highlighting the tension between their necessity for survival in impoverished states and the risks of criminal abuse and economic instability.

This briefing reports on an interview conducted on May 1, 2003, with Al-Sadig al-Mahdi, leader of the opposition Umma Party in Sudan. Al-Mahdi discusses the limitations of the IGAD-facilitated peace talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A, arguing that a sustainable peace requires a more inclusive process involving 'new forces' and a transition to democratic elections.

This fact sheet argues that transitioning from car-dependency to active transportation (walking, cycling) and public transit significantly improves public health. It highlights reductions in chronic disease, mental illness, and road fatalities, while decreasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The document emphasizes that such infrastructure is critical for reducing social and economic inequalities, particularly for low-income populations in Canada.

This policy brief describes the bilateral partnership between the UK and India focused on expanding renewable energy (RE) markets. It details UK-supported initiatives in legislative capacity building, off-grid ventures, offshore wind energy, and solar power to help India reach its 2022 target of 175GW of renewable energy.