Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on South Africa, arguing that FDI does not automatically guarantee economic growth or job creation. The author suggests that the government should prioritize public investment in economic infrastructure and industrialization over the mere attraction of FDI, particularly in sectors like retail where large foreign entities may displace local businesses.

This policy brief by Andre W. Cooper examines how middle-power countries recalibrate their diplomatic strategies in a multipolar global environment. It contrasts the approaches of the MIKTA grouping, South Africa's alignment with BRICS, and Canada's shift from broad multilateralism toward a more consolidated focus on strategic Western allies.

This guide by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) defines and provides a framework for Energy Safety Nets (ESNs), which are government-led mechanisms designed to close the affordability gap for the poorest and most vulnerable people to access modern energy services, including electricity and clean cooking fuels.

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.

The Production Gap Report 2023 finds that global governments plan to produce significantly more fossil fuels by 2030 and 2050 than is consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C. Despite net-zero pledges, many major producers continue to plan for increases in coal, oil, and gas production, creating a misalignment between production plans and climate goals.

This policy brief summarizes the outcomes of a regional retreat held in October 2017 in Colombia, organized by the Government of Colombia and the Independent Research Forum (IRF). The event brought together policy-makers from 12 Latin American countries to share experiences and identify strategies for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The brief focuses on five key themes: mainstreaming the SDGs into national policy, building cooperation and partnerships, monitoring progress, financing the agenda, and creating spaces for dialogue and learning.

The 2021 Production Gap report by the Stockholm Environment Institute finds that global government plans for fossil fuel production in 2030 are more than double what is required to limit warming to 1.5°C. Despite net-zero pledges, most major producers plan to increase or maintain production, and G20 nations have provided more new funding to fossil fuels than clean energy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This policy brief examines the formation and dynamics of the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) in the context of international climate change negotiations following COP15. It analyzes the group's shared goals, such as maintaining the principle of differentiated responsibility and advocating for developing country interests, while highlighting the significant material and economic differences between the four members that may challenge future cohesion.

A statement from 82 Latin American and Caribbean civil society organizations providing suggestions and requests to the COP30 Presidency to ensure concrete implementation results in Belém do Pará, Brazil, focusing on climate ambition, adaptation, finance, just transition, and biodiversity synergies.

A statement from 82 civil society organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean providing strategic recommendations to the COP30 Presidency to ensure the conference delivers concrete implementation outcomes regarding climate ambition, finance, adaptation, and just transition.

This fact sheet by Transforma argues that the energy transition must be measured by transformed lives rather than megawatts, calling for the COP 30 presidency and member states to center justice in the global roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.

This executive summary from the World Resources Institute argues that securing and protecting the legal forest rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities is a critical but undervalued tool for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and mitigating climate change.

The Corporate GPM Guide 6 by the World Resources Institute introduces three 'next generation' green power products designed for corporate customers in voluntary markets: nationally sourced RECs, long-term fixed-price green power, and green contracts for differences (CFD).

This report by the World Resources Institute examines Concentrating Solar Thermal power (CST) as a large-scale, zero-carbon alternative to coal-fired power generation. It highlights the role of thermal storage in providing baseload power and discusses the policy and economic barriers—such as high upfront capital costs and the need for carbon pricing—that must be addressed to accelerate global deployment, particularly in rapidly developing economies.

This report by the World Resources Institute examines how public climate finance can be used to create the policy, institutional, industry, and financial conditions necessary to scale up private and public investment in low-carbon energy. Based on case studies from six developing countries, the report proposes a framework for 'readiness' activities and provides recommendations for international climate funds, specifically the Green Climate Fund.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute examines the disconnect between the national-level implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement (NDCs). Based on a survey of 90 countries and detailed case studies of 11 countries and the European Union, the paper argues that a 'siloed approach' to these agendas hinders progress. It proposes five core areas for integration: coordinating institutions, aligning targets, joint policy mainstreaming, optimizing financial resources, and creating mutually reinforcing monitoring frameworks. The study concludes that an integrated approach reduces transaction costs, enhances policy coherence, and fosters 'win-win solutions' for climate resilience and sustainable development.

This guide details the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory methodology used by the World Resources Institute (WRI), covering the reporting period from Fiscal Year 2010 to 2021. It outlines the organizational boundaries, operational scopes, and specific calculation methods for direct and indirect emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standards.

This World Resources Institute working paper outlines eight policy pathways to achieve zero carbon buildings (ZCBs) by combining energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon offsets. It emphasizes that cities will lead this transition and that ZCBs are attainable regardless of a country's wealth or development status, citing feasibility studies and consultations in India, China, Mexico, and Kenya.

This testimony by Rob Bradley, Director of the International Climate Policy Initiative at the World Resources Institute, argues that the United States has a critical opportunity to resume international leadership on climate change. Bradley asserts that the global landscape has shifted since the Kyoto Protocol, with major developing nations now proposing their own mitigation plans and the Bali Action Plan providing a framework for inclusive, verifiable commitments from both developed and developing countries. He emphasizes the synergy between climate action and economic growth, highlighting 'green' stimulus packages as a means to create jobs and stimulate recovery following the financial crisis.