Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper introduces the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model, an integrated assessment model (IAM) designed to analyze the intersection of climate mitigation and international economic development. The model's primary innovations include a focus on global equity through a concave utility function and the use of McKinsey marginal abatement cost curves to project mitigation costs. The authors argue that achieving climate stabilization requires either a very low discount rate or significant capital transfers from high-income to developing nations.

This 2009 research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute maps the climate change finance portfolios of five institutions: three bilateral finance institutions (AFD, KfW, and JICA) and two multilateral institutions (EIB and NEFCO). The report analyzes the scale, regional and sectoral distribution, and financial instruments used for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, while identifying barriers to effectiveness and opportunities for future coordination among bilateral finance institutions (BFIs).

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute synthesises the impacts of agricultural water management (AWM) interventions across 37 cases in developing and newly-industrialised countries. Using the sustainable livelihoods framework, the authors evaluate changes across five capitals: natural, financial, social, human, and physical. The review finds that while AWM interventions generally lead to positive outcomes—particularly in income and yield—there is a significant lack of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, especially regarding negative externalities and long-term sustainability.

In a 2019 commencement speech at Olin College of Engineering, Amory Lovins outlines the concept of "applied hope," which RMI uses as a framework for creating tangible, scalable solutions to global crises. Lovins distinguishes applied hope from passive optimism, arguing that the most effective way to improve the future is through practical action, integrative design, and resource efficiency to transition away from fossil fuels and environmental degradation.

A speech delivered by Amory B. Lovins on August 8, 2007, outlining a vision for a sustainable future achieved through integrative engineering, resource efficiency, and the phasing out of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues for the implementation of special measures to protect women and children from sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by private security companies (PSCs) and private military companies (PMCs) during peacekeeping missions. The author highlights a regulatory gap where UN-specific protections do not apply to private contractors, leaving them largely unregulated by express terms of international law.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) analyzes U.S. energy insecurity, focusing on the risks associated with oil dependence and the potential for energy efficiency to mitigate these threats. Using data primarily from the 2001 EIA Annual Energy Review, the document details the sources and uses of U.S. oil, the economic and security costs of dependence on OPEC and the Persian Gulf, and the technical potential for reducing oil consumption through vehicle efficiency and alternative fuels.

This report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) examines the global trend of water privatization and the role of international financial institutions and corporations in commodifying water resources. It argues that water should be treated as a fundamental human right and a social good rather than a commodity, detailing various local and international resistance movements against corporate control of water.

This commemorative report by Friends of the Earth International (FOEI), published in June 2001, celebrates its 30th anniversary by documenting community-led sustainability projects across its global network of 66 independent groups. The document highlights local initiatives in forest preservation, organic food systems, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and resistance to neoliberal economic globalization.

This 1999 report analyzes the economics of greenhouse gas mitigation in Ecuador, forecasting CO2 emission trends up to 2030. It highlights a history of economic instability and a heavy reliance on oil, while proposing a mitigation scenario that could reduce CO2 emissions by 15 million tons. The study finds that the industry sector offers the highest mitigation potential, while the transport sector is the most difficult to abate. It also examines the sensitivity of various economic sectors to energy price increases, noting that the chemical and power sectors are most vulnerable.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law examines the health impacts of phthalates—industrial chemicals used as plasticizers—and argues that their ubiquity and toxicity violate several fundamental human rights, including the rights to health, life, adequate housing, and information.

This fact sheet from the Climate Policy Initiative provides an overview of public adaptation finance flows, primarily for the year 2013, detailing the sources, instruments, sectors, and geographic destinations of these funds.

This fact sheet from the Centro de Movilidad Sostenible discusses the environmental and safety impacts of the global trade in used light vehicles, highlighting the disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries and the need for stricter import regulations.

A 1988 policy report by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) calling for the U.S. President and Congress to prioritize energy policy to combat global warming, improve international economic competitiveness, and enhance energy security. The document advocates for a multi-pronged approach centered on energy efficiency, renewable energy, reforestation, and international leadership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This report by Ember examines how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz exposes the fragility of global fossil fuel dependencies, particularly in Asia, and argues that scaling 'electrotech' (EVs, solar, wind, batteries, and heat pumps) provides a viable path to energy security and economic independence.

This fact sheet describes the activities of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Energy Program, which provides guidance to authorities on transitioning to sustainable energy systems, reforming fossil fuel subsidies, and implementing international climate commitments.

This fact sheet describes the Resilience program of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), detailing its multidisciplinary approach to managing climate- and conflict-related risks through three primary focus areas: climate adaptation, environment, conflict and peacebuilding, and food security.

The Valletta Declaration outlines the establishment and objectives of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law Foundation (the Institute), a domestic foundation based in Malta. The Institute is designed as an international center to strengthen criminal justice and rule of law institutions, with a specific focus on countering terrorism and transnational criminal activities through training and capacity-building, particularly for countries in North, West, and East Africa and the Middle East.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the Strategic Partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, focusing on the second Heads of State meeting held in Cape Town on 11 September 2009. It examines the shift from a development-focused relationship to a high-level political alliance aimed at addressing global issues, trade, and regional stability in Africa.

This fact sheet from the Stockholm Environment Institute outlines three energy scenarios from 2009 to 2050: a Baseline scenario (BAS) reflecting business-as-usual trends, a Basic Energy Access scenario (BEA) focusing on universal basic energy access and climate constraints, and a Shared Development Agenda scenario (SDA) which aims for more balanced global income distribution and extensive development in poor regions.