Search Climate Insights Directory

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the concept of 'temperature overshoot'—where global warming exceeds 1.5°C to 2°C before returning to those levels—and the associated risks of triggering irreversible climate tipping points. It argues that while the chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2100 is now 'virtually zero', minimizing the magnitude and duration of overshoot is critical to avoid catastrophic Earth system collapses. The document contrasts dangerous climate tipping points with 'positive socio-economic tipping points' that can accelerate decarbonization, while warning that reliance on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and geoengineering introduces severe risks and does not replace the need for immediate, deep emissions cuts.

The report argues that grid capacity is a strategic asset for attracting AI and data centre investment in Europe. It recommends anticipatory grid planning, the creation of priority AI zones outside major cities like London and Paris, joint spatial planning with clean energy developers, and the adoption of flexible grid connection contracts to reduce deployment queues.

This report by Ember analyses the critical role of electricity grid availability in determining the location and growth of data centres in Europe. It argues that grid congestion in traditional hubs is pushing investment toward the Nordics and Southern Europe, and recommends proactive grid planning, flexible connection agreements, and strategic siting to support the EU's AI ambitions.

This document is a glossary of terms used in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations and related activities, compiled by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) using definitions from the UNFCCC and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

This research paper, prepared for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality by the Stockholm Environment Institute, discusses the rationale and methodology for setting consumption-based greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. It argues that supplementing Oregon's existing sector-based targets with consumption-based goals would provide a more comprehensive and equitable approach to climate mitigation by accounting for the full carbon footprint of goods and services consumed within the state.

A statement by Friends of the Earth Africa arguing that fossil fuel extraction in Africa serves global elites and imperial powers rather than local populations, and calling for a just transition based on community-owned renewable energy and the payment of ecological debts.

This research paper examines the role of sub-national authorities in managing transboundary climate risks using case studies from Norway, France, and Germany. It argues that while the central role of local authorities in these risks is an open question, excluding them in favor of purely national management may create conflicts with local adaptation efforts. The authors advocate for multi-level governance partnerships and clear national mandates regarding the role of sub-national actors.

This report by RMI argues that US state departments of transportation (DOTs) must shift their focus from roadway expansion and vehicle electrification toward reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by investing in pedestrian infrastructure, transit, and micro-mobility to meet climate targets and improve public safety.

This statement from the African Center for Economic Transformation evaluates the outcomes of the Paris summit for a new global financial pact, highlighting the emergence of a unified African voice and a broader global coalition calling for the reform of an international financial architecture that is deemed unfit for current overlapping crises.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the governance of the circular economy (CE) in urban settings. It identifies key barriers to implementation—such as administrative silos and a lack of holistic data—and provides four strategic recommendations for urban policymakers to accelerate the transition toward resource-efficient and resilient urban systems.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics analyzes the volume and value of Russian jet fuel imports into Europe, highlighting a significant decline in reliance since the pre-pandemic period and identifying the specific airlines and airports with the highest consumption levels in 2021.

This research paper explores the multi-dimensional challenges and pathways toward achieving sustainable urban development. It examines the historical evolution of global urban policy, the disparate needs between the Global North and Global South, the role of various governmental and non-governmental actors, and emerging trends such as nature-based solutions and inclusive planning.

The report 'The Road to Sustainable Transport' examines the environmental and social impacts of global transportation, the evolution of international policy from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to the Sustainable Development Goals, and case studies of sustainable urban mobility. It highlights the role of public transit, non-motorized transport, and electrification in reducing carbon emissions and improving public health, while noting the potential for post-COVID-19 recovery packages to accelerate these transitions.

This fact sheet from the Stockholm Environment Institute explains the role of citizen participation in creating sustainable cities, detailing its importance for reducing inequalities, the various levels of engagement, and specific methods such as participatory budgeting and citizen panels.

This statement from RMI argues that reforming housing and zoning policies in the United States is a critical but overlooked component of climate strategy. The author contends that the current housing shortage and exclusionary zoning drive carbon emissions by forcing sprawl and auto-dependency, while simultaneously exacerbating economic and health inequities. The document calls for a shift toward infill, multi-family, and mixed-use development to reduce transportation emissions and improve affordability.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the evolution of global climate governance from the 1979 World Climate Conference to the 2015 Paris Agreement. It examines the shift from 'top-down' prescriptive instruments like the Kyoto Protocol to 'bottom-up' participatory frameworks, highlighting the ongoing tension between universal participation and the equitable distribution of responsibilities based on historical emissions and national capacities.

A statement by Natural Justice reflecting on the relationship between humanity and nature during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that the environmental recovery observed during lockdowns demonstrates the failure of formal climate policies and the need for a shift away from anthropocentric economic priorities.

This fact sheet details a EUR 240 million green bond issued by Nexity on December 20, 2019, to finance the development and construction of residential properties in metropolitan France that meet specific energy performance and sustainability standards.

A fact sheet detailing a EUR360m (USD398m) green bond issued by Akiem Group SAS on September 5, 2019, to finance or refinance electric-powered rolling stock.

The H1 2019 green bond market report by the Climate Bonds Initiative highlights HSBC as the leading global and emerging market underwriter and Euronext Amsterdam as the top listing venue. It notes that sovereign green bonds often outperform vanilla equivalents in book cover and spread compression, and identifies Agency green MBS and Solar/PACE ABS as primary drivers of green ABS issuance.