Search Climate Insights Directory

This report analyzes the multifaceted relationship between the United States and South Africa, highlighting economic cooperation through the US-South Africa Strategic Dialogue and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as well as defense and nuclear collaboration. It also examines points of tension, specifically regarding sanctions on Iran and South Africa's role in the BRICS bloc.

This report examines the drivers and flows of tropical timber exports from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through Uganda to regional markets, highlighting the prevalence of unregulated trade and the disparity in benefits among actors within the supply chain.

This report analyzes foreign direct investment (FDI) in the agriculture sector of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), examining the business models used by investors and their impact on economic development. It identifies a tension between macroeconomic growth and local economic development, noting that while FDI has increased agricultural output, it often fails to align with broader development goals and can negatively impact food security and local livelihoods.

This report analyzes foreign investment in agricultural land and production within the MERCOSUR member states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). It examines three investment models: state-to-state cooperation agreements, direct land purchases by private investors, and foreign direct investment in agricultural production (primarily through contract farming). The document highlights a general lack of robust data on foreign land ownership, though it notes significant regional trends, such as the expansion of Argentine agricultural firms into Brazil and Paraguay, and the high percentage of foreign-owned land in Paraguay. It also details the varying legislative responses of these nations to restrict foreign land acquisition to protect national sovereignty and food security.

This book chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) analyzes the environmental challenges and policy needs of the Asia and Pacific region, emphasizing its role as a global engine of economic growth and its critical impact on global climate goals.

This briefing describes the outcomes of the May 2012 Bonn Climate Change Conference, focusing on the initialization of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) and ongoing tensions regarding the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period and climate financing.

This report provides a guide for policy-makers, particularly in developing countries, on how to use public spending to catalyze private investment for climate-friendly infrastructure and clean energy.

This research paper examines the politicization of rice in Southeast Asia and argues that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen existing information-sharing and reserve mechanisms to improve regional food security and market stability, rather than attempting full trade liberalization.

This research paper by Daniel Large for the South African Institute of International Affairs examines China's engagement in Sudan between the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the independence of South Sudan in July 2011. It analyzes how Beijing transitioned from a predominantly bilateral, oil-driven relationship with Khartoum to a more complex, multifaceted engagement that included diplomatic and development efforts in Southern Sudan and peacekeeping in Darfur.

The Bottom-Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS) is a stock accounting model developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to project energy demand and evaluate the impact of energy efficiency policies, specifically Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EES&L) programs, across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute uses the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model to analyze the gap between current climate-economic policy recommendations and the emission reductions required to limit global warming to 2°C. The authors argue that conventional models, such as DICE, often underestimate climate damages and ignore international equity and the needs of future generations. By incorporating updated science, lower discount rates, and cross-regional investments from rich to poor countries, the CRED Optimal scenario demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a high probability of staying below 2°C while simultaneously reducing global income inequality.

This report documents a study group session held on 12 March 2012, organized by the South African Institute of International Affairs and the International Development Law Unit at the University of Pretoria. The session focused on South Africa's strategic approach to its membership in the BRICS group, analyzing the value-add of the alliance to South Africa's economic priorities and discussing challenges related to global economic governance, trade imbalances, and internal inequality within the BRICS nations.

This briefing by Simon Maxwell of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) proposes a 'green growth guarantee' as a concrete deliverable for the G20 summit in Los Cabos and the Rio+20 Summit in 2012. The author argues that while technical discussions on green growth are advancing, political leaders need a high-profile commitment to support developing countries in planning and implementing sustainable growth through indicators, financial engagement, and peer review.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the economic impact of Chinese trade, investment, and construction firms in Kenya. It highlights a significant trade imbalance, the proliferation of counterfeit Chinese goods, and the competitive pressures faced by local construction firms, while evaluating the effectiveness of Kenyan legislative responses such as the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008 and the National Construction Authority Act of 2010.

This policy briefing examines the evolution of South–South co-operation (SSC) and the shifting landscape of global development effectiveness. It argues that while the rise of emerging powers provides African nations with more diverse options and reduced dependence on Western donors, these new partners primarily pursue their own national interests. The author recommends that African states, regional bodies, and the African Union proactively develop codes of conduct, enhance negotiating capacity, and insist on transparency and accountability to ensure SSC aligns with national and regional development priorities.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute reviews approaches and lessons learned for integrating climate change adaptation into development planning, with a specific focus on the Asia-Pacific region. It examines the multi-level nature of planning—national, sectoral, and sub-national—and proposes strategies to avoid policy conflicts and leverage existing financial flows to reduce vulnerability.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the failure of the Kimberley Process (KP) to address human rights abuses and smuggling in Zimbabwe's Marange diamond fields. It argues that the KP's narrow definition of 'conflict diamonds'—which only covers rebel groups—is inadequate when abuses are perpetrated by state security forces. The authors call for a reform of the KP's definitions and monitoring mechanisms to include government accountability.

The CRED V.1.3 Technical Report describes the methodology of the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model, an integrated assessment model designed to estimate the optimal pace of climate mitigation investment and its global cost distribution. Version 1.3, completed in June 2011, focuses on the distribution of climate damages and policy costs across nine global regions to inform international climate negotiations.

This research paper analyzes the impasse of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) following a ministerial meeting and evaluates the strategic negotiating position South Africa should adopt. It highlights the tension between domestic policy imperatives—specifically industrial policy and agricultural support—and the need for multilateral trade agreements.

This briefing outlines the key agenda items for the 18th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa from 23-30 January 2012, including leadership elections, budget approvals, and the inauguration of a new headquarters building.