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The report 'The Big Picture' by Ember analyzes the global electricity transition in 2024, arguing that 2023 likely marked the peak of fossil fuel generation and power sector emissions. It highlights the dominant role of solar energy, the emerging drivers of electricity demand such as data centers and electrification, and provides case studies on the rapid transition strategies of China, Brazil, and the Netherlands.

The report 'Making clean power flexy' by Ember argues that clean flexibility—specifically battery storage and demand side flexibility (DSF)—is essential to integrate the rapid growth of wind and solar power in the European Union and phase out fossil fuel 'peakers'. It highlights a significant gap in national policy targets for these technologies despite projections that EU flexibility needs will double by 2030.

This report details the activities of the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) from July 1, 2023, to April 19, 2024. It outlines progress in collaborative research, scientific diplomacy, and thematic programs focusing on climate, health, oceans, and mountain science, as well as efforts to improve equity, diversity, and open data access.

The April 2024 report by Global Energy Monitor and partners reveals that while global coal capacity reached a record 2,130 GW in 2023, there is a stark divide: China continues to expand its fleet, while most other countries are reducing new construction. The report highlights that only 15% of operational capacity has retirement plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal. Regional analysis shows significant progress in the EU and UK, stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (dominated by South Africa), and a lack of new projects in the MENA region.

This report, published by Global Energy Monitor and a coalition of partners, tracks global coal-fired power plant capacity as of April 2024. It highlights a paradoxical trend where global coal capacity reached record highs in 2023, driven primarily by China, despite a general decline in new coal construction in the rest of the world and increasing phase-out commitments.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics argues that transitioning to zero-carbon electricity grids powered by wind and solar is technically and economically feasible. It debunks common myths regarding the need for fossil fuel backups and grid overloading, highlighting that stability can be achieved through flexibility solutions, digitalisation, and cross-border interconnectors. The document provides real-world examples from countries like Denmark, Portugal, and Namibia, while noting that insufficient investment in grid infrastructure remains a primary obstacle to a faster global rollout.

The Europe Gas Tracker Report 2024 by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the ongoing expansion of gas infrastructure in Europe. Despite a decrease in gas demand and a shift toward renewables, the region continues to plan and build LNG terminals and pipelines, which the report argues creates significant financial risk, environmental damage, and infrastructure overcapacity.

Friends of the Earth International issues a statement criticizing the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over human rights, environmental sustainability, and local economies. The organization highlights opposition from both Latin American social movements and European farmers, while calling for a shift in global trade policies during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute analyzes the outcomes of COP 28 in Dubai, assessing how the agreements and financial commitments align with the priorities of African nations and civil society organizations. It evaluates progress on the Loss and Damage fund, adaptation finance, the transition away from fossil fuels, and food system resilience, concluding that while historic agreements were reached, the scale of financial commitments remains insufficient to meet Africa's urgent climate needs.

This report by Ember analyzes the technical potential for rooftop solar expansion in Türkiye, estimating that the country could install at least 120 GW of capacity, which would meet 45% of its 2022 electricity consumption. The study identifies significant opportunities in residential and industrial sectors to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower the fiscal burden of electricity subsidies.

This report by RMI analyzes the strategic importance of green hydrogen imports for the European Union to meet its 2030 decarbonization and energy security targets. It argues that domestic production alone will be insufficient to meet demand, particularly in Northwest Europe, and that the EU must urgently address policy gaps in funding, certification, and port infrastructure to facilitate trade with global suppliers like the United States and Australia.

The WASH-Flows tool, developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute under the Bolivia WATCH Program, is a Microsoft Excel-based analytical tool designed to estimate and assess the vulnerability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services at household and community levels. It aims to integrate WASH data into watershed planning and support progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings in low- and middle-income countries.

WASH-Flows is an Excel-based analytical tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute under the Bolivia WATCH program to evaluate the vulnerability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It translates qualitative household data into quantitative metrics to help planners and local governments in rural and peri-urban areas monitor progress toward SDG 6 and optimize watershed management. Currently in beta and applied in three Bolivian watersheds, the tool estimates water demand and pollution loads, providing data that can be integrated into hydrological models like WEAP.

The report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes global coal mining employment and the necessity of a 'just transition' for workers. Using a new dataset from the Global Coal Mine Tracker, GEM estimates that nearly 2.7 million people are directly employed at operating coal mines. The report warns that hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk due to planned mine closures by 2035 and 2050, regardless of climate policies, and that significantly more layoffs would occur if the world adheres to 1.5°C and 2°C warming scenarios.

This policy brief by Ember argues that Europe must double its electricity interconnection capacity over the next ten to fifteen years to meet climate neutrality goals and ensure security of supply. It highlights a gap between current expansion plans and actual power system needs, warning that slow project timeframes—averaging nine years—could create bottlenecks for wind and solar expansion.

An analysis of 2022 EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) data reveals that the ten largest emitters are all coal power plants, with a high concentration of emissions in Germany and Poland. While long-term trends show a decline in coal power emissions, 2022 saw a 6% increase compared to 2021 due to the energy crisis, nuclear outages, and droughts.

This report by Ember analyses 2022 emissions data from the EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS), focusing on the power sector. It identifies a small number of coal power plants and utilities that dominate emissions in Europe, noting a temporary 3% increase in power sector emissions in 2022 driven by the energy crisis, despite a long-term downward trend in coal use.

The report 'Weathering the winter' by Ember analyzes the EU power system's performance from October 2022 to March 2023. It finds that a combination of record renewable generation and significant reductions in electricity demand prevented a predicted return to coal and gas, resulting in the lowest winter power sector emissions on record.

This report by Ember analyzes global electricity source trends in 2022, detailing the growth of renewables like solar and wind, the continued dominance and record highs of coal, and the fluctuations in hydro, nuclear, gas, and bioenergy generation. It compares current trends against the IEA Net Zero Emissions scenario to highlight the growth rates required to limit global warming to 1.5C.

This report by Ember provides a detailed analysis of global electricity generation, demand, and emissions for 2022, evaluating progress toward net-zero targets. It highlights a record growth in wind and solar power, offset by a continued reliance on fossil fuels and a historic decline in nuclear generation. The report notes that while emissions intensity is at its lowest level, absolute power sector emissions reached an all-time high in 2022.