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This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines the role of Vertical Climate and Environment Funds (VCEFs) in mobilizing private climate investment for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). It identifies three strategic opportunities for VCEFs to increase their catalytic impact: implementing sequential financing to support projects from ideation to scale, increasing collaboration with the public development bank (PDB) ecosystem to reach local beneficiaries, and aligning funding with country-driven investment plans. The report emphasizes the need to address the high cost of capital in EMDEs to expand market depth and attract institutional investors.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the funding landscape of the global ocean economy, noting that while public investment has increased over the last decade, it remains significantly below the estimated USD 550 billion needed annually by 2030. The report highlights a heavy reliance on official development assistance (ODA), which is currently facing cuts from major donors, and emphasizes the economic and climate benefits of closing the sustainable ocean funding gap.

This research paper analyzes the sectoral composition of economies across different income groups, focusing on the role of manufacturing, services, and ICT in economic development. It compares Africa's development trajectory with those of India, China, and the Asian Tigers, highlighting the impact of industrialization and demographic windows on growth.

The Renewables Bulletin Latin America and the Caribbean Edition provides an update on the region's transition to clean energy, highlighting the growth of wind and solar, the role of critical minerals, and the challenges of energy efficiency and biodiversity protection. It specifically notes a recent shift in Venezuela's energy strategy and the region's overall progress relative to global averages.

This fact sheet from RMI explains the function and application of renewably powered minigrids (and microgrids), detailing three primary configurations—isolated, undergrid, and interconnected—and providing global examples of their use in enhancing energy resilience and access in the Caribbean, Africa, and the United States.

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.

This report details the activities of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Directorate from 1 July 2023 to 13 October 2023. It focuses on the implementation of decisions from the 31st meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-31), specifically regarding research programs on climate-health and ocean systems, science diplomacy, and the expansion of institutional associations.

This case study by RMI examines the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub (MCHH), developed in collaboration with Hy Stor Energy, to demonstrate how large-scale geological storage of green hydrogen can enhance energy security and resiliency for the United States and its international partners. The document details how the MCHH can provide a secure, zero-carbon energy supply to critical industrial sectors, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and imported commodities, and support strategic trade partners in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

This policy brief by Transforma evaluates the economic recovery strategies of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) following the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that current 'inertial' recovery paths risk locking in fossil fuel dependency and hindering climate goals. It advocates for a 'just and resilient recovery' that integrates social equity, gender perspective, and climate adaptation into long-term economic planning.

The COP26 Resilience Hub Synthesis Report outlines key messages and future directions for climate adaptation and resilience, emphasizing the need for locally led action, diversified finance, and the integration of nature-based solutions. It synthesizes findings from the Resilience Hub's activities at COP26, focusing on three pillars (urban, coastal, and rural) and ten thematic areas to guide action toward COP27.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), in partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative and UN-OHRLLS, provides policymakers in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with best practices to increase the resilience of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems against extreme wind events. Based on field evaluations of failures and successes following hurricanes in the Caribbean and Pacific, the document outlines technical specifications for ground-mount and rooftop systems and emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure infrastructure survives Category 5 storms.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) argues that Caribbean nations can use COVID-19 recovery stimulus to accelerate the transition to distributed energy resources (DERs). By focusing on solar PV, wind, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy efficiency, islands can create immediate jobs to offset pandemic losses while enhancing long-term resilience against climate-related shocks and diversifying economies heavily dependent on tourism.

This report provides engineering and design best practices to improve the resilience of rooftop solar PV systems against hurricane-force winds, primarily in the Caribbean. Based on an analysis of failures from 2017-2019, it identifies top-down clip failure and joint loosening as primary root causes of system collapse. Key recommendations include using vibration-resistant fasteners, avoiding ballasted-only systems in favor of mechanical attachments, and ensuring modules are not installed over roof edges or in high-pressure 'Zone 3' areas. Implementing these measures is estimated to increase EPC costs by roughly 5%.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that South Africa should expand its foreign policy by reconceiving its engagement with Latin America and Africa as a unified 'South Atlantic Zone'. The authors suggest that this framework can enhance maritime security, promote the 'blue economy' through initiatives like Operation Phakisa, and increase trade and cultural ties among littoral states.

This research paper examines the strategic importance of the South Atlantic Zone for South Africa's foreign policy, arguing that treating the region as a single entity can bridge the divide between African and Latin American engagements. It highlights opportunities for cooperation in maritime security, the 'blue economy' through Operation Phakisa, and South-South economic and cultural collaboration, while noting that current trade levels remain low despite significant potential.

The 2011 Scientific Program Report by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the achievements of four scientific programs between May 2010 and April 2011. It focuses on the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II), the Small Grants Program for Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), and an IDRC-funded project on land use in the Río de la Plata basin. The report emphasizes the integration of natural and social sciences to inform policy decisions regarding climate change, biodiversity, and water security across the Americas.

The 2011 Report on Science Program by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details the achievements of four scientific programs between May 2010 and April 2011. These include the Second Collaborative Research Network (CRNII), the Small Grants Program for the Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), and a project on land use and biofuels in the La Plata Basin. The report emphasizes the integration of social and economic research into natural science to bridge the science-policy divide, highlighting impacts on urban pollution management, forest conservation, and agricultural risk reduction across the Americas.

The Financial and Administrative Committee (FAC) Report, published by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research on October 30, 2007, details the committee's activities and findings from a September 2007 meeting in Brazil. The report covers audit expectations, member country contributions, staff contracting issues, budget planning, and administrative system updates.

This report details the activities and findings of the Finance and Administration Committee (FAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) following a meeting in September 2007. The document covers audit expectations, member country contributions, personnel contracts, budget planning, and financial reporting to the US National Science Foundation (NSF).

Key messages delivered by Kishan Khoday of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the UWI Regional Conference on Resilience to Hurricanes in the Caribbean on 2 October 2024, outlining UNDP's regional climate action, specific country initiatives, and future priorities for resilient development.