Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute describes the development and utility of Aid Atlas, an interactive platform designed to simplify the analysis of global development finance data from the OECD's Creditor Reporting System (CRS). Using the tool, the authors identify several trends and data gaps in development aid between 2013 and 2017, including the low proportion of funding for general environment protection, the impact of the European refugee crisis on donor budgets, and significant disbursement challenges specifically associated with climate finance.

This case study by RMI examines the necessity of shifting building carbon regulations from a focus on operational emissions to a full life-cycle approach. It highlights the Meishan Near-Zero Carbon Zone in Ningbo, China, as a leading example of implementing life-cycle assessment (LCA) standards and a whole-process management mechanism to achieve deep decarbonization in urban development.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute provides guidance for Ministries of Finance on integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation into COVID-19 economic recovery packages. It argues that aligning stimulus spending with climate goals can maximize long-term economic gains, create more jobs than traditional investments, and reduce future systemic risks.

The May 2020 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) challenges in the Sahel, the human rights risks associated with COVID-19 states of emergency, the adaptation of peace support operations (PSOs) to the pandemic, and the economic threat to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also analyzes the potential shift in the global order and the need for Africa to reduce its dependence on external support.

This policy brief examines the tension between South Africa's Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) and the United States' Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). It argues that the US uses GSP eligibility reviews to pressure developing nations into adopting US-oriented intellectual property laws, which may undermine national regulatory space and developmental goals.

A statement urging the inclusion of ambitious methane performance standards within the European Green Deal to leverage Europe's market position as a net importer of natural gas to reduce global oil and gas methane emissions.

The University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group (CIG) promotes climate resilience in the American northwest by providing research and tools to at-risk communities, including tribes. The CIG emphasizes transparency regarding scientific uncertainty to aid decision-making and employs a trans-boundary approach to environmental issues, collaborating with partners in Canada. While the network of eight regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) provides critical local expertise and technical advice, the demand for these services currently exceeds available resources.

A statement by Climate Policy Initiative leaders and Joaquim Vieira Ferreira Levy arguing that government bailouts following the COVID-19 pandemic should be linked to climate-impact measures to avoid accumulating environmental debt and to foster long-term economic competitiveness.

This briefing transcript features Dr. Amy Snover, Director of the Climate Impacts Group and the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, discussing strategies to integrate climate science into decision-making. The discussion focuses on the co-production of data with stakeholders, specifically highlighting sea level rise planning in Washington State and vulnerability assessments for Northwest and Great Basin tribes.

This research paper quantifies the potential 2030 impact of greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments made by non-state and subnational actors (NSAs)—including regions, cities, and businesses—within ten major emitting economies.

This research paper examines the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa, arguing that the crisis accelerates the decline of the liberal international order and increases the vulnerability of smaller nations. The author outlines five key long-term risks—the unravelling of multilateralism, increased trade protectionism, the decline of development cooperation, a potential retreat from climate goals, and restricted human mobility—and proposes a coordinated African response focused on regional integration and proactive global governance reform.

A letter from Ting Li, managing director of RMI's Beijing office, reflecting on the office's experience during the initial coronavirus outbreak in China and offering a message of solidarity and optimism to global colleagues.

This briefing by RMI argues that the electric vehicle (EV) sector represents a massive untapped opportunity to drive global demand for renewable energy. It proposes that EV charge point operators (CPOs), mobility service providers (eMSPs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should implement 100% renewable energy charging solutions, starting with large fleets, to stimulate new renewable energy capacity and reduce operational costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

The report details the 27th meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP-27) held in Brasilia, Brazil, in June 2019. Key outcomes include the adoption of a new Strategic Plan and a revised Scientific Agenda, the renewal of the Executive Director's mandate, and the approval of the 2019-2020 operating budget. The meeting highlighted critical financial sustainability challenges due to inflation and unpaid contributions. Strategic initiatives discussed include the creation of a flexible funding mechanism with the Belmont Forum, the implementation of a science-policy fellowship program (STeP), and the expansion of open data cooperation through South-South partnerships. The IAI also expanded its network by inviting research institutes from Colombia and Panama to become associates.

This report analyzes the evolving jurisprudence of UN human rights treaty bodies (HRTBs) from 2008 to 2019, concluding that States have legal obligations under human rights treaties to implement ambitious climate mitigation (including phasing out fossil fuels), ensure inclusive adaptation, and provide international cooperation. Key developments include a 2019 joint statement by five HRTBs and the Human Rights Committee's recognition that climate change threatens the right to life, potentially triggering non-refoulment obligations in deportation cases.

This briefing by the Climate Bonds Initiative examines the role of green bonds and labelled loans in financing waste management and the circular economy. It highlights a significant investment gap, particularly in plastic waste management in Southeast Asia, and analyzes the market activity of corporate and municipal issuers globally, with a detailed focus on Japan's leadership in resource efficiency.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the impact of the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM) on the Brazilian industrial sector, focusing on tax incentives, sectoral production, and workforce distribution compared to the rest of Brazil.

A transcript of a March 2020 Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) webinar featuring experts discussing climate mitigation and resilience financing in Hawaii, with a focus on the role of green banks and community-led land preservation.

Boom & Bust 2020 is a report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzing global coal-fired power plant development in 2019. It details a general decline in the pipeline for new coal capacity, driven by financial restrictions and climate commitments, though this trend is countered by significant new capacity coming online in China.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes global coal-fired power plant trends in 2019, noting a general decline in new project planning and construction, contrasted by a net increase in global capacity driven primarily by China.