Search Climate Insights Directory

The document outlines the SAVi methodology applied to Ulaanbaatar's bus fleet, utilizing causal loop diagrams and integrated cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) buses to electric vehicles (EVs). It details the indicators used—ranging from GHG emissions and air pollution to retail revenues and employment—and provides the specific data assumptions, such as a 10-year implementation period and a 40% reduction in maintenance costs for electric buses compared to ICE buses.

The report analyzes the integration of voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) into national systems to boost sustainable exports and producer practices. It emphasizes the need for strong legal foundations, continuous support for smallholders through training and market information, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The document argues that VSSs can facilitate market diversification and reduce overdependence on large buyers, provided that governments implement structured collaborations between industry and VSS organizations.

The report analyzes greenwashing regulations in 12 countries, finding that while core principles of truthfulness and transparency are common, there is significant uncertainty regarding what constitutes adequate evidence for substantiation. It highlights that current frameworks often place a disproportionate burden on SMEs and smallholders and suggests that the credibility of voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) needs clearer recognition criteria.

The SAVi assessment of the Bogotá River recovery project demonstrates that hybrid infrastructure—integrating nature-based interventions like wetland restoration with conventional systems—generated USD 349 million in net benefits. The project achieved a return of USD 1.27 for every USD 1 invested, primarily driven by USD 828 million in avoided flood damages and USD 554 million in value from improved water quality and ecosystem services.

In 2024, global public financial support for fossil fuels reached USD 1.2 trillion, nearly five times the USD 254 billion provided to clean energy. The analysis highlights a cycle where energy price shocks lead to regressive blanket subsidies that entrench fossil fuel dependency. While international public finance is trending toward clean energy, G20 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) remain heavily invested in fossil fuels, with 81% of their 2024 capital expenditure funding fossil infrastructure. The authors advocate for replacing blanket subsidies with targeted social protection and aligning SOE investments with transition goals to build resilient, low-carbon energy systems.

The study finds that Mongolia's climate and biodiversity planning is fragmented due to the lack of a formal mandate for alignment and a heavy reliance on external consultants. This has resulted in parallel project efforts and duplicated assessments across NDCs, NAPs, and NBSAPs. The report advocates for nationally led coordination to achieve synergies and co-benefits between climate and nature policies.

The report evaluates three closure pathways for artisanal gold mines in Marmato, Colombia, finding that progressive closure using nature-based infrastructure (NBI) provides a return of USD 1.44 for every USD 1 invested. The primary economic driver is the reduction of mortality risks from landslides, rockfalls, and tunnel collapses. NBI interventions, including reforestation and hydrological restoration, are shown to be more cost-effective when implemented during operations rather than at the end of mine life.

The report analyzes the role of Indian state governments in localizing the electric vehicle (EV) and battery value chain. While 14 states offer financial support to attract investment, localization remains low for high-cost components like batteries and motors. The study argues that while downstream assembly is maturing, state policies are still nascent regarding upstream and midstream segments, such as critical mineral sourcing and cathode active material production. It recommends a coordinated approach between central and state governments to de-risk investments, improve infrastructure, and bridge skill gaps.

The report argues that Zambia can leverage its position as a top copper producer to drive economic transformation through value addition in processing and manufacturing. It identifies reliable electricity, expanded smelting and refining, and improved trade corridors as critical priorities to mitigate the risks of mining dependency and capitalize on projected global supply shortfalls through the mid-2030s.

The document argues that mangrove restoration requires more than planting seedlings, necessitating rigorous scientific planning, inclusive community engagement, and strong governance. It warns that poorly planned efforts can disrupt hydrological regimes, increase erosion, and exacerbate gender inequalities or tenure conflicts. Drawing on Convention on Biological Diversity guidelines, the brief recommends conducting long-term environmental monitoring, using native climate-resilient species, engaging Indigenous Knowledge holders, and upholding free, prior, and informed consent.

International public finance for energy projects by G20 governments and multilateral development banks exceeds USD 100 billion annually. While funding for fossil fuels dropped from USD 151 billion in 2016 to USD 37 billion in 2024, clean energy finance has grown more slowly, reaching USD 47 billion in 2024. The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) has significantly reduced fossil fuel finance among its members, though the redirection of these funds toward clean energy remains limited.

Fossil fuel subsidies, which exceeded USD 1.2 trillion in public financial support in 2024, distort energy markets and lock countries into fossil fuel dependence. These subsidies take the form of consumer price supports, producer incentives, and general services. While subsidies declined to USD 921 billion in 2024 from a 2022 peak of USD 1.76 trillion, geopolitical tensions in 2026 are risking a new increase in support measures to shield consumers from price shocks.

The report argues that subnational governments are critical to the global transition away from fossil fuels because extraction facilities, workforces, and communities are located within their jurisdictions. It recommends that these governments diversify local economies, develop time-bound and financed transition roadmaps, and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions from existing operations. The document emphasizes that emissions reductions should complement rather than replace the transition away from production. It also advocates for multilevel policy alignment and international cooperation through alliances such as the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and the Powering Past Coal Alliance.

The SUNCASA project has implemented nature-based solutions (NbS) across three Sub-Saharan African cities, planting 2.4 million trees and shrubs and restoring over 3,500 hectares of land within its first two years. In Dire Dawa, the project focuses on afforestation and agroforestry to combat soil erosion and improve food security. In Kigali, efforts center on riparian buffer zones and agroforestry to reduce flood risks. Johannesburg's primary focus is the removal of alien invasive species to protect water quality and biodiversity. The project integrates gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) to ensure marginalized groups participate in climate adaptation. Cost-benefit analyses indicate significant future savings in flood-related infrastructure and health expenses across all three cities.

Following a 2022 debt crisis and subsequent restructuring of approximately 93% of eligible public debt by December 2024, Ghana established an Independent Fiscal Council in early 2026. Supported by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and IMANI Africa, the council is designed to provide independent, evidence-based analysis of government budgets and projections. Its core mandate focuses on communicating the long-term debt implications of fiscal actions to the executive, Parliament, the public, and investors to build trust and ensure debt sustainability. This institutional reform complements 2025 amendments to the Public Financial Management Act, which introduced a public debt-to-GDP target of 45% by 2034 and a minimum annual primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) recommends that Australia move away from an outdated bilateral investment treaty (BIT) model that prioritizes investor protection and investor-state dispute settlement. Instead, IISD proposes a reimagined regime where treaties serve as tools for sustainable development, prioritizing investments in climate mitigation, adaptation, and a just transition, while ensuring national law remains the primary regulator.

The report evaluates the PM-KUSUM scheme's grid-connected components (A and C-FLS), which aim to deploy decentralized solar power plants (1–10 MW) on farmers' land. While the economic case is strong—with land leases earning farmers an average of INR 30,000/acre annually and investments yielding 11%–16% returns—scaling has been gradual. The report identifies three primary barriers: governance challenges limiting state ownership, market barriers such as misaligned tariffs and thin financing, and structural constraints regarding land access and grid readiness. It recommends a flexible, cooperative federalism approach for the next phase, the adoption of competitive bidding for tariff discovery, and the creation of state-level 'incentive stacks' to complement Union Government incentives.

The Canadian Coalition on Climate Change and Development (C4D) warns that Canada is now one of the few major contributor countries without an official climate finance commitment after its $5.3 billion envelope ended on March 31, 2026. The coalition calls for a new financial allocation in the Spring Economic Statement to maintain Canada's global credibility and leadership. They advocate for high-quality funding that prioritizes grants for adaptation and loss and damage over loans to avoid increasing debt in vulnerable nations, supports nature-based solutions, and assists Global South governments in building sustainable regulatory frameworks.

The document examines 58 active fossil fuel production restrictions across 25 countries and 27 subnational jurisdictions, noting a sharp increase in such policies since the 2010s. It highlights that while these measures are expanding, they remain politically fragile and susceptible to rollbacks during high energy price cycles or government changes. The analysis emphasizes the role of subnational governments as early adopters and the importance of strong legal anchoring to prevent repeals.

The document outlines the necessity of social and environmental safeguards in mangrove restoration to prevent ecological disruption and socio-economic harm. It provides a framework of actions based on Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guidelines, covering areas such as environmental impact assessments, human rights, and gender equality. The brief highlights the Natur’ELLES project in Senegal, which has restored 123 ha of mangroves and 68 ha of continental forest while significantly increasing women's leadership in environmental management committees.