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The report finds that low-carbon energy transitions do not automatically improve social equity and can replicate existing structural inequalities if power asymmetries are not addressed. While some technologies like household solar provide benefits, others—particularly large-scale hydropower and biofuel plantations—often lead to land loss, displacement, and precarious employment. The authors argue that institutional frameworks and participatory processes, rather than the technology itself, determine whether a transition is just.

The document analyzes policy coherence between the Paris Agreement's NDCs and the 2030 Agenda's SDGs in Germany, Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and the Philippines. It finds that while synergies exist, significant conflicts often emerge around energy transitions, economic growth, and inequality (SDG 10). These incoherencies are driven by institutional fragmentation, conflicting national ideologies, and vested interests. The authors argue that achieving both agendas requires moving beyond institutional fixes to address deep structural changes and political dynamics.

The document examines the power dynamics within Thailand's bioeconomy, arguing that a Public-Private Partnership (Pracharath) model has concentrated influence among a few large corporations and government agencies. This structure prioritizes industrial growth and biofuel feedstocks like sugarcane and cassava, while marginalizing civil society, smallholder farmers, and government bodies focused on environmental and social protections.

The report analyzes the bioeconomy landscape in Colombia, identifying a predominant 'bio-resources' vision that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. Through a multi-stakeholder workshop, it explores sectoral visions for agriculture, biochemistry, bio-pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy, emphasizing the need for territorial development and the use of residual biomass. The document highlights critical sustainability gaps, including the risk of biodiversity loss if species are valued only for commercial advantage, the lack of formal land property rights for 60% of rural properties, and poor road infrastructure, with 75% of tertiary roads in poor condition. It concludes that a holistic, decentralized governance approach is necessary to align the bioeconomy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The paper identifies three main categories of rights-based claims: environmental justice, Indigenous rights and land claims, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) rights. It finds that claimants often use multi-scalar strategies, combining domestic litigation with mass protests and international advocacy. While some claims lead to the suspension of extractive activities or improved corporate engagement, others are met with state oppression or violence. The study highlights the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) as enablers and the importance of framing strategies to maximize available resources.

The document highlights a gap in Swedish municipalities' ability to track and reduce the environmental impact of their consumption. While many work systematically on internal operations, few address consumption among households and businesses. Key barriers include a lack of political support, financial and competency resources, and a lack of systematic monitoring of purchases and investments. The brief recommends that municipalities implement systematic tracking of all procurement, that local politicians prioritize sustainable consumption, and that the Swedish government task county administrative boards (länsstyrelsen) with coordinating municipal efforts to improve knowledge exchange.

The BONUS RETURN project has released three baseline SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model applications for the Vantaanjoki (Finland), Fyrisån (Sweden), and Słupia (Poland) river basins. These models, which have undergone calibration and validation, are hosted in the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) open data repository to allow researchers and practitioners to utilize existing parameterizations or develop new scenarios for these and similar target areas.

The document details the creation of MONITOR ECOTECH, a digital 'alpha' version of a serious game system (SGS) developed by Uppsala University as part of the BONUS RETURN project. The system aims to provide a participatory learning space for stakeholders to test the feasibility and vulnerability of various eco-technologies used to reduce nutrient and pollution emissions in the Baltic Sea Region. Built using the Unity 3D engine, the game uses socio-ecological data from environmental modelling and stakeholder consultations to simulate the impact of different technology combinations on nutrient flows. It differs from its board game predecessor, SELECT ECOTECH, by offering higher data granularity, real-time tracking of emissions, and the ability to simulate longer timeframes and more complex scenarios, specifically targeting 'wicked' problems where traditional environmental monitoring and assessment are insufficient.

The study introduces a simulation model for Barbados and other small island developing states (SIDS) to inform national planning against climate change and economic volatility. Using a robust decision making (RDM) approach, the model demonstrates that climate change increases external debt through storm damage, which destroys productive capital and necessitates imports for rebuilding, compounding existing economic uncertainties in tourism and export demand.

The document analyzes 164 NDCs to explore global connections between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, while specifically examining target-level connections within six developing countries to suggest ways to improve thematic coherence and ambition in national strategies.

The document summarizes a study on the circular phosphorus economy in the Baltic Sea Region, highlighting that a lack of policy steering and insufficient knowledge of technology performance are primary obstacles. While new EU Fertiliser Regulations offer opportunities to equalize waste-derived and conventional fertilisers, the report warns of potential technological lock-ins due to a narrow focus on a few recovery technologies.

The document details the development of SELECT ECOTECH, a serious game system (SGS) designed as a learning platform for stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). The game aims to foster systemic awareness and adaptive capacity when selecting eco-technologies to reduce nutrient and carbon emissions while maximizing co-benefits. Co-designed with stakeholders from three case study catchments—Fyrisån (Sweden), Vantaanjoki (Finland), and Slupia (Poland)—the game uses a board game format to simulate 'wicked' situations, including system shocks and policy changes. The report outlines a three-phase participatory design process, the game's rules regarding baseline emissions and resource management, and the specific eco-technologies and developments integrated into the system. The findings suggest that the iterative, playful nature of the SGS allows stakeholders to cross knowledge boundaries and experiment with innovative technology constellations beyond technocratic solutions.

The study examines the sustainability of charcoal production in Kitui County, Kenya, to address the growing urban demand for fuel in East Africa. By employing stakeholder workshops, informant interviews, and agent-based modelling, the research integrates local perspectives and data to assess policy performance. The interdisciplinary methodology allowed for the analysis of micro-interactions, financial flows, biomass extraction, and issues related to agency and corruption.

The research finds that while polycentricity in Pakistan allows non-state actors to voice diverse climate justice framings—including human rights and vulnerability—these perspectives are largely blocked from policy change by state power and a national strategy that prioritizes international justice over domestic inequalities.

The document examines the application of the Tandem framework for co-designing climate services in Karlstad and Stockholm, Sweden. It argues that tailoring climate information to the specific institutional and decision contexts of users—such as local planners—bridges the gap between research and action. The findings suggest that climate service needs vary based on the user's prior experience and their stage in the adaptation learning cycle, and that co-design can help overcome barriers like competing policy priorities and climate uncertainty.

The document examines the use of gypsum, an industrial by-product from phosphorus fertilizer extraction, to mitigate nutrient pollution in the Baltic Sea. Pilot projects in Finland, including Project SAVE and research in the River Vantaanjoki basin, indicate that gypsum improves soil structure and reduces phosphorus losses to waterways by approximately 50%. While the practice is recommended for coastal drainage areas, researchers caution against its use in lake drainage basins or groundwater recharge areas due to the risk of sulfate loading and subsequent eutrophication. Large-scale application across Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland could potentially achieve 10% of the phosphorus reductions targeted by the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.

The Słupsk Bioenergy Cluster, managed by Słupsk Waterworks, integrates wastewater treatment, biogas generation, and waste recycling to provide stable, low-cost renewable energy to local businesses and facilities. By utilizing a self-sufficient distribution network to bypass coal-based energy suppliers, the cluster demonstrates a decentralized approach to the circular economy. Key outputs include the BIOTOP phosphorus-rich fertilizer and a renewable energy sharing system linking 20 businesses and city facilities. The document argues that national policy changes and faster implementation of EU directives are necessary to scale such models and overcome barriers posed by traditional energy companies.

The paper finds that while green bonds can finance adaptation, they do so to a very limited extent, with mitigation receiving approximately 95% of current funding. Between March 2010 and April 2019, only 5% of all green bonds issued included adaptation as an eligible project category. The study identifies significant mismatches in geography, project scale, and the types of activities funded, noting that adaptation needs are often too small-scale or lack the revenue streams required for traditional bond issuance. Furthermore, a low level of corporate understanding of physical climate risk limits the adoption of these instruments. The author concludes that green bonds alone will be too slow to close the adaptation finance gap but can serve as awareness-raising tools to encourage broader risk management and investment.

The document examines two policy options recommended by a 2018 Swedish Government inquiry: a total ban on sewage sludge reuse or a limited ban allowing application only if strict quality standards are met. It highlights that while both aim to reduce environmental risks and improve phosphorus recycling, a total ban would render existing investments in certification programs like REVAQ obsolete and necessitate costly transitions to incineration and ash-based phosphorus recovery. Using Uppsala as an example, the brief argues that a limited ban is preferable as it protects upstream pollution reduction efforts and preserves the value of organic matter in sludge.

The document traces the development of the bioeconomy concept from its roots in biotechnology and life sciences to a broader policy framework aimed at sustainability and climate goals. It highlights the EU's leadership in establishing bioeconomy strategies, which have influenced national policies globally. The text distinguishes between biotechnology-centered and transformation-centered approaches, while emphasizing that bio-based products are not inherently sustainable. It also discusses the rise of regional bioeconomy clusters and the need for participatory governance and life-cycle assessments to ensure genuine ecological benefits.