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This research paper by Rashid S. Kaukab analyzes the concerns of developing countries regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. The author argues that the moratorium disproportionately benefits developed nations due to the global digital divide and restricts the fiscal and industrial policy space of developing economies.

This research paper analyzes the potential implications of the World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, which was renewed in 2024 but is expected to expire by March 31, 2026. The authors examine the economic risks for consumers and businesses, the fragmented regulatory landscape that may emerge, and the tension between revenue generation for developing countries and the maintenance of an open global internet.

This research paper by Shamika N. Sirimanne for the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the environmental impact of the rapid growth of e-commerce. It identifies key ecological pressures—including carbon emissions from logistics, packaging waste, and high product return rates—and proposes a multi-stakeholder action plan involving governments, the private sector, consumers, and international organizations to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.

This research paper by Kholofelo Kugler for the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade (PCN), adopted in February 2024. The document outlines the protocol's structure, its goals for facilitating digital trade and regulatory harmonization across Africa, and the significant infrastructure and regulatory challenges that may hinder its implementation.

This research paper by Neha Mishra examines the intersection of international trade law and global data governance, arguing for a balanced approach to cross-border data flows that reconciles commercial goals with privacy, security, and equity. The author proposes a multi-layered framework to bridge the gap between trade rules and data governance, emphasizing the need for digital inclusion for developing nations and the move away from polarized narratives of 'free flow' versus 'data sovereignty'.

This research paper examines the potential economic and regulatory consequences of the expiration of the World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. The moratorium, first adopted in 1998, has been extended until March 31, 2026, but faces increasing opposition from developing countries seeking to recover public revenues and maintain policy space for national digital industrialization. The authors argue that the end of the moratorium could lead to a fragmented global regulatory landscape, increased costs for consumers, and reduced market access for digital service providers.

This research paper by Shamika N. Sirimanne of UN Trade and Development explores the environmental footprint of the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. It analyzes how logistics, packaging, and consumer behavior contribute to carbon emissions and waste, and proposes a multi-stakeholder framework involving governments, the private sector, and international organizations to transition toward a sustainable digital economy.

This research paper by Kholofelo Kugler analyzes the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP), adopted in February 2024. The protocol aims to create a comprehensive framework for digital trade across Africa, focusing on trade facilitation, data governance, and digital inclusion. While the main text is adopted, eight key annexes remain under negotiation. The author highlights the potential for the digital economy to significantly boost Africa's GDP and employment, provided that infrastructure gaps and regulatory fragmentation are addressed.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) evaluates the proposal that Canada should receive climate credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG). The author argues that such credits are likely impossible to obtain and environmentally unsound, as they would struggle to meet the 'additionality' requirement—proving that LNG exports directly caused a reduction in coal use abroad. The brief concludes that the only feasible path to such credits would involve costly subsidies and technology transfers that would contradict Canada's own climate policies and lock in fossil fuel infrastructure.

The 'Beyond Gensets' report by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) provides a comprehensive audit of fossil fuel generator sets (gensets) in Lagos State, Nigeria. It establishes a baseline of genset capacity, fuel consumption, and emissions across residential, commercial, and market sectors to inform a state-wide displacement programme in favour of distributed solar PV (DPV). The study highlights a massive reliance on self-generation due to grid unreliability and identifies high upfront capital costs as the primary barrier to solar adoption.

This report analyzes the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) on coffee production in the East African Community (EAC) and its role in accessing the EU market. Meta-analysis shows that mulching, organic manure, and irrigation significantly increase yields, while agroforestry substantially boosts carbon sequestration. The EU is a primary export destination, accounting for 60.1% of EAC coffee exports in 2021, but access requires compliance with strict sustainability, deforestation, and phytosanitary regulations.

This briefing by the Stockholm Environment Institute provides a policy overview of solar and wind energy in Mongolia as of June 2024. It details the country's renewable energy potential, current installed capacity, legislative frameworks, financing from international partners, and gender disparities within the sector.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the economic, institutional, environmental, and socio-cultural barriers to a just energy transition from thermal coal in Colombia, specifically focusing on the Caribbean regions of Cesar and La Guajira.

This briefing note by the Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS) examines the expansion and dynamics of global carbon markets, categorizing them into compliance-based, voluntary, and multilateral systems under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It analyzes the trade implications of these markets, including competitiveness concerns and the use of mechanisms like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), while highlighting the specific opportunities and financial challenges facing developing countries in adopting these tools.

This briefing by Transforma presents simplified negotiation options for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, intended for adoption in Baku, Azerbaijan, by November 2024. The document organizes various proposals from Parties and groups into a structured framework covering the goal's preamble, context, temporal scope, structure, quantum determination, qualitative elements, access, concessionality, and transparency arrangements.

This guide by Transforma provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be submitted by 2025. It outlines a 'decalogue of ambition' requiring emissions reductions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 (relative to 2019) to limit warming to 1.5°C. Key recommendations include sectoral targets for energy, transport, and industry, a phase-out of fossil fuels, the protection of 30% of global ecosystems by 2030, and the establishment of national loss and damage monitoring systems by 2030.

This policy brief by Transforma analyzes the electricity supply-demand balance in Colombia through 2038, specifically evaluating the impact of phasing out coal-fired thermal power plants. While the system currently has sufficient capacity, the report identifies potential deficits in 'firm energy' (reliable capacity during low hydrology) depending on the speed and sequence of the coal phase-out, emphasizing the need for accelerated renewable energy deployment and grid improvements.

This executive summary outlines how international development finance institutions (DFIs) and multilateral development banks (MDBs) can better collaborate with national development banks (NDBs) in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) to increase adaptation finance flows. It identifies systemic barriers to cooperation and proposes five strategic recommendations to align international finance with national adaptation needs.

In 2023, G20 governments provided at least USD 168 billion in public financial support for renewable power, a figure that is less than one third of the USD 535 billion provided in fossil fuel subsidies that same year.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development discusses how tipping point theory can inform the use of public funds to accelerate the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind power, particularly in lower income countries and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs).