Search Climate Insights Directory

The Global Research and Action Network for a New Eco-Social Contract (GRAN-ESC), convened by UNRISD and the Green Economy Coalition, submitted recommendations to the UN Summit for the Future. The submission argues that the 'Pact for the Future' must incorporate 'eco-social contracts' that integrate ecological, social, and economic elements to revitalize the 2030 Agenda and ensure a just transition.

This briefing by RMI outlines how G20 nations can reduce the environmental impact of the logistics sector, which currently accounts for 10 percent of global emissions. It advocates for a four-pronged strategy involving operational reimagining, policy frameworks, infrastructure redevelopment, and the mobilization of finance to transition the sector toward sustainability.

This policy brief, produced by the South African Institute of International Affairs as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures' project, advocates for the integration of Zambian youth into the nation's socio-economic development. Based on workshops using Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizon Framework, the document identifies critical gaps in youth employment, political representation, education, and technological access. It proposes four strategic priorities: increasing youth representation in civic and public institutions, enhancing climate-resilient agriculture through agri-tech, reforming education to prioritize practical skills and entrepreneurship, and ensuring equitable internet connectivity.

A statement from a coalition of 60 trade ministers arguing that the global trading system must move beyond 'business as usual' to meet Paris Agreement goals. The coalition advocates for breaking silos between trade, finance, and climate ministries to catalyze investment in sustainable trade, support climate-vulnerable nations, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

The 2024 Global Market Report: Tea examines the economic and social challenges facing the global tea sector, specifically the vulnerability of smallholder farmers and the limited impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSSs) on their livelihoods.

This report uses network analysis to examine 75 policy and finance instruments and 22 barriers to achieving net zero carbon buildings in cities. It identifies financial barriers as the most critical, particularly for residential buildings, and emphasizes that mandates (such as building codes) are central to the transition. The authors argue that capacity development and fiscal instruments must act as systemic enablers to make mandates and financial mechanisms effective.

An executive summary of a special edition of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor evaluating the renewable electricity targets of 10 major fashion and tech companies. The document highlights the inadequacy of standalone Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), the potential of 24/7 hourly matching, and the lack of incentive from major initiatives like the GHG protocol and RE100 to adopt high-quality procurement strategies.

The RMI report 'Clean Repowering: A Near-Term, IRA-Powered Energy Transition Accelerant' identifies a strategy called 'clean repowering'—siting new clean electricity generation and storage at the same point of interconnection as existing or retiring fossil generators—to bypass interconnection delays and leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives in the United States.

This case study describes the efforts of Hamara Grid Private Limited to implement solar mini-grids in the Mon district of Nagaland, India. The project employs a Public-Private-People’s-Partnership (PPPP) model to address the poor reliability and quality of the national grid in remote areas, aiming to integrate clean energy with rural economic development, health, and education.

This guide explains the concept of resource adequacy (RA) and the implementation of the Resource Adequacy Planning Framework released by India's Ministry of Power in June 2023 to ensure grid reliability amidst growing electricity demand and renewable energy integration.

This white paper examines the barriers to business adaptation and the role of public policy in mitigating transboundary climate risks to the European Union's international trade and supply chains.

This research paper examines the role of sub-national authorities in managing transboundary climate risks using case studies from Norway, France, and Germany. It argues that while the central role of local authorities in these risks is an open question, excluding them in favor of purely national management may create conflicts with local adaptation efforts. The authors advocate for multi-level governance partnerships and clear national mandates regarding the role of sub-national actors.

This research paper by Facundo Calvo analyzes the agriculture negotiations for the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), arguing that success depends on moving beyond non-binding declarations toward binding commitments. The author focuses on the potential for an exemption from export restrictions for least developed countries (LDCs) and the deep divisions among WTO members regarding domestic support and public stockholding.

This report by RMI examines the potential for zero-carbon home heating in China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, identifying heat pumps as an energy-efficient, low-emissions solution to address the lack of heating facilities in southern China.

This research paper examines the implications of the expired 123 Agreement between the US and South Africa, the operational status of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, and South Africa's broader nuclear energy strategy, including a new plan to procure 2500 MW of additional nuclear power.

This research paper proposes three principles to operationalize the political function of co-production in disaster risk reduction, aiming to center local and Indigenous knowledge.

The WTO faces critical reform challenges ahead of MC13, primarily the restoration of its dispute settlement system, which has been paralyzed since 2019 due to US blocks on Appellate Body appointments. Key tensions include the shift toward plurilateral agreements (JSIs) versus multilateral consensus, the integration of environmental and industrial policies into the trade agenda, and disputes over which countries qualify for Special and Differential Treatment (SDT). While some members advocate for 'reform-by-doing' through informal initiatives, others insist on formal, inclusive consensus to maintain legitimacy.

This research paper by Rashmi Jose analyzes the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA), a proposed treaty aimed at increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). The author examines the agreement's core commitments, its special and differential treatment for developing nations, and the significant legal and political challenges associated with integrating the IFDA as a plurilateral agreement into the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.

This research paper analyzes two critical development issues facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) ahead of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13): the operationalization of special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing economies and the transition process for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) graduating from their category.

This guide by RMI describes how the City of San Antonio is utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) direct pay mechanism to scale on-site solar energy. By aggregating multiple small projects across city-owned facilities, San Antonio aims to offset a portion of its electricity consumption and achieve long-term financial savings while pursuing net-zero energy goals.