Library | ESG issues

Public Policy

Public policy refers to the actions and decisions taken by governments to address societal issues through laws, regulations, and funding priorities. It shapes the business environment by influencing regulatory requirements, market conditions, and corporate responsibilities. Policies related to taxation, labour laws, environmental regulations, and trade agreements can impact business operations, costs, and investment strategies.

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Trade sanctions and the stability of climate coalitions

This report investigates the impact of trade sanctions on the stability of climate coalitions, finding that sanctions can increase coalition size when coalitions are large. However, smaller coalitions risk destabilisation if retaliation occurs. While sanctions may foster cooperation, global welfare implications remain mixed due to trade distortions.
Research
3 September 2021

Cooler finance: Mobilizing investment for the developing world’s sustainable cooling needs

United Nations Environment Programme
The report highlights the critical need for sustainable cooling in developing countries to meet climate goals, reduce emissions, and support health, food security, and productivity. It estimates a market demand of $600 billion annually by 2050 and provides strategies to attract private investment through policy, financing models, and international collaboration.

Research
25 September 2024

The building blocks supporting open finance

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
This working paper explores how open finance can drive financial inclusion by reducing costs, improving access, and providing better-suited products for underserved populations. Key building blocks—digital accounts, fast payments, and diverse financial providers—are essential for achieving open finance's potential, with case studies from Brazil and India highlighting successful implementation pathways.
Research
8 April 2024

Aligning financial flows with the Global Diversity Framework: Translating ambition into implementation

Finance for Biodiversity Foundation
The report advocates for governments to ensure financial flows align with biodiversity goals. It highlights the need for mandatory disclosures on nature-related risks, nature transition plans, and economic incentives to mobilise private finance for biodiversity conservation, emphasising a "whole-of-government" approach to implementation.
Research
23 April 2024

The effect of pricing instruments on CO2 emissions: Empirical evidence from Australia

The World Bank
The report evaluates Australia's short-lived carbon tax and renewable energy policies. It finds a 7% per capita emissions reduction from 2009 to 2018, with effects weakening after policy repeal. Coal exports increased during this period, potentially offsetting domestic emission reductions.
Research
24 June 2024

The demand for a fair international financial architecture

UN University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
The report explores the Global South's calls for reforming the international financial system. It highlights six key outcomes: improved representation, faster response times, increased funding scale, sustainable financing, enhanced global solidarity, and fostering economic self-reliance. The report underscores the urgency of reforming global financial institutions to address disparities.
Research
18 April 2024

Good Jobs First

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Good Jobs First (GJF) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting accountability and transparency in economic development. By analysing public subsidies and incentives, GJF helps communities understand the impact of corporate subsidies on local economies. Their tools and resources support informed decision-making for sustainable economic growth and responsible investment.
Organisation
1 research item

Climate Policy Initiative

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) is a global organisation that focuses on driving policy and financial innovations to address climate change. They provide rigorous analysis and insights on climate finance, supporting effective investment strategies and policy frameworks. CPI aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable development and climate resilience.
Organisation
2 research items

Climate Change Laws of the World tool

Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
The Climate Change Laws of the World tool offers a comprehensive database of climate legislation and policies from across the globe. It provides finance professionals with access to legal frameworks and regulations that impact investment decisions, promoting informed, sustainable finance practices in alignment with climate-related goals.
Online tool/database

No data, no deal? Impact measurement and capital flows to achieve climate-compatible growth

Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment (University of Oxford)
This report explores the challenges and importance of impact measurement and management (IMM) in directing capital to climate-friendly projects, particularly in emerging markets. Through investor interviews and case studies, it highlights the need for standardised IMM to enhance transparency, avoid 'impact-washing', and ensure equitable access to capital for underrepresented markets like Zambia.
Research
27 August 2024

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a global partnership working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants like methane, black carbon, and HFCs. By focusing on key sectors, CCAC promotes strategies that simultaneously improve air quality and combat climate change. Explore their initiatives to support sustainable development and climate resilience.
Organisation
1 research item

Sub-Saharan Field Research and Consultancies (SFR)

Commercial Research Providers
Sub-Saharan Field Research and Consultancies (SFR) is a Nairobi-based organisation providing expert research, consulting, and training services across Africa. Specialising in social and environmental impact assessments, SFR supports sustainable development initiatives by delivering actionable insights. Clients include governments, NGOs, and private sector firms.
Organisation
1 research item

Project on Resources and Governance (PRG)

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Project on Resources and Governance (PRG) focuses on improving natural resource governance to benefit local communities in resource-rich countries. Through research and partnerships with governments, organisations, and institutions, PRG aims to create evidence-based solutions that enhance resource management, reduce conflicts, and promote sustainable development.
Organisation
1 research item

3 degrees more: The impending hot season and how nature can help us prevent it

This three-part journal explores the severe impacts of a 3°C temperature rise on climate, biodiversity, agriculture, human survival, and the economy, emphasising the need for urgent climate action and nature-based solutions.
Research
7 June 2024

How the oil industry has sustained market dominance through policy influence

InfluenceMap
The report details how the oil and gas industry has systematically opposed renewable energy and electric vehicles through a long-standing narrative playbook. This opposition has hindered the global energy transition, contributing significantly to continued high emissions and delaying critical climate action.
Research
10 July 2024

Sustainable aviation fuel policy in the UK

Climate Catalyst
The UK Government has finalised its sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate, requiring jet fuel suppliers to blend SAF into conventional fuel. Despite existing funds, further financial support is needed. The policy landscape is expected to evolve, particularly with the upcoming General Election. The mandate aims to align aviation with climate targets.
Research
7 August 2024
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