As governments engage in final preparations for COP28 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidency continues to prioritise its Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda. The aim to have governments at COP28 commit to integrating sustainable agriculture in their national climate agendas is welcome, timely and essential. But, it would need to be part of a larger effort to modernise agricultural policy, particularly with respect to agricultural subsidies and the role of private sector collaboration. This policy brief highlights priority areas in moving from political declarations to concrete action.

This paper makes a proposal for how future EU agricultural policy and particularly funding structures should evolve to better reflect sustainability challenges whilst supporting farmers and other land managers in a transition that also ensures viable businesses and vibrant rural areas. This is intended as a contribution to a wider debate on the future of EU food systems.

Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, global efforts towards achieving net zero emissions have been intensifying. However, progress has been sluggish, and current pledges and commitments fall far short of what is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 °C by 2050. To achieve net zero emissions worldwide, a substantial deployment of renewable energy technologies and resilient supply chains is essential. This policy brief examines the critical role that the G20 can play in promoting cooperation and coordination to enhance the resilience of renewable energy supply chains.

This policy brief takes stock of the existing JETPs and draws some preliminary conclusions. More-over, it discusses some of the challenges JETP face and how JETPs may be improved. Lastly, we outline some recommendations for the G7 and G20.

This policy paper aims to inform discussions about the new policy monitoring mechanism by providing an overview of policy consistency and how to assess it. It discusses the specifics of consistency elaborated in the EU Climate Law, considers the academic and policy understanding of policy consistency and examines how this fits with the provisions in the law.

This policy brief aims to support the work of NGOs and think tanks by developing elements of a green hydrogen agenda for the G20. Based on an analysis of the heterogeneous interests and agenda of the G20 countries, the first part discusses the challenges and opportunities of the G20 as a forum for shaping the emerging markets for hydrogen and hydrogen-based products into a direction that is compatible with climate neutrality. The second section outlines the governance challenge of ensuring the environmental and social sustainability of hydrogen production and use. Finally, it develops options on how to advance a green hydrogen agenda in the G20.

This paper analyses the outcomes of the CBD COP15, specifically the adoption of the GBF and its implications for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration. Delving into the GBF's long-term status goals for 2050 and 23 action goals for 2030, the paper highlights the importance of Action Target 2, which calls for initiating effective restoration processes in at least 30% of all degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine ecosystems by 2030. It also explores how the UN Decade's global network, knowledge pool, and expertise can significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the GBF's restoration goals. The paper presents policy recommendations to ensure that the GBF's ambitious targets are met in a timely and effective manner.

The paper contains policy recommendations, including the integration of measures into NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) and NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans), the consideration of a binding water treaty and a UN special representative for water. Synergies between freshwater ecosystems and flood protection should be highlighted, and cross-sectoral cooperation promoted.

This policy paper addresses the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. The authors argue for synergies among UN decades and highlights the need to integrate different approaches to restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.

This policy brief explores the potential and benefits of marine restoration, as proposed in the regulation. Marine and coastal ecosystems are immensely important for biodiversity and human well-being. Restoring marine areas can enable the respective ecosystems to (once again) perform their natural functions, improving their overall health and resilience.

This policy brief explores the potential and benefits of peatland rewetting, as proposed in the regulation.

This report outlines how fossil fuel subsidies could be reformed to simultaneously address social issues in the short term without jeopardizing progress towards long-run climate targets. It first provides a concise overview of fossil fuel subsidies in the G20. It then discusses alternative ways to shield consumers against the effects of higher energy prices. Finally, it provides recommendations how the G20 could work toward socially balanced energy pricing.

Funding the implementation of the law is a key aspect and a point of tension in the negotiations. This policy brief addresses three questions: 1.) How much will implementing the NRL cost and how much funding is available? 2.) How can Member States mobilise funding for nature restoration? 3.) How do the economic benefits brought by nature restoration compare to its costs?

This policy brief highlights the importance of well-functioning ecosystems for ensuring human health and well-being, not least in light of climate change. Furthermore, it outlines the potential of nature restoration and specifically the law to generate healthier living environments and to mitigate diverse physical, mental and social health threats.

This policy brief targeted two main issues: 1) how the new nature restoration law would be beneficial to other existing EU policy objectives, and 2) which specific benefits would derive from the submission of the required National Restoration Plans (NRPs). As such, the law will – through the implementation of restoration measures – accelerate the pace of implementation of other EU laws and policies for air, climate, water, and marine.