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1. Global Futures Bulletin: The BRICS and the Decarbonization and Biodiversity Protection Challenges

Author:
Igarapé Institute
Publication Date:
01-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Igarapé Institute
Abstract:
The world faces an unprecedented convergence of environmental crises – climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – that collectively threaten the planet’s ecological balance and humanity’s future. Reversing the Triple Planetary Crisis necessitates urgent and coordinated action across all sectors and countries, accelerating the transition to low-carbon economies while protecting biodiversity are key challenges for the coming years. Countries that have joined the BRICS in its inception (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are increasingly an important geopolitical force in current global politics, and their individual and collective action is key to the success of concerted global action. The group’s recent expansion – BRICS+ includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia joining in 2025 and Saudi Arabia finally formalizing its membership – offers an opportunity to boost the role of their New Development Bank (NDB) in bridging climate, biodiversity, and development finance, and aim for greater policy coherence for concerted global action across these agendas. Combined, BRICS countries are not only biodiversity and energy-rich but also contribute to a large share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This Strategic Paper examines the role of the expanded BRICS+ and explores whether and how this “mini-multilateral” grouping, with its considerable human and technological capacity, can address two major global challenges: accelerating decarbonization and protecting biological diversity. The discussion is framed around the opportunities and challenges faced by the member countries to increase their ambitions and become leading voices in these agendas – not only for BRICS countries (some of which are among the most biodiverse in the world) but also for the wider international community. Without a strong commitment by BRICS countries (individually and as a group) the world will fail to accelerate action on decarbonization and biodiversity protection.
Topic:
Climate Change, Pollution, BRICS, Decarbonization, Biodiversity, and Minilateralism
Political Geography:
Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, and Global Focus

2. Practical Guide for Formulating Public Policies to Prevent Violence Against Women

Author:
Igarapé Institute
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Igarapé Institute
Abstract:
Violence against women is a complex and devastating reality, manifesting in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Within this context, this guide presents programs and initiatives evaluated by renowned organizations such as the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL), the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and UN Women, highlighting approaches that have shown high effectiveness and efficiency in preventing violence against women. The goal is to use these practical experiences as a foundation for evidence-based public policy formulation to prevent violence against women. We begin by analyzing the risk and protective factors associated with violence against women. Using the “Pyramid of Gender-based Violence” by the Institute for Studies on State and Participation – Health as a framework, we explore the different forms in which these factors operate, from individual to structural. We also provide context for the legal landscape related to violence against women, emphasizing the role of the Maria da Penha Law as a regulatory milestone in Brazil. Based on examples of programs already implemented and evaluated worldwide, the guide underscores the importance of initiatives that promote women’s financial autonomy through access to employment opportunities, professional training, and entrepreneurship. It also emphasizes efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and foster relationships based on mutual respect and equal rights. The guide reaffirms the need for public policies focused on preventing intrafamilial and domestic violence, including strengthening the protection network for women with specialized support services and effective security measures. It suggests implementing educational and awareness programs on gender violence to transform environments where violence against women occurs, such as schools and homes. Additionally, it advocates for promoting safe and inclusive spaces. Finally, the guide highlights the importance of involving all sectors of society in implementing these policies, including the government, civil society, the private sector, and the community at large. Only through coordinated, long-term efforts can we create an environment where all women can live free from violence and with dignity.
Topic:
Development, Public Policy, Domestic Violence, Gender, Protection, and Violence Against Women (VAW)
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. Global incentive mechanism to protect standing forests

Author:
Igarapé Institute
Publication Date:
12-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Igarapé Institute
Abstract:
The planet’s future hinges on safeguarding the remaining tropical forests. These forests, crucial for reducing global temperature by at least 1°C, are home for two-thirds of global biodiversity and absorb 29% of the world’s annual CO2 emissions. In this Global Futures Bulletin, we present a global incentive mechanism designed to enhance, not just replace, carbon markets, and to more effectively compensate those committed to conserving forest. The core concept involves a simple and intuitive set of new incentives, enticing individuals, organizations, or nations to cease deforestation in return for yearly payments per hectare of preserved forest. Funding would come from multiple sources, including combined funding mechanisms from philanthropies, bilateral and multilateral funds, and institutional investors. This mechanism aims to cover the opportunity cost of the immediate land-use benefits from forest degradation, such as livestock farming and monoculture agriculture. Nations that possess these vital ecosystems should be at the forefront of this movement. Brazil, with 59% of its territory covered by forests and set to host COP30 in 2025, is poised to be a key player in developing a global financial framework that secures a sustainable future for the planet and its people.
Topic:
Climate Change, Climate Finance, Carbon Emissions, Forest, Biodiversity, and Conference of the Parties (COP)
Political Geography:
Global Focus