TAI Weekly

TAI Weekly|Climate Accountability Imperative

By TAI (Role at TAI)
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WHAT'S NEW?

Most of the world’s democracies remain extremely vulnerable to “sharp-power” threats. A new set of Journal of Democracy essays explore how authoritarians weaponize universities, technologies, media, entertainment, and culture to crack democracy’s foundations.

The current political landscape is characterized by declining trust in politicians and institutions, necessitating new approaches. Apolitical Foundation argue that politicians can play a significant role in protecting and reviving democracy by embracing democratic innovation — their new report offers 8 insights to help them do just that.

Graham Teskey lays out six specific elements of an approach to governance, including that “there can be no a priori assumption that more open and accountable political institutions will automatically generate growth and development.”

UN Experts have raised alarms about the OECD's Two Pillar Solution for a minimum corporate tax for multinationals, warning of its potential to widen inequality within and between states based on gender, ethnicity, and race. This move pressures OECD member states to back the UN-led effort to establish a global tax treaty. 

Some good news is that the US Treasury released a long-anticipated draft notice of proposed rulemaking covering investment advisers in the fight against money laundering. 

K. Oanh Ha details the Odyssey of the Queen Majeda, a Libyan tanker whose capture opened a window on a $5 billion trade in smuggled fuel — much of it coming from Russia.

Angus Barry explores patterns of beneficial ownership reform around the globe.

Lee Bailey highlights the disparity between the rhetoric of mining executives and government officials at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where they emphasize prioritizing the well-being of mining-affected communities, and the actual absence of these community members from discussions.

For those tracking Asian development, the AIIB-Watch website has been recently updated with new proposed projects, offering the opportunity to track the process and raise concerns. Engagement and feedback are invaluable in ensuring transparency and accountability in these vital projects.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING!

Nayib Bukele managed to get reelected after putting a spin on an apparent constitutional prohibition, leaning on the control he exercised of the judicial branch. Did the Salvadoran president cross the red line of dictatorship? Listen to this related podcast in Spanish for more insights:  Bukele, un dictador no tan cool.

FROM OUR MEMBERS 

HEWLETT FOUNDATION: Gender Equity and Governance program announces its new Evidence-Informed Policymaking strategy while amid the political turmoil in Senegal, Ousseynou Ngom and Jodie Clark join with URAC’s Talla Dieng to explain how community radios are fostering inclusive governance.

LUMINATE: is looking for its new Director, Strategic Communications, and Manager, People & Culture - applications due 3 March.

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: Yamide Dagne joins former IPCC vice-chair Youba Sokona and Devex’s Raj Kumar to discuss how to ensure the green energy transition doesn't hurt local communities.

ESSENTIAL READING

New research delves into the issue of bureaucratic corruption in accessing public services, with a specific focus on its impact on the economically disadvantaged. The study offers fascinating insights on the dual roles of social networks “as substitutes or potential exit options out of corruption.”

TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS

Reimaging philanthropy in the Global South is a fascinating new book and we are particularly excited to see the emphasis on the role of networks and multi-stakeholder partnership. Available via open access.

As the MacArthur Foundation, a member of TAI, concludes its inaugural Big Bets, Mike Scutari examines the ensuing questions and considerations about the foundation's future direction.

Members of the RINGO Social Lab unveil a prototype for a new initiative ensuring local and national activists lead change. Catch up on the launch of the Decolonizing Advisory Community.

The Kataly Foundation is on a mission to synchronize its investments with its grantmaking principles. Discover how the foundation is shifting away from Wall Street investments to reinvest in communities.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING!

Uncover the revelations of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at influencing elections in Europe and the US, as uncovered by French investigators. Gain crucial insights into the tactics employed and the potential implications for global democracy.

FOCUSED TOPIC OF THE WEEK

Climate Accountability: Still needed on multiple fronts

One long-running frustration in climate debates has been the failure of donors to deliver on promises and of financing to materialize on the ground. A new report from Rockefeller Foundation and Environment Defense Fund highlights that frustration in the context of the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), a model that has been, “long on promise but short on progress.” Coordinated donor action is important for retaining country partner faith and building a more sustainable JETP model.

Similar dynamics are playing out in the governance of funding elsewhere in the climate landscape - see the delay in higher-income countries nominating board members to the long-fought-for Loss and Damage Fund. This could delay the launch several months. 

Much talk has been made of the potential of blended finance for climate action, but there, too, reality is proving far from the rhetoric. ActionAid and Eurodad review the risks in a new report and point to the challenges of “low transparency and poor democratic accountability” in projects.

Staying with accountability for climate impacts at the local level, Mongabay Latam's 2023 interviews provide diverse perspectives on environmental protection, spotlighting ongoing challenges, including extractivism and the risks faced by advocates against an unjust system. These readings collectively underscore the urgent need for green accountability.

One bright spot from that region has been the Escazu Agreement, which sets a global precedent as the first binding environmental pact with explicit obligations for protecting environmental human rights defenders. The Implementation and Compliance Committee, which plays a pivotal role in realizing agreement goals, is now seeking public input. Feedback on working modalities is invited until February 29, 2024. Have your say on getting governance right in support of climate justice!

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