Political Science Commons^™

Strengthening A Just Energy Transition In Egypt By 2035: Policy Options And A Practical Road Map, Basmala Zahran

COP30

Egypt’s dilemma is twofold: reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses in line with international commitments while safeguarding the livelihoods of workers and communities dependent on fossil-fuel industries. Egypt’s continued subsidies on fossil fuels, natural gas powered electricity generation, and regional skill and energy access gaps could lead to an inequitable and politically unstable transition. This paper analyzes the evidence, reviews lessons from Spain and Indonesia, and proposes a hybrid, actionable policy package: (1) a National Green Jobs Training & Reskilling Program, (2) a phased, socially-protected removal and reallocation of fossil-fuel subsidies, and (3) a rooftop-solar mandate for public buildings. Implementation strategies, …

Boosting Carbon Sequestration In Agri-Food Systems Through Nature-Based Solution(Nbs) For People, Planet And Prosperity., Carlos Colorado

COP30

In 2015, 195 United Nations’ Parties adopted the Paris Agreement at COP21, marking a historical milestone in the Climate Negotiations to limit global warming to well below 2°C above the pre-industrial levels by 2030. Since then, countries have committed to present their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to tackle the rise of global temperatures. Achieving the 1.5°C climate target demands transformative climate action, especially in the Agri-Food System, as it is both, one of the major contributors and victims of Climate Change, accounting for up to 13-21% of total Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission annually. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) appear …

The Potential Of Individual Emissions Reduction In Mitigating Global Warming: Introducing An Intergenerational Transition Perspective, Yuxi Yang

COP30

The study aims to investigate effective pathways for reducing individual carbon emissions. Adopting a comprehensive analytical perspective, the research reveals that temporal variations in personal carbon footprints are not solely correlated with rising per capita income levels, but are significantly associated with transformations brought about by generational shifts. Using China as a case study, the investigation examines the lifestyle patterns and value systems characteristic of the emerging generation that currently forms the societal backbone. Based on these identified characteristics, the study proposes practical and actionable mitigation solutions: In daily activities such as shopping and transportation, consumers should be informed of …

Transferring Green Hydrogen Solution For Decarbonization: A Comparative Review Of Germany And Brazil’S Mitigation Pathways To Net Zero, Fagr Mohamed

COP30

According to the Paris agreement, there is a global narrative to limit global warming to 1.5 c, which requires urgent decarbonization of energy incentive sectors, particularly industry and heavy transport which amount to 50% of global CO2 emissions. Among emerging technologies green hydrogen which is hydrogen produced via electrolysis process by renewable energy such as solar and wind and hydro offers a high potential zero emission energy vector for sectors where direct electrification remains challenging.

This paper assesses Germany’s green hydrogen strategy as a successful model of mitigation policy, and examines its potential transferability to Brazil, a developing country with …

From Policy To Power: How Denmark’S And Morocco’S Energy Successes Can Shape South Africa’S 2030 Transition Policy Paper (Mitigation), Yelyzaveta Umarova

COP30

Tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 are now global priorities. These targets were formalised in the COP28 Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge (European Commission, 2023, para. 2) and will be central to COP30 implementation discussions in Brazil in November 2025. Despite committing to ambitious emission reduction targets in its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by 2030, the country’s current pace of energy transition is insufficient to meet the 1.5 °C goal (Climate Action Tracker, 2025). Various barriers, including Eskom’s debt and inconsistent policy implementation, have slowed progress (OECD, 2025). The International Energy Agency (IEA) …

Structuring South-South Co-Operation: Legal Pathways To Compulsory Licensing And Beyond Voluntary Climate Contributions, Livia Luckson

COP30

The UNFCC framework1

recognises that Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) plays a vital role for a better climate action, highlighting the importance of educating all stakeholders to directly involve themselves in the implementation and delivery of policy. The increasing shift towards locally owned solutions with South-South Co-operation (SSC) is a reminder for the much-needed emergence of key policies for equitable technology transfer and capacity building. Aligning with COP30’s theme of adaptation as the central focus, models of the SSC can best promote local ownership of climate solutions and equitable technology transfer through the key roles of peer learning, co-development and …

Digital Capacity Building For Climate Empowerment: Evaluating Post-Cop29 Implementation And Gaps In Ace Delivery, Lilian Eldin

COP30

With an emphasis on young involvement and capacity-building, this policy paper assesses the execution of digital Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) programs after COP29. While COP29 brought promising initiatives to improve digital learning and inclusivity, such as the Youth Delegate Program and the Capacity-Building Hub, there are still significant gaps in long-term follow up, transparency, and regional participation. Although regional digital participation was launched by the Presidency Youth Climate Champion (PYCC) project, its impact is tough to evaluate due to a lack of public reporting and categorized data. Similarly, the Capacity-Building Hub did not include regional digital access or language …

Digital Tools For Climate Action: A Strategic Review Of Education, Policy And Finance, Janeeta Awan

COP30

The global community faces an urgent and escalating climate crisis, and a critical barrier to effective action is the widespread disparity between expert and public understanding of climate change. This report presents a structured literature review on the pivotal role of digital tools— online platforms, mobile applications, and AI-driven systems—in democratizing climate knowledge and training at scale. The analysis confirms that digital solutions offer a powerful, multimodal toolkit for learning, from structured online courses to gamified mobile apps that drive behavioral change. Case studies in agriculture and K-12 education demonstrate tangible benefits, such as improved resource efficiency and enhanced youth …

Chambers Of Change: Students’ Unions As Civic Accelerators Of Ace, Bassem Helal

COP30

The transformative potential to incorporate students’ unions as an institutional gateway for the implementation of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) in higher education systems is discussed in this paper. Working on the outlines of the Glasgow Work Programme and prominent ACE frameworks as a basis of support, it asserts that student governments are structurally aligned with ACE goals, providing them procedural legitimacy, direct access to young people, and the capacity to put all six ACE pillars into practice: education, training, public awareness, public participation, access to information, and international cooperation. The study applies case studies from the University of Florida, …

Capacity Building And Action For Climate Empowerment (Ace): A Technical Review, Salman Almudawib

COP30

Capacity Building and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a core pillar for climate change mitigation through people’s participation, education, and empowerment (UNFCCC, n.d.; Action for Climate Empowerment, 2025). This article describes technological and digital resources that support ACE, particularly in the COP30 environment. It also identifies inventive methods and the stumbling blocks alongside the best digital instruments that facilitate local-level empowerment, targeting innovation centers, AI education, indigenous knowledge systems, and the integration of policies (IFLA, 2025; Mbuvha et al., 2024). One of the key anticipated outcomes is the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, aimed at mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate action …

Advancing Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation: A South-South Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Platform Proposal Between Brazil And Egypt, Kimberlly Xavier

COP30

Indigenous and rural women in the Global South play a crucial role in climate resilience through traditional knowledge in food systems and natural resource management. Despite their importance, climate policies in Brazil and Egypt have yet to effectively embed their leadership and Indigenous knowledge, weakening adaptation efforts. This paper highlights systemic barriers in both countries and showcases successful women-led practices like Brazil’s Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu and Egypt’s ancestral irrigation systems led by rural and Bedouin women. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the establishment of the South-South Indigenous Knowledge Platform (SS-IKP) under the UNFCCC framework, alongside broader recommendations …

Learning Platforms: A Future In Environmental Education Or A Motionless Present?, Nazareno Calvo

COP30

In a global context marked by the climate crisis, environmental education and training have taken a different path, adapting to current technologies. It is in these circumstances that learning platforms (from now on LP’s) emerge, changing the way we learn and perform around climate change. This type of web app can provide remote knowledge, and has taken on a growing role the last few years. However, despite their potential, challenges remain, such as inequality in digital access, poor variety of languages and cultural adaptation, a lack of media outreach, and the absence of assessments of their real impact on communities …

Cop 30 Simulation Invisible Emissions, Visible Suffering: Conflict, Climate, And The Gst Gap, Mostafa Labib

COP30

The Global Stocktake (GST) at COP30 faces a critical risk of producing an incomplete climate assessment because it excludes emissions generated from wars and destruction as well as displacement within Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS). The 39 FCAS states which have the smallest responsibility for global warming emit large amounts of conflict-related greenhouse gases that match the annual emissions of small nations although these emissions are missing from Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GST reports. The missing data in global climate accounting creates an inaccurate picture which unfairly penalizes FCAS for their uncontrollable circumstances while undermining climate justice. Climate change …

Engaging And Utlilising Smes In Global Stocktake And Climate Action A Policy Paper, Alice Nelson

COP30

The first GST concluded that the current rate of climate action, the terms of the Paris Agreement will not be achieved and will only remain achievable with a significant increase in action (UNFCCC, 2023). Yet despite this, policy pertaining to the GHG emissions and climate action of SMEs remains limited therefore leading to their underutilisation with GST follow up actions. Furthermore, SME are particularly vulnerable to climate hazard related costs, which present significant risk to global economic stability due to their contribution to global GDP and crucial role in supply chains. This paper identifies that low SME engagement in climate …

Unlocking Private Stakeholders Engagement In The Gst Follow Up Roadmap, Salsabil Nasry

COP30

SIMULATION

Executive Summary

. Situation Analysis:

Progress toward the 1.5C target is limited by weak private sector inclusion. Despite their crucial role in climate finance, private actors face restricted access and fragmented engagement in GST follow up. Their contributions are often excluded from UNFCCC. The Belem Action Agenda calls for clear mechanisms to enable structured public private collaboration.

. Problem Significance:

1. Economic Significance: Governments alone can't close the implementation gap. Private sector drives sustainable investment and lowers costs. 2. Political Significance: Continuity despite political changes. Inclusiveness and shared responsibility. 3.Social Significance: Enhancing community engagement and local Ownership. Advancing social …

Global Urban Green Space Initiative For Climate Capacity Building: A Policy Blueprint For Youth, Collaboration, And Climate Action, Finley Moore

COP30

This is a policy paper recommending the implementation of a Global Urban Green Space Initiative for Climate Capacity Building (GUGSI-CCB). Following the success of the UK’s National Education Nature Parks (NENP) this paper explores how the policy could be transferred to the international stage by using the UNs Race to Zero education campaign. It highlights the policy being a method of collaboration between the north and south which national governments have failed at in recent years. The policy paper focuses on the importance of decreasing youth anxiety towards climate change, the benefit of a global database on climate change, and …

Climate Transparency Pact (Ctp) For Post-Gst Accountability A Policy Framework For Strengthening Global Climate Governance Through Transparency, Incentives, And Behavioral Insights, Sandy Elnenay

COP30

The Climate Transparency Pact (CTP) is an actionable proposal to bridge the credibility gap in the Paris Agreement's Global Stocktake (GST). While the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) sets a reporting structure, it remains largely voluntary and lacks strong compliance measures. The result is clear: despite successive COP negotiations, global temperature projections remain at 2.5-2.9C above pre-industrial levels (UNEP, 2023), threatening ecosystems, economies, and human security. Drawing upon Dr. Robert Cialdini's six principles of persuasion, the CTP is built not only as a legal instrument but also as a behavioral framework: Authority: Embedding the CTP under UNFCCC's Subsidiary Body for Implementation …

Ai – Driven Climate Modeling For Local Adaptation, Saif Ismail

COP30

Literature review below explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing climate adaptation at regional scales worldwide. As the impact of climate worsens and becomes variable, conventional region-scale models will be limited to being unsuitable in providing credible, place-based projections required by affected groups (IPCC, 2023). Emergent AI technology innovation such as physics-based machine learning to artificial data generation systems for low-resourced areas is the answer to potential remedies (Google AI, 2024). It cites two of the best leaders in today's time: Rotterdam's flood alert system from sensor networks (Deltares, 2023), and Los Angeles' city and satellite heat map project (Nature …

Bridging The Gap: Reforming International Adaptation Finance Through Global North-South Collaboration, Matthew Gill

COP30

Adaptation finance remains the underfunded pillar of climate action. Despite repeated commitments, including the COP 26 pledge to double adaptation finance by 2025, current international mechanisms are failing to reach the most vulnerable. This paper examines how the Global North can work more equitably and effectively with Global South partners to transform adaptation finance into a system that is just, accessible, and impact driven. It identifies three major obstacles: imbalance in funding flows, top-down governance of finance institutions, and the lack of localised, inclusive implementation. Drawing on Global North initiatives such as the International Climate Finance (ICF) programme, the Taskforce …

Adaptation: Strengthening Resilience Through National Adaptation Plans, M. Great Samuel Mokli-Amuzu

COP30

With the aim to bring into effect and localize the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA) and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), this policy research paper looks at three interrelated adaptation axes: increasing finance and capacity, investing in people, and building urban resilience. This study identifies institutional, financial, and governance mechanisms that can provide equitable and effective climate adaptation through comparative case studies of Egypt and Kenya, two African countries with different but complementary adaptation pathways. With a focus on two primary themes— localizing the SAA and operationalizing the GGA—it evaluates adaptation finance flows, community-based health and education systems, and …

Adaptation Driven By Crisis: Leveraging Flood Risks And Policy Learning To Transform Netherlands’ Water Management Systems, Aleesha Mae Pasion Fortin

COP30

Current scientific research rings the warning bell: almost half of the human population experiences severe water scarcity at least half of each year, with climate-driven changes intensifying droughts, floods, and groundwater depletion. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) determines that water risks will rise rapidly with every degree of global warming (Caretta et al., 2022). The Global Commission on Adaptation argues that adaptation inaction can have astronomical economic and human expenses, while investment in water adaptation can produce high benefit-cost ratios and trillions in global net benefits (Global Commission on Adaptation, 2019). Article 7.1 of the Paris Agreement frames …

Circular Carbon Markets For Renewable Energy Transitions: Integrating Circular Economy Models With Carbon Trading To Accelerate Just And Equitable Renewable Energy Deployment In Emerging Economies, Omaima Ahmed

COP30

In the wake of the Paris Agreement ratified by 195 UN Parties in 2015 the global community committed to limiting the average temperature rise to well below 2°C, with an aspirational threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Meeting this ambition requires transformative mitigation measures across all sectors, with the energy sector playing a decisive role given its substantial contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Renewable energy stands at the forefront of decarbonization efforts; however, its large-scale deployment in emerging economies remains constrained by financial limitations, technological dependencies, and socio-economic disparities. This policy paper introduces the Circular Carbon Markets for …

Police Killings In The Mountain West, 2013-2023, Isabelle G. Graham, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Criminal Justice

This fact sheet presents data on police killings between 2013 and 2023 for the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The Brookings Institution report, “The state of police reform: measuring progress in each state,” tracks the total number of killings by police and the number of killings by police per one million residents in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This fact sheet reports data on the total number of people killed by police and the rate of police killings per capita for each Mountain West state.

Holidays, Religiosity, And Democratic Attitudes, Hannah Ridge

Political Science Faculty Articles and Research

Decades of research have linked religion and religiosity to support for democracy and authoritarianism. This study uses a temporal religious prime during national surveys – the European Social Survey and the National Election Survey – to identify the effect of religion on regime-type preferences. Jewish Israelis who took surveys on Friday or Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, expressed more openness to non-democratic governance. They also interpreted the word democracy in a more populist way. Furthermore, non-religious Jews were less democratic on the Sabbath and more interested in strongman rule than they were on days without the religious connotation. Similarly, more religious …

The Living Dead On Mount Athos: Monastic Politics Of Escape, Patrick Reilly

Dissertations and Theses

The Monastic Republic of Mount Athos is a unique and confounding political entity - both Greek and multi-national, democratic and theocratic, autonomous and subject to the European Union - with more than a millennia of history and institutional memory. While Athos has been amply appreciated for its religious, historical and cultural significance, the political institutions which govern this community have been neglected in the modern era and merit greater attention. Similarly, while much of the recent English-language literature on the topic focuses on the near-death and miraculous resurrection of Mount Athos in the 20th century, this work also tends to …

Comparing Ideology And Covid-19 Preferences Of Canadian Public Health Workers And The General Population, Simon Kiss, Patrick Fafard, Andrea Perrella, Ketan Shankardass, Erick Lachapelle, Matthew Arp, Joslyn Trowbridge

Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy

Objectives: This study tests whether and how the Canadian public health workforce differed from the Canadian general population in their political attitudes, worldviews and policy preferences related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Nearly identical surveys were fielded to the Canadian public health workforce in 2021 through leading public health associations and to a census-balanced sample of the general Canadian population in February and March 2021. through a consumer quota sample for a survey of the general population.

Results: The Canadian public health workforce demonstrates systematically more left-wing pro-egalitarian, anti-hierarchical, anti-individualist worldviews. Those in health promotion positions are slightly more to …

Roots Of Justice: A History Of Race And Racism In Nebraska, Kevin Abourezk, M. Dewayne Mays, Paul Olson, Gabriel Bruguier, Preston Love Jr., Adam Fletcher Sasse, Heather Fryer, J.S. Onésimo (Ness) Sándoval, Sharon Ishii-Jordan, Emira Ibrahimpašić, Julia Reilly

Zea E-Books Collection

There is much to understand about the history of Nebraska and how the past shapes the present. This book attempts to bring into clearer focus the triumphs and trials of five broad groups whose lives have often been overlooked when the state’s history is told. The authors know some of this history of racism firsthand: Most of them have lived as people of color in Nebraska. They’ve experienced “the good, the bad and the ugly” that makes up our state story. We encourage educators, scholars and family historians to continue to dig, to document and to tell these stories. And …

Chinese Prostitution Policies From 1949 To 2024 : An Analysis From The Perspectives Of Marxism, Political Economy, Cultural Citizenship, And Feminism, Ning He

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

Existing scholarship on Chinese prostitution control largely focuses on limited historical periods, legal regulations, or single theoretical perspectives, leaving a gap in understanding how Chinese prostitution policies have evolved from a historical perspective across the entire post-1949 era. This study aims to fill this gap by addressing four research questions: (a) What were the main changes in Chinese prostitution policies from 1949 to 2024? (b) How far can the four approaches (Marxism, political economy, cultural citizenship, feminism) effectively explain the nature of Chinese prostitution policies in different periods? (c) What are the main factors shaping Chinese prostitution policies in different …

Call For Papers For The Journal Of Social Encounters’ Special Issue

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of: Feminist Conversations On Peace, Matilda Maseno

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.