Just Transition: A Climate, Energy and Development Vision for Africa
Comprehensive report outlining an alternative ('Another development') vision for Africa, building on decades of prior work and initiatives. Learn more
Equity Review 2022 – The imperative of cooperation
The 2022 Civil Society Equity Review, with WhatNext? as contributing author, focuses on international cooperation as such, discussing and surveying key areas where international cooperation is both possible and necessary. Learn more
The Global Just Transition Pillar of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: A Briefing note
This brief was produced by Niclas Hällström WhatNext? for the Fossil Fuel Treaty, outlining key features of the Global Just Transition pillar of the treaty. Learn more
Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book: What about Geoengineering?
Article by Niclas Hällström, WhatNext?, Jennie Stephens, Northeastern Univeristy and Isak Stoddard, Uppsala Univeristy explaining why geoengineering is not an option, as one of the contributions by more than 100 authors in Greta Thunberg's The Climate Book. Learn more
Fossil Futures Built on a House of Cards
This report by 32 civil society organisations, led by Friends of the Earth International exposes the fallacies and dangers of carbon markets, off-sets and "net-zero". Learn more
A Fair Shares Phase Out – Civil society equity review 2021
WhatNext? contributed to the drafting of the 2021 version of the CSO Equity review, which this year focuses on equity dimensions of fossil fuel production phase out. Learn more
Real solutions – Not ‘Net-Zero’
Declaration signed by over 700 civil society organisations outlining solutions and exposing dangerous distractions of net-zero, offsets and other kinds of false solutions. Learn more
Three Decades of Climate Mitigation: Why Haven’t We Bent the Global Emissions Curve?
Article in Annual Review of Environment and Resources by 23 authors (led by Isak Stoddard and Kevin Anderson) with multi-disciplinary reflections on why the world has failed to effectively tackle climate change. Learn more
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Pillar III: Economic Diversification and Just Transition to 100% Renewable Energy
Summary of workshop on the Global Just Transition pillar of the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Learn more
A Global Just Transition From Fossil Fuels Concept Note
Summary of key features for the Global Just Transition pillar of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Learn more
FFNPT Pillar III – Elements of strategy
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What Now – Another Development
The Dag Hammarskjöld Report prepared on the occasion of the Seventh Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly Learn more
Six reasons to reject solar geoengineering
1-page infographic outlining reasons to reject solar geoengineering which are each serious enough to disqualify the technology as an option. Learn more
New York Times: Test Flight for Sunlight-Blocking Research Is Canceled
Article on the decision by Swedish Space Corporation to cancel the proposed SCoPEx balloon test flight in Northern Sweden after mobilization by the Saami indigenous people, civil society, and researchers. Learn more
Letter to the Swedish Space Corporation against plans for solar geoengineering test flight
Letter sent by Swedish and International civil society organisations requesting cancellation of the plans to conduct stratospheric balloon test flights in Kiruna Northern Sweden, highlighting the inherent, existential dangers of this technology.. Learn more
Planned Harvard balloon test in Sweden stirs solar geoengineering unease
Article highlighting concerns with planned geo-engineering test in Kiruna, Northern Sweden by the Harvard-based SCoPEx project. Quotes by Niclas Hällström, WhatNext? Learn more
10 myths about net zero targets and carbon offsetting, busted
Op-ed by 41 experts and scientists debunking the myths of net-zero targets and carbon offsetting. Learn more
Not Zero: How ‘net-zero’ targets disguise climate inaction
Joint technical briefing by climate justice organisations that demystifies and help debunk how corporations and countries are using 'net-zero' jargon to evade and delay real, transformative action toward Real zero. Learn more
Hands off Mother Earth! Manifesto against Geoengineering
Civil society declaration denouncing geoengineering and demanding an immediate stop to all open-air experiments, signed by 110 civil society organizations and popular movements endorsing the Hands off Mother Earth campaign. Learn more
African Group Renewable Energy Submission to the UNFCCC
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Bringing climate justice thinking to the COVID-19 pandemic
Opinion piece highlighting seven social justice based principles that apply to the Coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis alike. Now is the time for transformative action for systemic change to effectively deal with both crises. Learn more
Real solutions – Real zero
This brief outlines the problems with distant net-zero 2050 goals and their loopholes with offsets and assumptions of non-existent and risky technologies. It exposes the problems of current UNFCCC negotiations on 'markets' (Article 6) and shows how real, transformative solutions can be advanced under 'non-market' negotiations (Article 6.8). Learn more
Briefing Note on ISO draft guidance standard on radiative forcing management (ISO/NP 14082)
Briefing note outlining the context, issues and concerns in relation to ongoing work on developing a new metric on 'radiative forcing'. The note exposes the risks that this may open the door for legitimising and enabling off-setting/carbon trading with geo-engineering interventions. Learn more
Fair shares 2-page brief
2-page brief that explains what countries Fair Shares are and how they can be estimated. Learn more
Real Zero – Red pepper magazine
Article exposing the problems with distant net-zero goals, and arguments for real, immediate solutions to reach 'Real Zero' emissions as soon as possible. Learn more
Towards the energy systems of the future
Infographic showing the old centralised, one-directional energy system giving way to the new people-centered, smart, distributed and multi-directional renewable energy systems of the future. Illustration from the LDC REEEI Framework document. Learn more
LDC REEEI Framework Document
Framework document that outlines the vision, principles, work areas and overall context for the LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative for Sustainable Development. Learn more
Deliberative multi‐actor dialogues as opportunities for transformative social learning and conflict resolution in international environmental negotiations
This article was published in the scientific journal "International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics" and analyses experiences and potential for multi-actor dialogues to drive transformational change. It presents two cases from the international multi-actor dialogues organised by the authors on biodiversity financing that are held in Quito 2012 and 2014, and also draws on prior WhatNext? experiences. Learn more
The Big Bad Fix
Comprehensive report published by ETC Group, BiofuelWatch and Heinrich Boell Foundation presenting the case against geo-engineering. As the report details, each of the proposed geoengineering technologies threatens people and ecosystems. Holistic assessments of the technologies also show that if deployed they are highly likely to worsen rather than mitigate the impacts of global warming. Learn more
Spotlight 2030: SDG 7 – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Chapter contribution to the book "Spotlight 2030" with civil society reflections on each of the 17 SDGs. This article covers SDG 7 on Enegy and outlines a vision for people-centered renewable energy as driver for both energy access and climate solutions, and shows how energy plays a key role for the achievement of essentially all other SDGs. Learn more
AREI Criteria
The AREI Criteria outlines criteria for social and environmental safeguards, participation and additionally required for any project or programme to be deemed AREI compatible. Learn more
Summary: Fair Shares: A civil society equity review of INDCs
The Fair Shares 2015 report was produced by Civil Society Equity Review, a global coalition of civil society organisations and movements. The report introduces a clear methodology for determining each country's 'Fair share' in line with the Climate convention's principles of equity. Learn more
AREI Action plan
The AREI Action plan outlines the original implementation plan for AREI across its eight work areas: Mapping, Strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, Capacity, Funding, Project development, Social and Enviornmental safeguards, Multi-stakeholder engagement, Wider context and Communications. Learn more
AREI Framework document
The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) Framework was written by a drafting group composed of Youba Sokona, Yacob Mulugetta, Lawrence Agbemabiese and Niclas Hällström, WhatNext?. It was adopted by all 55 African Heads of State and launched at the Paris climate summit in 2015 as a landmark initiative to set Africa on course to universal energy access though people-centered, smart, distributed renewable energy systems. Learn more
Programme for Global Renewable Energy and Energy Access Transformation (GREEAT)
This vision document builds on previous work outlining a global renewable energy support programme, and takes into account ideas and deliberations from a multi-stakeholder seminar by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and What Next, held in Delhi 28 March-1 April, 2015. The seminar and the GREEAT programme provided basis and inspiration for the formulation of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) and the LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative for Sustainable Development (LDC REEEEI). Learn more
What is Development?
Article questioning the mainstream notion of 'development' as a specific, Western construct that subconsciously shapes much of contemporary society and politics – across both the left and right, while highlighting the many 'counterforce' notions such as 'Another Development' that are challenging the current order. Published in the anthology Access to Resources – An Urban Agenda and based on lectures at Centre for Environment and Development Studies (Cemus) at Uppsala University and the Swedish Royal Institute of Art. Learn more
Global Renewable Energy Support Programme
A discussion paper on Globally funded payment guarantees/feed-in tariffs for electricity access through renewable sources produced by WhatNext? and Centre for Science and Environment in the lead-up to COP14 in Lima, Peru 2014. Learn more
The Myth of Net-Zero Emissions
Op-ed which debunks and exposes the myth of net-zero emissions. Published and distributed to 400 news outlets through Project Syndicate in December 2014, anticipating the current, escalating debate and exposure of the problems with distant net-zero goals. Learn more
Second Dialogue Seminar on Scaling up Finance for Biodiversity: Co-Chairs’ summary report (Quito II)
The second Quito dialogue seminar was held in 2014 to prepare and facilitate the formal CBD COP12 negotiations in South Korea later in the year. The purpose of the dialogue seminar was to explore ways to scale up the mobilization of financial resources to support the achievement of the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets, contribute to shared understanding and seek to clarify areas of convergence and divergence of views. Learn more
Declaration on Antibiotic Resistance
The ARC Declaration on Antibiotic Resistance was formulated in April 2014 at the founding meeting for the Antibiotic Resistance Coaltion (ARC). The declaration outlines a vision, context and thematic actions that need to be undertaken to effectively tackle this major, global threat. Learn more
What Next Volume III – Climate, Development and Equity
This 355-page book provides a selection of articles by key scholars and activists at the forefront of the struggle for climate justice. It outlines the severity of the crisis and the fundamental importance of equity, exposes false solutions and advocates for real solutions and the key role of civil society. Learn more
Scaling up Biodiversity Finance: Co-chairs’ summary from Quito I Dialogue seminar
Report from multi-actor dialogue seminar aimed at clarifying and enhance understanding of the different perspectives surrounding controversies on biodiversity financing. As contested issues such as payments for ecosystem services, biodiversity offsets and 'innovative financial mechanise' had nearly crashed the Convention of Biodiversity negotiations, the Quito seminar aimed at enhancing prospects for agreements at next COP. Learn more
Reclaiming Power: An Energy Model for People and the Planet
This document, published by Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland and written together with WhatNext?, proposes a new people-centered energy model built around globally funded feed-in tariffs. It outlines ways we can transform our energy system and move beyond fossil fuels through universal access to affordable and sustainable energy. Learn more
Climate Justice Briefs Compilation
This compilation of Climate Justice Briefs is the outcome of collaborative work by climate justice oriented organisation from the global South and North, active both in the UNFCCC negotiations space and in the broader social movement organising spaces. The 13 briefs connects ideas and energy of the World Peoples on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in Cochabamba (April 2010) with with issues on the table at the climate talks. Learn more
Transcending Boundaries: How Cemus is changing how we teach, meet and learn
Compilation of articles and reflections on the unique student-led educational experiences from the Center for Environment and Development Studies (Cemus) at Uppsala University which was set up by and is still run by students. As one of the founders, Niclas Hällström, WhatNext? contributed with the chapter 'What is education for? – the History of Cemus'. Learn more
The crisis of Antibiotic Resistance: Collaboration for innovation
Report from full-day seminar tackling the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance, and specifically the lack of innovation of new antibiotics, held in Brussels by the international network Action on Antibiotic Resistance (ReAct) on 23 May 2011. The seminar explicitly served the current EU Commission policy making process in this area and focused attention on the significant scientific bottlenecks. The report concludes and elaborated on how new, open collaborative forms of innovation are crucial. Learn more
A Green Energy Revolution for Climate and Development
This report compiles material speaking in favour of a Green Energy Revolution, a Global Green New Deal, or a Global Marshall plan, particularly highlighting the idea of globally funded feed-in tariffs as a way to effectively enable all developing countries to leapfrog to renewable energy. The report was published by Swedish Society for Nature Conservation in 2010. Learn more
Key Issues for Climate Change
Compilation of the nine Key issues for Climate Change reports that were produced by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC – Naturskyddsföreningen) in the lead up to COP 15 in Copenhagen December 2015. Niclas Hällström coordinated and edited the series in his capacity as policy lead on Climate Change for SSNC 2008-2010, which was undertaken while also forming WhatNext?. Learn more
What Next Volume II – The case for pluralism
This volume build further on the What Next project with several articles that critically discusses fundamental issues such as knowledge and the very idea of 'development', as well as forward-looking reflections on new challenges and ways to mobilise transformative action for change. Learn more
What Next? Climate change, technology and development
In this issue of the journal Development Niclas Hällström warns that the urgency of the climate crisis may open the door for new, untried and risky techno-fix solutions. He argues that society must find ways to ensure precaution, sustainability and equity when introducing new technologies. He raises concern that ‘geo- engineering’ and new converging technologies at the nano-scale as solutions to climate change could lead to new global problems and highlights the importance of civil society. Learn more
Carbon Trading – a critical conversation on climate change, privatisation and power
This book is still likely the most comprehensive and clear-cutting analysis of carbon trading. Building on a What Next-related seminar in Durban 2004, the book examines the roots and thinking behind carbon trading, the politics that led these market solutions to become centre piece of mainstream climate politics, the problems with off-set projects in the South, and the need to pursue other, well-proven policies and strategies that really works and that tackle the root causes of climate change. Learn more
What Next Volume I – Setting the context
This first What Next Volume reflects on the development debate three decades after the publication of What Now - Another Development. Articles include reflections on both past achievements and shortcomings, as well as anticipation of what may be new challenges and opportunities in the decades to come. Learn more
People’s Charter for Health
The People's Charter for Health was developed in a participatory manner in the lead up to the first People's Health Assembly (PHA), held in December 2000 in Bangladesh. It constitutes the framework for the People's Health Movement (PHM) which was launched at PHA. Learn more