Articles
Our experts weigh in on issues that are critical to sustainable development. Whether you’re looking for evidence-based policy analysis, a fresh perspective on a longstanding debate, or an easy-to-grasp explanation of a complex topic, you’ve come to the right place.
Insights
Sustainable development is a broad, complex field with many overlapping, interconnected issues. It can be hard to stay on top of where progress is being made, what new issues are emerging, and how current events are shifting us in new directions. IISD’s experts have the insight you need.
Carbon Pricing in the ASEAN Region: Moving from ambition to architecture
For ASEAN policy-makers, carbon pricing is no longer simply a domestic climate policy choice. It is increasingly linked to global economic integration, trade relationships, investment flows, and industrial competitiveness.
Why the Future of Fresh Water Depends on How We Tell Its Story
When it comes to protecting fresh water like Lake Winnipeg, translating science into a compelling narrative is as important as the research itself.
What Happened in Santa Marta?
What happened at the first international conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels? IISD experts share 7 takeaways and discuss what comes next.
Deep Dives
The world’s greatest challenges don’t always have simple answers. Going beyond the surface is critical when it comes to solving global problems. Our experts know how important it is to look back at history and consider the big picture if we want to find solutions that work.
IISD Trade and Sustainability Review, July 2026
This edition of the Trade and Sustainability Review explores the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz closure from its initial onset through the end of May, drawing lessons from sectors and regions to navigate future energy shocks and trade disruptions.
Removing a Fossil Fuel Subsidy is a Means, Not an End—The Transition is the Point
COFFIS is an international coalition working to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Kim Solberg, part of the team that founded COFFIS sits down to explain what made it possible—and why, in her view, a subsidy can only be removed as part of the wider transition it's meant to serve.
Mapping the Green Transition in Recent Economic Agreements: The Trade & Climate Tracker
Trade deals are no longer only about tariffs. This article draws data from the IISD Trade & Climate Tracker to show how governments are using trade agreements to cooperate on energy, climate, and critical minerals.
Explainers
We can’t make progress on sustainable development if we don’t understand it. Research papers and textbooks don’t always speak in plain language, which makes it hard to learn about the nuances of environmental negotiations or get clarity on what counts as a fossil fuel subsidy. IISD experts are here to help.
Financing the Energy Transition: Lower capital costs matter
The global energy transition requires low-interest financing options, debt relief, and an expansion of multilateral lending.
Stalemate on the Global Goal on Adaptation in Bonn: What it means
Countries couldn’t reach an agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation, but it doesn't change the need for them to track and assess their efforts.
Greening the Dry Environment
Cities in drylands regions can successfully implement nature-based solutions to help communities adapt to climate change.
Policy Analysis
To put it simply, this is a space for our policy experts to wonk out—after all, some issues can only be tackled with technical expertise on niche subjects. IISD's team understands the importance of effective commentary and the ways in which it can lead to transformative policy change in the real world.
Strait of Hormuz Closure: Implications for African trade resilience
David Beer explores how the crisis in the Middle East is impacting African supply chains, while considering how the continent could turn this disruption into lasting gains for regional trade.
How the Hormuz Blockade Hit Asia
William George and Lynn Hughes assess how China, Japan, and Vietnam are navigating the fallout of the Strait of Hormuz closure and what it reveals about the state of energy security across Asia.
What the Hormuz Crisis Teaches Us About Agriculture’s Strategic Vulnerability
Darcie Doan explains how the Strait of Hormuz closure has exposed vulnerabilities at the heart of global food systems and why the crisis may be a turning point for smarter nitrogen use and long-term resilience.
Success Stories
For 30 years, IISD has worked to fulfill a bold commitment to the world: advancing development that balances economic, social and environmental priorities. Here are just some of the ways we're making an impact.
Updates to UN Tax Standards Better Protect Revenues for Resource-Rich Countries
Recent revisions to the UN Model Tax Treaty could give resource-rich countries stronger tools to protect revenues from cross-border activities. The changes are the result of years of negotiations and technical work by governments, tax experts, and organizations, including the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and mark a real step toward making sure that mineral-rich countries capture a fair share of revenues from their natural resources.
Turning Tides: How women are reshaping the fisheries sector in Belize
After years of dedication and advocacy, women are now charting a new course for Belize's small-scale fisheries qith the establishment of Belize’s National Women in Fisheries Association
How a National Organic Strategy is Connecting Malagasy Farming to the World
New initiatives are helping smallholder farmers in Madagascar to achieve the scale and integrity required to get their foot in the door in international organic markets.