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.
How Indonesia's Incoming President Can Advance the Transition to Clean Energy
With Prabowo Subianto inaugurated as Indonesia’s President, speculation abounds about the new administration’s commitment to the clean energy transition and climate targets, given Prabowo’s positioning as the “continuity candidate.” The question is, what, exactly, will be continued?
COP 16 Will Hinge on Who Benefits from Nature’s DNA
What to expect in Cali as the UN Biodiversity Conference gets underway, explained by the team leader of the global neutral reporting service Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
For Nature-Based Solutions to Be Effective, We Need to Work with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Nature-based solutions have been praised as a promising approach to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. But some Indigenous Peoples and local communities are questioning the legitimacy of the concept and what it symbolizes. It is time to listen to what they have to say.
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.
How to Make Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation Work for Everyone
Effective nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation start with integrated climate risk assessments. These take-aways will help practitioners plan for inclusive and sustainable NbS.
Why We Shouldn’t Give Up on the SDGs
The SDG framework may seem out of reach, but it’s the backbone of global cooperation.
Can Behavioural Science Help Scale Climate Change Adaptation Solutions?
Applying behavioural science to climate change adaptation solutions might feel resource intensive, but research shows it is likely less costly than an intervention that doesn’t work.
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.
How Can a Fossil Fuel Levy Cut Emissions and Finance Climate Action?
A levy on extracting fossil fuels could reduce emissions and help finance climate action. How can governments implement the most effective fossil fuel levy?
Key takeaways from the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable
Anahí Wiedenbrüg, Yanne Horas, and Fernando Morra analyze the proposals from the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable aimed at addressing debt challenges faced by developing countries.
How Will a Global Plastics Treaty Impact Trade?
A global plastics treaty may influence trade by imposing new regulations on plastic production, fostering recycling efforts, and promoting sustainable alternatives while addressing potential challenges for developing economies.
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.
Le commerce numérique et la gouvernance mondiale des données
Neha Mishra examine le paysage actuel du droit commercial international et étudie la manière d'équilibrer la réalisation des objectifs commerciaux avec la protection de la vie privée, d'équité et de concurrence.
Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf
Kholofelo Kugler examine la manière dont le protocole sur le commerce numérique de la ZLECAf pourrait renforcer la participation de l'Afrique dans l’économie numérique tout en examinant les défis qui se présentent.
Remédier à l'empreinte écologique du commerce électronique
Shamika N. Sirimanne souligne l'importance d’évaluer l'impact environnemental du secteur du commerce électronique qui connaît une croissance rapide, et examine le rôle que les parties prenantes jouent dans l'équilibre entre croissance économique et durabilité.
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.
Women Turning the Table on Food Loss and Waste in Kenya
A group of changemakers led a movement to tackle food loss and waste in Kenya. IISD experts have been working closely with local women leaders to make change happen.
Hope Springs: How one community brought a river back from the brink
For over a decade, a small group of community members in Zambia have been working to restore the Nsongwe River. Now, with support from IISD’s Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, their goal is within reach.
Fueling Change: The journey to end fossil fuel subsidies in Canada
How Canada became the first country in the world to introduce a framework for ending government subsidies to domestic oil and gas companies.