The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.
About IISDWhat We Do
Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the nature of the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.
Flagship Initiatives
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research.
NAP Global Network
The NAP Global Network works with partners in the world’s most vulnerable countries to develop and implement climate adaptation plans for a more secure future.
Global Subsidies Initiative
The IISD Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) supports international processes, national governments, and civil society organizations to align subsidies with sustainable development.
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development
The IGF supports nations committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development to ensure negative impacts are limited and financial benefits are shared.
SDG Knowledge Hub
The SDG Knowledge Hub provides daily information on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Earth Negotiations Bulletin provides balanced, timely, and independent reporting on United Nations environment and development negotiations.
Trade and the Environment
Efforts to resolve some of the greatest environmental challenges of our time have often run into roadblocks under our current economic systems. Our work on trade looks at policy options for tackling these challenges while ensuring fairer outcomes.
Preparing for the Next Chapter in Trade and Sustainable Development
Sustainable development policy has come a long way in 25 years, but we should not become complacent.
Exploring the Trade Impacts of Fossil Fuel Subsidies
How do fossil fuel subsidies affect competitiveness and trade in various markets, and what is the likely scale of such impacts?
WTO Members Continue Fisheries Talks as 2020 Deadline Looms
While progress has been achieved, clinching a deal by the 2020 deadline will require a quick and significant intensification of negotiations.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
Doubling Back and Doubling Down: G20 scorecard on fossil fuel funding
This study tracks, for the first time, each G20 country's progress on ending support for fossil fuels — ranking their transparency, commitments, and financial support to oil, gas, and coal.
Global Market Report: Soybeans
This report examines how voluntary sustainability standards can play a valuable role in addressing some of the social and environmental problems involved in soybean production.
New Perspectives
A Fair Path Forward: What gender-responsive adaptation teaches us about an equitable recovery
Only with an understanding of who is most vulnerable—and why—can we identify strategies that address real needs, ensuring no one is left behind.
The Revolution Will Be Retrofitted: The future of energy efficiency in Canada
Energy efficiency and retrofits are playing a big role in COVID-19 recovery plans. We sit down with the policy director at Efficiency Canada to talk about what this looks like in practice.
The U.S. Has Exited the Paris Agreement. Does it Matter?
The last time there was a major climate treaty, the United States stood on the sidelines. This time, stakes may be higher, but the energy transition will continue.
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Our Impact
Is It Raining Plastic?
We need more research to understand the effects of microplastics on our fresh water—and find solutions. That's where our team of experts come in.
Rethinking Investment Policy to Support Sustainable Development
IISD experts are pushing for reform and offering their expertise to ensure good policy isn't held back by the threat of arbitration.
Sink, Swim … or Fight Back
After a devastating cyclone struck, the NAP Global Network—hosted by IISD—helped Fiji make a plan to build resilience.
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