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.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
Building Resilience With Nature: Maximizing Ecosystem-based Adaptation through National Adaptation Plan Processes
This document provides guidance on maximizing ecosystem-based adaptation through National Adaptation Plan processes.
IGF-WIMOWA Workshop: Gender and mining governance in West Africa
This report covers how IGF developed and delivered a tailored workshop on gender and mining governance for stakeholders in 13 West African nations.
New Perspectives

Should Governments Subsidize Hydrogen?
As countries chart paths to net-zero economies, hydrogen is in the spotlight. Here are the risks and opportunities involved in subsidizing it.

Sustainable Development in the Year of COVID-19
The global pandemic has brought challenges the likes of which this generation has never seen. But there have also been bright spots worth celebrating.

How Can Nature Play a Leading Role in Adapting to Climate Change?
Five key takeaways from Canada’s Action on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation Roundtable Dialogue.
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Yes, please!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.

Speaking Each Other’s Language
When it comes to communicating the research findings of the world's freshwater laboratory, we need to speak to communities in their own languages. Literally.

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.