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.
Progressing National SDGs Implementation
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, how well are countries implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and reporting progress?
How Could Trade Policy Better Address Food System Shocks?
This report examines how trade policy can help governments anticipate and respond to food system shocks while avoiding harm to producers and consumers in other countries.
New Perspectives

Seven Ways to Win the Global Race to Net-Zero
Fuelled first by climate science and growing public concern, the global race to net-zero is now accelerating, sped along by the scale of economic opportunity and business risk.

Budget 2021 is Canada’s chance to align spending with bold ambition on climate
Although some argue that more deficit spending is problematic, the reality is that holding back on investments in a green recovery will create even more problems.

Are Countries Walking the Talk on Cutting Carbon?
In the race against climate change, increasing ambition over time is key. But revised commitments from parties to the Paris Agreement lack two critical components of ambitious climate action.
Stay connected
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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.