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 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.
Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
The NBI Global Resource Centre aims to establish the business case for nature-based infrastructure, providing data, training, and customized project valuations.
State of Sustainability Initiatives
The State of Sustainability Initiatives examines how voluntary sustainability standards can support environmental and social goals.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
Trade-Related Policy Measures to Reduce Plastic Pollution: Building on the state of play
This report looks at the trade-related plastic pollution-reduction measures notified by World Trade Organization (WTO) members in order to provide inspiration for further actions and international cooperation options.
Agrivoltaics in India
This background paper assesses the current state of development of agrivoltaics in India and identifies the challenges and opportunities for its commercialization.
New Perspectives
Paris Talks a Clear Chance for Canada to Lead on Plastics Pollution
As ministers and policymakers meet in Paris for INC-2, Canada needs to be leading the way when it comes to protecting our environment—and fresh water—from plastics pollution.
The Final Countdown: How Canada can end fossil fuel subsidies this year
The conversation on ending fossil fuel subsidies in Canada has been hanging like a dark cloud over the country, with years of pledges failing to lead to concrete action. But the skies may finally clear in the coming months with the release of Canada's long-awaited subsidies framework and policy.
The Road to Sustainable Transport Infrastructure: Why cost-benefit analyses need to integrate gender
Using a case study in Coimbatore, India, we explore how and why gender considerations should be included in transport infrastructure decisions and the cost-benefit analysis process.
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Our Impact
A Global Deal to Tackle Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: A look behind the scenes
In June 2022, World Trade Organization members reached a historic deal tackling harmful fisheries subsidies. We unpack how a global campaign by environmental non-governmental organizations and technical policy and legal advice from trade experts in Geneva helped make a difference.
Envisioning Resilience: Bringing underrepresented women's voices into planning for climate change adaptation
Meaningful participation by women who are on the front lines of climate change is essential for gender-responsive, locally led adaptation. However, in many contexts, women remain underrepresented in decision making, from local to national levels.
Getting Their Fair Share: Capacity building on mining taxation pays dividends for Mongolia
When the Mongolian government saw it was not getting its fair share of revenues from the mining sector, it sought support so it could collect unpaid taxes and become better equipped to safeguard the public’s financial interests.