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.
Ending Hunger
A partnership between Cornell University, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and IISD is researching how we can end hunger, reform the food system, and support farmers with sustainability front and centre.
An Extra USD 14 Billion per Year Can End Hunger, Help Farmers, and Meet Climate Goals
How can we do this effectively, responsibly, and sustainably?
Donors must double spending to end hunger by 2030, research finds
Donors must spend an additional USD 14 bn a year between now and 2030, roughly double what they currently spend on aid for food security and nutrition.
Ceres2030
Our mission is to provide the donor community with a menu of policy options for directing their investments, backed by the best available evidence and economic models.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
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.
The Future of Resource Taxation: A roadmap
The framework document for the IGF and ATAF's Future of Resources Taxation project.
New Perspectives
The Precautionary Principle
The precautionary principle guides decision-makers to take action to protect the environment, safety, and public health when there is scientific uncertainty.
Why the UN World Data Forum Matters to Canada
Thanks to the power of AI, we can 'model' better than ever—data gives us detailed and accurate blueprints of how Canada's fresh water is affected by climate change and pollution.
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.
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.
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.