Articles
Our experts weigh in on issues that are critical to sustainable development. Whether you’re looking for evidence-based policy analysis, a fresh perspective on a longstanding debate, or an easy-to-grasp explanation of a complex topic, you’ve come to the right place.
Insights
Sustainable development is a broad, complex field with many overlapping, interconnected issues. It can be hard to stay on top of where progress is being made, what new issues are emerging, and how current events are shifting us in new directions. IISD’s experts have the insight you need.
Why Gender Inclusion Must Drive the Just Energy Transition
As the global clean energy transition gains momentum, one principle becomes increasingly clear: we cannot talk about equity without addressing gender. And yet, for many women in South Africa, the energy transition feels divorced from their everyday realities.
Let’s Get Serious About Tackling the Global Scourge of Plastic Pollution
The treaty that surfaces from the UN International Negotiating Committee must reduce plastic getting into aquatic ecosystems at all points along the supply chain.
How State-Owned Power Companies Are Impacting the Energy Transition in Emerging Economies
State-owned power companies control about half of the world's power production capacity and, in many countries, hold the keys to ensuring energy security and a successful energy transition.
Deep Dives
The world’s greatest challenges don’t always have simple answers. Going beyond the surface is critical when it comes to solving global problems. Our experts know how important it is to look back at history and consider the big picture if we want to find solutions that work.
Rethinking approaches to industrial policy for a net-zero future
Green industrial policy—government efforts to boost low-carbon, environmentally sustainable production and technologies—is now at the heart of major debates on development, trade, and climate.
Without Land Justice and Social Equity, Carbon Markets Will Fail
Securing land rights and ensuring social equity are crucial for the success of carbon markets and effective climate action.
Decarbonizing the Energy Sector: From NDC targets to net-zero implementation pathways
For new national climate plans to steer the energy sector towards net-zero, they need to show the path from ambition to implementation.
Explainers
We can’t make progress on sustainable development if we don’t understand it. Research papers and textbooks don’t always speak in plain language, which makes it hard to learn about the nuances of environmental negotiations or get clarity on what counts as a fossil fuel subsidy. IISD experts are here to help.
UNGA80: Key issues to watch
World leaders are in New York for UNGA80, but eight decades after its founding, the UN is confronting urgent calls for reform.
Mark Halle talks tough politics of subsidy reform
Twenty years ago, Mark Halle and his team launched the Global Subsidies Initiative to help governments reform harmful government support measures. In a new interview, Mark explains what has changed and how countries can advance subsidy reform.
The European Union’s Public Procurement Directive review explained
This article explains how mandatory sustainability criteria in the EU’s procurement directive could cut emissions and deliver better value for taxpayers in Europe.
Policy Analysis
To put it simply, this is a space for our policy experts to wonk out—after all, some issues can only be tackled with technical expertise on niche subjects. IISD's team understands the importance of effective commentary and the ways in which it can lead to transformative policy change in the real world.
The ASEAN Members' Response to Trump's Liberation Day
Poppy S. Winanti analyzes ASEAN countries' pragmatic responses to U.S. tariffs, highlighting negotiation, regional cohesion, and market diversification as key strategies to manage risks and strengthen resilience.
MENA at the Crossroads
Yara Aziz explores how MENA's seemingly low direct exposure to U.S. tariffs conceals deeper risks from global trade disruptions, energy market instability, and geopolitical tensions that could challenge the region’s traditional non-alignment amid rising U.S.–China competition.
How Africa Is Responding to U.S. Tariff Policies
Kholofelo Kugler and Tani Washington explore how African countries are responding to a new U.S. tariff regime, highlighting uneven economic impacts and calling for a coordinated continental strategy to protect trade and integration goals.
Success Stories
For 30 years, IISD has worked to fulfill a bold commitment to the world: advancing development that balances economic, social and environmental priorities. Here are just some of the ways we're making an impact.
Meet Three Young Canadians Building a More Sustainable Future
IISD Next is a global initiative that empowers thousands of young people to meaningfully engage in sustainable development policy. Here are just three of their stories.
“The howler monkeys are everywhere”: How women in Belize are harnessing the power of nature to conserve their community
The president of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group in Belize River Valley talks about the environmental challenges facing their community, the group’s proudest achievements, and their aspirations for community-based conservation through nature-based solutions.
Women Turning the Table on Food Loss and Waste in Kenya
A group of changemakers led a movement to tackle food loss and waste in Kenya. IISD experts have been working closely with local women leaders to make change happen.