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.
When Oil Prices Surge, Regions Cannot Afford to Stand Still
As tensions in the Middle East raise concerns about disruptions to global oil supply, including risks around the Strait of Hormuz, and as governments gather in Colombia for the first international conference on a just transition away from fossil fuels, a familiar reflex is re-emerging: in uncertain times, double down on fossil fuels. For many subnational governments, that instinct is not just outdated - it is also very risky.
The Anatomy of a Credible Fossil Fuel Transition Roadmap
What does a credible roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels actually require? Ahead of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels researchers identify nine key elements.
Why tax expenditure reporting is a missing link in financing for development
One year after FfD4, the Coalition on Tax Expenditure Reform calls on G7 and G20 to set minimum standards for the USD 4 trillion governments forgo annually through tax expenditures.
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.
Drawing the Line and Holding It: What existing moratoria, bans, and restrictions reveal about transitioning away from fossil fuels
Drawing on a global database of fossil fuel production restrictions, this article explores what policies look like in practice, where they are emerging, and what their strengths and limitations tell us about the politics of managing decline.
IISD Trade and Sustainability Review, March 2026
MC14 brings together critical debates on trade, development, and sustainability. This issue explores headline topics, including WTO reform, industrial policy, e-commerce, investment facilitation, fisheries subsidies, agriculture, and trade-related climate measures, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for inclusive, rules-based, and future-ready global trade.
The Surprising Route to Energy Security: Scrap fossil fuel subsidies
Energy security cannot be bought with fossil fuel subsidies. Reforming them offers a solution—one that reduces risk rather than reinforcing it.
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.
Climate Adaptation and Peacebuilding Keep Missing Each Other
Alignment between peace and climate adaptation efforts can more effectively strengthen resilience, legitimacy, and long-term stability.
International Public Finance Explained
Public finance institutions play an outsized role in shaping the energy system by providing government-backed, low-risk finance. This analysis explains how much international public finance is provided by G20 countries and how it has shifted over time.
Capital Expenditures From State-Owned Enterprises Explained
G20 energy state-owned enterprises are major players in the energy sector. Explore what these national companies are, where their capital expenditure flows, and how this impacts the energy landscape.
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.
Rising Investor-State Tax Arbitration Cases Threaten Fiscal Sovereignty: Here’s what the UN Tax Convention can do
Tax disputes are increasingly being brought before investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) tribunals, undermining fiscal sovereignty and exposing governments to significant financial liabilities. The UN Framework Convention on Tax, currently under negotiation, offers a chance to stop this.
Five Reasons Climate Change Adaptation Is a Challenge for Rural Canada
Canada needs to build resilience to the impacts of climate change through planned adaptation, but barriers remain, especially for rural communities.
Old Rules, New Realities: How industrial policy is shaking up global trade
Modern industrial policies are rubbing up against WTO rules. Satish Triplicane and Ieva Baršauskaitė examine the issues at play in discussions of the balance between trade rules, development and climate objectives.
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.
How Sub-Saharan African Cities Are Building Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions
By combining community engagement and multistakeholder governance, nature-based solutions already enhancing communities’ resilience to climate change.
Ghana Establishes Independent Fiscal Council to Support Long-Term Debt Sustainability
Ghana has been rebuilding since its 2022 debt crisis. Restructuring its debt was a crucial first step, but lasting recovery demands strong institutions. IMANI and IISD provided analytical support for the design of the country's new Independent Fiscal Council.
Gender Equality in Action: Childcare program enables mothers to work on nature-based solutions in Kigali
SUNCASA partners from AVEGA Agahozo have established a childcare program for children aged 9 to 35 months at tree nurseries to support women by providing care while parents work.