Articles
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.
Working with Countries to Move Beyond GDP
Any framework that goes beyond GDP to measure societal progress must be country owned.
Advancing Biodiversity-Positive Nature-Based Climate Solutions
From India to Ethiopia to Canada, exploring valuable examples of nature-based solutions’ potential while showcasing their versatility.
The Coral Gardeners of Saint Lucia: Local heroes against coral bleaching
Coral gardeners in Saint Lucia are working together to save reefs from the devastating effects of climate change through a flagship project under the island's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
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.
Why the Cost of Carbon Capture and Storage Remains Persistently High
New analysis explores if carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an economically viable solution for emissions reduction in Canada’s oil and gas sector.
United We Leave or Divided We Stay? Why it’s time for the EU to speak with one voice regarding the Energy Charter Treaty
After a written procedure that was finalized on Friday July 7, the European Commission formally recommended a coordinated EU withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty. What does this mean for climate action?
Gender Equality at the Heart of Recovery: Advocating for Gender-Responsive Procurement in Ukraine
Ukraine is already preparing for reconstruction, which will cost an estimated USD 411 billion and take at least 10 years. The integration of gender considerations into public procurement processes could generate greater inclusivity in a rebuilt Ukraine.
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.
Could the Energy Crunch in Bangladesh Have Been Avoided?
As the Bangladesh government implements the highest increase in fuel prices in 20 years and rations power supplies, we ask our energy experts Tara Laan and Shruti Sharma if the crisis could have been avoided and how the energy system can be reformed.
Solutions in Nature: Lessons from Fiji and Timor-Leste
Many countries are already using ecosystem-based adaptation to help build resilience to the impacts of climate change. In order to maximize its uptake and benefits, it is critical to integrate these actions into a country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process.
What Is the Energy Charter Treaty?
The Energy Charter Treaty is an outdated investment treaty that is threatening to protect fossil fuel investors at the expense of critical climate action.
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.
Linking Economic Transformation to Circular Economy Goals
Colette van der Ven explains why a proactive approach is essential for African countries to embrace circular economy principles in the garment sector.
Nature-Positive Trade for Sustainable Development
Marianne Kettunen analyzes the role of trade policies in addressing the biodiversity crisis and promoting sustainable development while ensuring transparency, fairness, and interoperability across countries.
EU Accepts WTO Deal on Fisheries Subsidies
The European Union, along with other countries, has formally accepted the historic WTO Agreement on Fisheries, which aims to ban subsidies that encourage overfishing.
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.
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.