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.
Organic Transitions Need Some Push and Pull to Bear Fruit
As farmers grapple with pressures ranging from rising input prices to supply chain disruptions, how can governments help reduce vulnerabilities and mitigate risks—and do so in a way that supports smallholders, communities, and the environment?
Addressing the Nature Financing Gap: The role of natural capital accounting and natural asset companies
Could the enthusiasm surrounding natural asset companies drive changes in accounting standards for natural capital?
The Value of Incorporating Nature in Urban Infrastructure Planning
Cities around the world are struggling to provide people with the infrastructure they need to thrive. How can nature-based infrastructure foster sustainable cities?
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 Canada Is Unlikely to Sell the Last Barrel of Oil
This research piece breaks down why Canada will not sell the last barrel of oil.
From Sharm el-Sheikh to Montreal: Seizing the moment for the biodiversity–climate nexus at COP 15
The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework negotiations at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal represent a once-in-a-decade moment to set an ambitious agenda for biodiversity conservation.
How to Raise the GlaSS on the Global Goal on Adaptation at COP 27: Four foundations to build upon
Over the past year, the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) has gained attention from country policy-makers, practitioners, and academics trying to solve this puzzle: What relevant and appropriate global goals on adaptation should the Paris Agreement incorporate?
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.
Toward Multipurpose Trade Policy? How competing narratives about globalization are reshaping international trade cooperation
Nicolas Lamp outlines the shift to multipurpose trade policy and discusses its challenges and implications for international trade cooperation.
AfCFTA’s Ali: Watch for More African Trade Thanks to Guided Trade Initiative
Jennifer Freedman details what negotiating steps are left to finalize the long-delayed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Sustainability and the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement: A step up in accountability
John Ballingall describes the ambitious and progressive environmental conditions of the New Zealand-EU free trade agreement and what these mean for both parties going forward.
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.