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.
For Nature-Based Solutions to Be Effective, We Need to Work with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Nature-based solutions have been praised as a promising approach to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. But some Indigenous Peoples and local communities are questioning the legitimacy of the concept and what it symbolizes. It is time to listen to what they have to say.
Avoiding a Trade Crisis as Countries Look to Phase Out Plastic Pollution
Why efforts to curb plastic pollution need to consider potential trade complications.
Will the Global Minimum Tax Make Special Economic Zones Less Special?
IISD's Tax Director explores how the global minimum tax is reshaping special economic zones and calls on policymakers to review and reform tax incentives in these zones.
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 We Shouldn’t Give Up on the SDGs
The SDG framework may seem out of reach, but it’s the backbone of global cooperation.
Can Behavioural Science Help Scale Climate Change Adaptation Solutions?
Applying behavioural science to climate change adaptation solutions might feel resource intensive, but research shows it is likely less costly than an intervention that doesn’t work.
Global Dialogue on Border Carbon Adjustments
This report contributes to the global BCA discussion by summarizing country-level reports reflecting dialogues conducted in Brazil, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
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.
Understanding the United Nations’ New Principles for Resourcing the Energy Transition
Greg Radford explains new principles and recommendations developed by the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and designed to advance equity and justice.
The Urgency and Complexity of Moving Beyond GDP
Efforts to explore how the portfolio of capitals that make up Comprehensive Wealth—financial capital, produced capital, natural capital, human capital, and social capital—can give policymakers insights into how their policies build wealth for their countries in the long run.
What Developing Countries Should Know About Negotiations for a New Global Agreement on E-Commerce
Rashmi Jose discusses the ongoing negotiations of a new global e-commerce agreement under the WTO, highlighting its potential impact on developing countries, the key provisions, and the flexibilities offered to assist them in implementation, while also addressing unresolved legal and participation challenges.
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.
What’s Next After UNEA-6: Why “synergies” is more than a buzzword
In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges and geopolitical tension, the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) called for more cooperation to tackle the triple planetary crisis.
Investor–State Dispute Settlement and Fossil Fuels: What role for a carveout?
Next week, at the 9th annual OECD Investment Treaty Conference, delegates will discuss a possible carveout of climate change measures from investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS). We assess the implications of this for states' climate policies and broader efforts to reform international investment governance.
World Trade Organization Agriculture Negotiations at MC13
Facundo Calvo stresses the essential role of binding commitments, rules, and disciplines to effectively regulate trade in food and agriculture, particularly to enhance food security in least-developed countries.
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.
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.
Hope Springs: How one community brought a river back from the brink
For over a decade, a small group of community members in Zambia have been working to restore the Nsongwe River. Now, with support from the IISD’s Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, their goal is within reach.
Fueling Change: The journey to end fossil fuel subsidies in Canada
How Canada became the first country in the world to introduce a framework for ending government subsidies to domestic oil and gas companies.