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.
How the UNFCCC Can Tackle Fossil Fuel Subsidies at COP 28 and Beyond
COP28 could be a turning point for action on fossil fuel subsidies—if there is political will. How have fossil fuel subsidies featured in UNFCCC negotiations so far? And how can action on fossil fuel subsidies be taken at COP 28 and beyond?
Four Key Elements to Ensure a Successful Global Goal on Adaptation
As the final rounds of negotiations on the GGA kick off at COP 28, a looming question remains: Will it be comprehensive enough for countries to implement in the years ahead?
The Global Stocktake Needs to Send a Strong Message on Adaptation
Concluding at COP 28, the inaugural global stocktake sheds light on our collective progress toward reaching the Paris Agreement’s goals. What signals should it send to countries to strengthen adaptation and resilience in the next 5 years?
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.
How Can Sustainability Standards Do More to Ratchet Up Smallholder Farmers' Incomes?
We need to get better at measuring and sharing the social and environmental costs of producing food and goods so the burden to pay doesn’t fall on smallholder farmers.
Why Supporting Food Systems and Protecting Biodiversity Need to Go Hand in Hand
Phasing out or repurposing incentives harmful to biodiversity is critical for sustainable development. What can we learn from existing efforts in the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil?
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.
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.
Unpacking Carbon Capture and Storage: The Technology Behind the Promise
Many fossil fuel producing countries are placing big bets on carbon capture and storage to cut emissions. This article takes a closer look at the feasibility, costs, and risks associated with carbon capture and storage to shine a light on why it doesn't live up to its reputation as a definitive solution.
The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative: What you need to know
The populations of millions of animal and plant species continue to decline at accelerating rates across the globe, with many under threat of extinction. The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative will contribute to addressing this challenge.
Food Systems and Agriculture: What’s on the menu for COP 28?
Our agriculture expert Claire McConnell explains the importance of food systems transformation in addressing climate change and how can it be achieved, particularly within the context of COP 28.
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.
How Can We Transform Food Systems to Meet Food, Nutrition, and Climate Needs?
This article outlines three key policy measures that can help governments meet the food and nutritional needs of their people in the context of a changing climate.
Policy Coherence and Food Systems Transformation
To develop national pathways toward sustainable food systems, we need to align a diverse range of policy areas. How can countries overcome contradictions, inconsistencies, and trade-offs?
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.
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.
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.
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.