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 with accessible explainers on tricky topics.
Highlights
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The Energy Charter Treaty is an outdated investment treaty that is threatening to protect fossil fuel investors at the expense of critical climate action.
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Showing 11-20 of 22 results
Sustainable Food Systems in Canada: Agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions
What actions can be taken in Canada to lower greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector?
Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform by the Numbers
In this infographic, we visualize the potential of fossil fuel subsidy reform to reduce emissions and free up funds—by the numbers.
Achieving a Fossil-Free Recovery: Infographic
Governments must take action now to avoid catastrophic climate change. The International Institute for Sustainable Development has developed a blueprint of five steps for governments to achieve a fossil-free recovery.
Natural Infrastructure Solutions for Climate Resilience
Natural infrastructure can provide protection against a range of climate change hazards, such as coastal flooding, riverine flooding, extreme heat in urban areas, and drought, as well as generate co-benefits such as species habitat and recreational opportunities.
Climate Change Risks and Resilience Options for Canada’s Built Infrastructure
Canada’s climate is changing, bringing new risks and challenges for the nation’s infrastructure. A new IISD report, prepared with support from Infrastructure Canada, reviews current literature on climate change hazards, impacts, and adaptation options for six types of built infrastructure across Canada.
Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: A roadmap
Most Canadians believe climate change is an urgent crisis and are feeling its impacts already. The federal government will soon develop Canada’s first-ever national adaptation strategy and our experts have ideas to make it effective.
Just Transition Measures for a Green Recovery
Philip Gass explains how a just transition can ensure workers and communities aren’t left behind by the green recovery.
Mind the Gap: Fossil Fuel Subsidies Could Fill the SDG Financing Gap
Research suggests that removing all consumer fossil fuel subsidies would decrease global carbon emissions anywhere between 6–8 per cent by 2050. Swapping savings into sustainable energy would improve emissions reductions further.
Eight Ways Cities Are Building Climate Resilience
This essay looks at eight examples drawn from the Building a Climate-Resilient City research series prepared for the City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary by the Prairie Climate Centre.
A Guide to COP 22
Negotiators gathering from November 7–18, 2016, in Morocco face the monumental task of preparing for the implementation the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement. IISD brings you up to speed on the status of negotiations and the most significant items on the Marrakech Climate Change Conference agenda.