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.

IISD Perspectives on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

As the Sustainable Development Goals were in the final hours of negotiation in 2015, and in the early days of implementation in 2016, IISD experts reflected on the implications for countries, the UN system, and our own programs of work. These articles, first published as a series of blog postings, are the outward expression of that thought process.

Policy Analysis January 10, 2017

How Drought Risk Affects Energy Utilities’ Bottom Lines—and how to manage it

Water shortages are already impacting global energy production, as utility companies rely on water for system cooling in the production of electricity.

Policy Analysis December 16, 2016

Considerations in a Comprehensive Approach to Canadian Climate Policy

This commentary outlines the key elements of an effective policy in the implementation of the pan-Canadian Framework.

Policy Analysis December 9, 2016

Meeting Canada's Subsidy Phase-Out Goal: What it means in Quebec

IISD takes a preliminary look at consumer fossil fuel subsidies in Quebec, which it estimates at roughly CAD 270 million in 2015.

Policy Analysis November 25, 2016

Meeting Canada's Subsidy Phase-Out Goal: What it means in Saskatchewan

This commentary takes a very preliminary look at consumer fossil fuel subsidies in Saskatchewan. Our initial research identifies roughly CAD 182 million in 2015 in the form of financial supports for the consumption of fossil fuels.

Policy Analysis August 29, 2016

Real-World Solutions to Sustainability: Ten examples of how IISD is making a difference

The International Institute for Sustainable Development takes the impact of its work seriously. Here are ten examples of what that looks like in practice.

Policy Analysis August 5, 2016

Joint Submission: Eliminate production subsidies to the fossil fuel sector in Canada

In this joint submission, Oil Change International, Environmental Defence, Équiterre, International Institute for Sustainable Development, and Climate Action Network recommend that that First Ministers agree in November 2016 to eliminate federal and provincial subsidies to oil, gas and coal by 2020. It also urges the Government of Canada to commit to publicly releasing a detailed schedule in their respective 2017 budgets outlining the speciﬁc ﬁscal measure to be eliminated.

Policy Analysis July 27, 2016

Meeting Canada's Subsidy Phase-Out Goal: What it means in Ontario

IISD examines some of the fossil fuel subsidies in place in Ontario, how the government is responding to them and where more can be done.

Policy Analysis June 8, 2016

Building Transboundary Water Security

This article highlights a new generation of transboundary agreements that aim to integrate wider freshwater benefits, notably ecosystem functions. It also points to the need for holistic approaches to freshwater management moving forward, as countries turn towards implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Policy Analysis May 31, 2016

Costing, Mapping, Financing and Mobilizing Knowledge: IISD and the Sustainable Development Goals

Ultimately, the only measure of success of the Sustainable Development Goals will be their implementation within countries. IISD is thus focusing on the architecture of SDG implementation across four key areas: costing, mapping, financing and mobilizing knowledge. This article briefly highlights work that relates to each of these areas.

Policy Analysis May 23, 2016

Policy Analysis

Highlights

Five Reasons Climate Change Adaptation Is a Challenge for Rural Canada

Old Rules, New Realities: How industrial policy is shaking up global trade

International Conversations on Trade and Climate: From the WTO to the UNFCCC

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