Climate Change, the Natural Environment, and the Green Transition
IISD is driving change at the intersection of trade, climate change, and the natural environment. From tackling urgent challenges like climate resilience or plastic pollution to fostering green market growth and ramping up industrial decarbonization efforts, our research informs better policies for a sustainable future.
In a world grappling with the urgency of meeting the 1.5°C Paris targets and combatting environmental crises, the international trade community cannot afford to be passive. Better-designed policies and closer integration of trade and environmental agendas can help mitigate climate change, bolster resilience, and foster the growth of a greener global market.
At IISD, we have a longstanding commitment to bridging the gap between trade policy and environmental imperatives. Our research delves into the role of trade policy and its instruments to deliver on broader sustainability goals like the energy transition and climate-resilient development. From driving decarbonization in industrial sectors to promoting circularity and sustainable production, our work aims to forge pathways toward a greener, more resilient future.
Current Focus Areas:
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Trade and decarbonization
As governments worldwide intensify efforts to address industrial decarbonization, we provide expert insights and technical assistance in areas such as border carbon adjustments (BCAs), green industrial policy, and fossil fuel subsidy reform at the World Trade Organization. Our longstanding engagement in these domains aims to inform policy discussions, foster international cooperation, and drive effective action toward a sustainable future.
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Climate resilience
Climate resilience is a pressing challenge for developing countries that have often contributed very little to the causes of such drastic changes. IISD aids governments by providing vital research and technical assistance that bridges trade policy and resilience efforts, enabling more integrated decision-making to address this long-overlooked intersection.
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Plastics
Governments globally are combating plastic pollution by curbing the use of plastics and promoting circularity. Yet, fragmented efforts fall short of effective action. IISD aids governments with evidence-based support, evaluating the impact of their plastic policies through an international trade lens and supporting those thinking of effective paths to global cooperation.
Analysis
Global Cooperation on Border Carbon Measures – Where should we start?
Border carbon adjustments are gaining momentum globally, but without international cooperation, they could lead to trade frictions and inequitable burdens for developing nations. Aaron Cosbey tackles technical challenges that could shape global trade and climate policies.
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.
Avoiding a Trade Crisis as Countries Look to Phase Out Plastic Pollution
Why efforts to curb plastic pollution need to consider potential trade complications.
Research and publications
Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanisms and Impacts on Vietnam
This report consolidates, analyzes, and presents views and perspectives of stakeholders from Vietnam on border carbon adjustment (BCA) schemes to contribute to the global debate on BCA good practices.
The United Kingdom's Strategy for Carbon Border Adjustment in a Changing Global Landscape
This report consolidates, analyzes, and presents views and perspectives of United Kingdom stakeholders on its proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to contribute to the global debate on international principles and best practices for national border carbon adjustment schemes.
Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report
This report consolidates, analyzes, and presents views and perspectives of stakeholders from Trinidad and Tobago on border carbon adjustment (BCA) schemes to contribute to the global debate on BCA good practices.
Recent events
Trade Policy in Support of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilient Development
This T+S Hub session explored how trade and policy can aid climate change adaptation in developing countries, featuring insights from experts and policymakers.
A Brave New World of Border Carbon Adjustments
This T+S Hub session gathered experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and implications of BCAs in global decarbonization efforts, focusing on priorities for international cooperation.
Climate Security and Trade in Times of Multiple Crises
IISD is co-organizing a session with Mistra as part of the Think2030 Dialogue Sweden 2023, where experts will explore regulatory frameworks that have a balance between protecting the environment, stimulating a sustainable transition of industries, and safeguarding global relationships and supply chains.
Project team
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Alice Tipping
Director, Trade and Sustainable Development
Ieva Baršauskaitė
Lead, Trade and the Green Transition
Antoine Bonnet
Policy Advisor
Aaron Cosbey
Senior Associate
Darcie Doan
Senior Specialist, Trade and Climate
Tristan Irschlinger
Senior Policy Advisor, Fisheries Subsidies
Rashmi Jose
Senior Policy Advisor
Rashid S. Kaukab
Senior Specialist, Trade and Sustainable Development
Florencia Sarmiento
Policy Advisor
Maria Barral
Communications Officer
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