Search the site | International Institute for Sustainable Development

Why the Energy Charter Treaty Modernization Doesn't Deliver for Climate

The Energy Charter Conference adopted the "modernized" Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) on December 3, 2024. IISD's Lukas Schaugg explains what the modernization does, when it will enter into force, its tension with EU law, and why the reformed ECT can still hinder climate policies.

Explainer December 12, 2024

Sustainable Asset Valuation of the Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture Capacity Strengthening Project in Ethiopia

This report analyzes the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of implementing agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia.

Report December 12, 2024

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining of Critical Minerals

This report examines the potential for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to take an expanded role in the global supply of critical minerals.

Report December 12, 2024

Paving the Way for Debt Relief: Strategic Collaboration Between the G20 Presidency and the FfD4

A webinar looking at current global debt relief initiatives and exploring new strategies to address the financing needs of developing countries

Webinar December 10, 2024

As climate change intensifies, vulnerable states seek legal redress against polluters

At a landmark hearing Tuesday on climate change law at the United Nation's top court in The Hague, Britain argued that only existing climate treaties should have any bearing on a state's obligations to address the crisis, echoing calls from other big economies.

IISD in the news December 10, 2024

Good COP? Bad COP?: Food systems at COP29

The 29th United Nations Climate Conference (COP 29) in Baku failed to build on the notable progress made on food systems at COP 28. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom.

Insight December 10, 2024

Biden Exceeds $100B in Clean Energy Funding, Backs New Deal to End Oil and Gas Export Financing

With the weeks ticking down before he leaves the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is picking up the pace on clean energy financing, while getting serious about blocking tens of billions of dollars in export financing for oil and gas that could instead be diverted to the energy transition.

IISD in the news December 9, 2024

Ending Export Credits for Oil and Gas: How OECD countries can end 2024 with a climate win

For a year now, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OECD) governments have been negotiating an agreement that could put an end to oil and gas export finance. Following the acrimony in Baku, this would be a very real way for the OECD to show policy coherence, respond to calls from the poorest countries to stop subsidizing fossil fuels, and shift public finance to solutions.

Insight December 9, 2024

Emerging economies set up COP 29 agenda fight over trade measures

A group of emerging economies chaired by China has proposed that what they regard as protectionism by developed countries should be discussed formally at the COP 29 climate summit, setting up an "agenda fight" that could disrupt the talks.

IISD in the news December 6, 2024

Energy Charter Treaty update fails to solve fundamental issues

The updated treaty includes slightly more climate-friendly provisions but extends support for fossil fuel-adjacent activities such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and biomass.