Articles
Our experts weigh in on issues that are critical to sustainable development. Whether you’re looking for evidence-based policy analysis, a fresh perspective on a longstanding debate, or an easy-to-grasp explanation of a complex topic, you’ve come to the right place.
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 can we improve on freshwater health and prevent plastic pollution?
INC-4 is the fourth meeting in a series of international negotiations that aims to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution that could and should have big implications for freshwater quality both in Canada and beyond.
Moving Beyond GDP in the Caribbean
Growth in GDP in the Caribbean isn't capturing the full story of natural disasters, climate change, and social disruption—but action is already underway to move beyond GDP.
Lessons Learned at COP 28
Two newcomers to climate negotiations reflect on their COP 28 experiences—surprises, insights, and what they'll look for at the next UNFCCC talks.
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.
What Is the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, and How Can Countries Move It Forward?
With the introduction of the new framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), COP 28 marked a milestone for adaptation. We unpack key outputs and set out how countries can move forward by strengthening their national monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems.
Will International Carbon Markets Finally Deliver?
Can the public international carbon market—detailed in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement—finally deliver for climate and nature?
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.
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.
What to Expect at Plastics INC-4
What to expect in Ottawa as plastic pollution treaty talks get underway, explained by the team leader of the global neutral reporting service Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
Négociations sur l’agriculture de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce lors de la CM13 : que signifie l’absence de résultat pour les pays les moins avancés et d’autres économies vulnérables?
Le spécialiste de l’IISD Facundo Calvo se penche sur les résultats des négociations sur l’agriculture de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC), qui se sont déroulées lors de la 13e Conférence ministérielle (CM) à Abu Dhabi, et sur leurs implications pour les pays les moins avancés et d’autres économies vulnérables.
UNFCCC Submissions Tracker
Tracking and sharing opportunities for stakeholders to give input to the UN climate change negotiations.
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.
What’s Next After UNEA-6: Why “synergies” is more than a buzzword
In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges and geopolitical tension, the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) called for more cooperation to tackle the triple planetary crisis.
Investor–State Dispute Settlement and Fossil Fuels: What role for a carveout?
Next week, at the 9th annual OECD Investment Treaty Conference, delegates will discuss a possible carveout of climate change measures from investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS). We assess the implications of this for states' climate policies and broader efforts to reform international investment governance.
Les négociations de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce sur l'agriculture à la CM13
Facundo Calvo souligne le rôle essentiel des engagements, des règles et des disciplines contraignants pour réglementer efficacement les échanges de produits alimentaires et agricoles, en particulier pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire dans les pays les moins avancés.
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.
Un accord mondial pour lutter contre les subventions préjudiciables à la pêche : un regard dans les coulisses
En juin 2022, les membres de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce ont conclu un accord historique portant sur les subventions préjudiciables à la pêche. Nous expliquons comment une campagne mondiale menée par des organisations non gouvernementales environnementales ainsi que des conseils politiques techniques et juridiques prodigués par des experts du commerce à Genève ont permis de faire la différence.
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.