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.
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.
Canadian Youth Want to See Stronger Climate Policy in 2024
IISD takes a look at the Canada's Local Conference of Youth demands for policymakers after COP 28.
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.
After COP 28: What's next for adaptation?
IISD experts Anne Hammill, Angie Dazé, Emilie Beauchamp, Jeffrey Qi, and Alec Crawford take a closer look at what we saw—and did not see—on adaptation at COP 28 in Dubai, and where we go from here.
Unpacking Carbon Capture and Storage: The technology behind the promise
Many fossil fuel-producing countries are placing big bets on carbon capture and storage to cut emissions. This article takes a closer look at the feasibility, costs, and risks associated with carbon capture and storage to shine a light on why it doesn't live up to its reputation as a definitive solution.
The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative: What you need to know
The populations of millions of animal and plant species continue to decline at accelerating rates across the globe, with many under threat of extinction. The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative will contribute to addressing this challenge.
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.
World Trade Organization Agriculture Negotiations at MC13
Facundo Calvo stresses the essential role of binding commitments, rules, and disciplines to effectively regulate trade in food and agriculture, particularly to enhance food security in least-developed countries.
Tough Road Ahead to Integrate Investment Facilitation Agreement Into World Trade Organization System
Rashmi Jose delves into the origins, content, and challenges of integrating the plurilateral Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO framework.
Reforming the World Trade Organization
Alice Tipping navigates through the opposing views that are shaping reform at the WTO, including changes in the dispute settlement system, plurilateral treaty on investment facilitation, and special and differential treatment.
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.
A Global Deal to Tackle Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: A look behind the scenes
In June 2022, World Trade Organization members reached a historic deal tackling harmful fisheries subsidies. We unpack how a global campaign by environmental non-governmental organizations and technical policy and legal advice from trade experts in Geneva helped make a difference.
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.