Media Coverage

Intellectual property rights must be protected

The Record posted an excerpt from a Jan. 29 speech by former BlackBerry Ltd. co-chief executive officer Jim Balsillie at an IISD event in Toronto.

Study reports double-digit growth in market performance of 'eco-labels'

A report on the release of IISD’s State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) Review 2014, with quotes from Jason Potts, co-author and IISD associate.

Indonesia’s fuel subsidy monster: The root problems

This news report details the effects of fuel subsides on the Indonesian economy and politics. It cites an IISD Global Subsidies Initiative study titled A Citizens’ Guide to Energy Subsidies in Indonesia, which details hidden producer subsidies.

A Global Greening

International Innovation conducted an interview with President Scott Vaughan on IISD and the future of global sustainable development. Posted courtesy of International Innovation, an open access publication.

Growth soars in sustainable commodities, but poorest producers miss out

Megan Rowling’s report on IISD’s State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) Review 2014 focuses on the finding that sustainable commodity production is increasing, yet oversupply of goods is pushing down prices for small producers.

Balsillie urges strengthened intellectual property rights for environment

At an IISD event in Toronto, Jim Balsillie (co-founder and former co-CEO of Research in Motion (BlackBerry), and founder and current chair of the Centre for International Governance Innovation) “warned that the country needs to dramatically sharpen its approach to intellectual property rights as it looks to reduce the environmental footprint of its vital resource-based economy.”

China ’Airpocalypse’ Fight Shrinks Asian Refinery Profits

"During heavy smog days in Beijing, you can smell the mud and coal in the air," IISD’s Chang Han told Bloomberg News. China is experiencing increasing gasoline exports and auto sales, as well as smog levels that surpass WHO safety standards.

One in four Winnipeggers have mood or anxiety disorder: report

The latest Peg Indicator Report released by the United Way and IISD noted that one quarter of Winnipeggers suffers from a diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder. The Sun examined the local issue and broader context. Follow Peg on Twitter: @PegIndicators

Regulation changes under way to legalize research at IISD-run ELA

Reasons for optimism about a transition to a greener economy

"China's progress in making greener its financial markets policy and a new UNEP green inquiry give hope for 2014.” By IISD Senior Fellow Simon Zadek.

Ontario proposal would let scientists resume Experimental Lakes Area work

“The Ontario government is proposing regulations that would allow scientists to legally conduct experiments at a world-renowned outdoor freshwater laboratory…” This reporting quotes Matthew McCandless and notes the government of Ontario’s plan to create regulations that will help IISD potentially operate the Experimental Lakes Area.

Canada’s carbon emissions on the rise

“Opposition blasts delay of oil and gas regs as feds’ latest to UN report projects increasing carbon emissions.” IISD’s Philip Gass helps explain the policy landscape. Subscribers only.

Closure of ELA compelling young scientist to speak out

"Diane Orihel says we need to foster a culture of science advocacy in Canada." Orihel has been one of the strongest proponents of preserving the work of the Experimental Lakes Area. IISD has been in negotiations regarding the facility since 2013.

Preventing disaster capitalism

This commentary challenges notions of private-sector efficiency in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. It references IISD publication Addressing Land Ownership after Natural Disasters in regards to land grabs.

Climate governance evolving to make room for new actors

This article co-authored by IISD President Scott Vaughan explores the evolving landscape of climate change policy innovation both inside and outside of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process.

The CETA text: Devil’s still in the details

In his second op-ed in a week, Howard Mann wrote a rebuttal to Ailish Campbell, VP of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, who argued that Canada's NAFTA experience shows no need for alarm on CETA. Mann warns of the risks of including a "most-favoured nation" clause in the agreement.

The great biofuels scandal

"Biofuels are inefficient, cause hunger and air pollution, and cost taxpayers billions." Bjørn Lomborg, director of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, cites IISD's 2013 EU biofuels study which found that, "A full 92 per cent of the carbon dioxide "saved" is just emitted elsewhere. For biodiesel alone, the net effect would likely be an increase in emissions.

Ante cambio climático Conagua establece lazos de colaboración con IISD / Faced with climate change Conagua partnerships with IISD (Spanish)

Scott Vaughan and Hans Herrmann travelled to Mexico to meet with the National Water Commission (Conagua) and other organizations to build partnerships in the region.

How money calls the shots in CETA

Howard Mann wrote this op-ed after testifying to the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade regarding the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. His submission and the article detail his expert analysis and essential view that the draft agreement "will give foreign investors in Canada the most investor-friendly set of corporate rights ever included by Canada in a treaty."

2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Award Winner

We won an award! "IISD is excited to be honoured by Green Action Centre and be included alongside the great organizations that are past winners. We are extremely proud of the commitment of our employees, who deliver on our goals of sustainable commuting," said IISD Vice-President Janice Gair.