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.
The Cost of Fossil Fuel Reliance
Government support for fossil fuels reached at least USD 1.5 trillion in 2023, new data shows.
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.
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.
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.
Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability: A landmark pact for trade and sustainability
The ACCTS pact, signed by Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, aligns trade and environmental policies, tackling fossil fuel subsidies, eco-labels, and green trade.
Addressing Carbon Leakage: A toolkit
As countries adopt ambitious climate policies, this toolkit examines strategies to prevent carbon leakage—when production and emissions shift to nations with weaker climate policies—and explores the trade-offs of each approach.
Powering the Clean Energy Transition: Net-Zero electricity in Canada
This brief explains how a shift to clean power generation can offer affordable, reliable electricity, benefiting households and businesses alike.
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.
Nine Wins for Sustainable Development in 2024
Looking back on 2024, let’s take a moment to pause and appreciate the positive milestones of the year. Join us in celebrating the small and big wins for global sustainability.
FfD4: How the Fourth Financing for Development Conference can strengthen finance for development, climate, and nature
As FfD4 approaches, Alexandra Readhead explores key issues and how the conference can reshape global financing for SDGs, climate, and biodiversity.
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.
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.
Agricultural Subsidies: A case for Uganda
Jane Nalunga and Jonathan Lubega examine Uganda's agricultural subsidies, offering recommendations for redesigning them to foster sustainability.
Agricultural Subsidies in India: A critical balancing act
Ranja Sengupta explores the socio-economic impact of agricultural subsidies in India and underscores the need for effective policy adjustments.
Challenges to Fostering Low-Carbon Agriculture Through Public Policies and Support in Brazil
Leila Harfuch, Rodrigo C. A. Lima, and Gustavo Dantas Lobo examine how low-carbon agriculture policies can balance production with conservation for more sustainable agriculture in Brazil.
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.
Women Turning the Table on Food Loss and Waste in Kenya
A group of changemakers led a movement to tackle food loss and waste in Kenya. IISD experts have been working closely with local women leaders to make change happen.
Hope Springs: How one community brought a river back from the brink
For over a decade, a small group of community members in Zambia have been working to restore the Nsongwe River. Now, with support from IISD’s Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, their goal is within reach.
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.