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.
FfD4 Countdown: Strengthening trade policy for sustainable development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in July 2025 is an opportunity to redefine the role of trade policy frameworks in supporting sustainable and inclusive development.
How Indigenous Negotiators Fared in 2024
In the foreword in The State of Global Environmental Governance 2024, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim shares her insights on what goals were reached, where "business as usual" must change, and what her priorities are for 2025.
FfD4 Countdown: Resource taxation must be part of the agenda at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference
The Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) presents a critical opportunity to address resource taxation, leveraging opportunities to enhance domestic resource mobilization and building on existing domestic and international efforts to promote fair and progressive taxation.
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.
Getting Where We Need to Go: Net-zero transport in Canada
This brief explains how a clean passenger transport system based on walking, cycling, public transit and electric vehicles can reduce costs for households and reliably meet Canadians' transportation needs while making cities cleaner, quieter, and safer.
Building the Business Case for Biodiversity Credits: Hybrid financing solutions for scalable conservation
From ecosystems to species and genetic diversity, the health of the planet’s biodiversity is essential to sustaining human life but remains severely underfunded. David Kramer examines how biodiversity credits can help bridge the financing gap.
Indonesian Electric Vehicle Boom: A temporary trend or a long-term vision?
Indonesia is pursuing policies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and build a thriving domestic industry. However, to maximize long-term benefits, the government must ensure foreign manufacturers do more than just sell cars—they need to invest in local jobs, supply chains, and technology transfer.
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.
UN Tax Convention: What happened at recent negotiations, and what’s next?
This article analyzes key decisions made at the latest round of negotiations for a UN Convention on Tax and explores how the convention can be most effective tackling the challenges of developing countries.
What Does Climate Adaptation Look Like in Action? Here are nine locally led, nature-based ideas
What does Nature-based solutions (NbS) for adaptation look like for the communities involved? From cultivating seaweed seeds to planting hurricane-resistant trees, here are nine locally-driven ideas.
Why Does Debt Matter for Sustainable Development and Climate Action?
Anahí Wiedenbrüg discusses how effective debt management can help developing countries achieve climate action and SDG goals while minimizing financial risks.
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.
The Future of Trade and Investment Deals in a Critical Minerals Boom
As global demand for critical minerals surges, trade and investment agreements play a key role in shaping relationships between exporting and importing countries. Here is what is needed to maximize economic benefits, improve mining standards, and build resilient, responsible supply chains.
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.
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.
“The howler monkeys are everywhere”: How women in Belize are harnessing the power of nature to conserve their community
This International Women’s Day, the president of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group in Belize River Valley talks about the environmental challenges facing their community, the group’s proudest achievements as a women-run organization, and their aspirations for community-based conservation through nature-based solutions in Belize.
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.