The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.
About IISDWhat We Do
Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.
Flagship Initiatives
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research.
NAP Global Network
The NAP Global Network works with partners in the world’s most vulnerable countries to develop and implement climate adaptation plans for a more secure future.
Global Subsidies Initiative
The IISD Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) supports international processes, national governments, and civil society organizations to align subsidies with sustainable development.
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development
The IGF supports nations committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development to ensure negative impacts are limited and financial benefits are shared.
SDG Knowledge Hub
The SDG Knowledge Hub provides daily information on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Earth Negotiations Bulletin provides balanced, timely, and independent reporting on United Nations environment and development negotiations.
Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
The NBI Global Resource Centre aims to establish the business case for nature-based infrastructure, providing data, training, and customized project valuations.
State of Sustainability Initiatives
The State of Sustainability Initiatives examines how voluntary sustainability standards can support environmental and social goals.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
Unpacking Intersectional Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation
This working paper introduces a proposed set of principles for applying intersectional approaches to climate change adaptation.
Integrated Cost-Benefit Analysis for Nature-Based Solutions
This handbook provides a step-by-step guide for integrated cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of nature-based solutions (NbS) using the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology.
New Perspectives
Why Linking EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems Is a Win–Win
Linking the EU and UK carbon markets will cut costs, boost trade, and strengthen climate goals—delivering economic and environmental benefits.
Legally Sound Oil and Gas Phase-outs
To combat climate change, the world needs to start phasing out fossil fuel production. But what if investors sue? Investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims allow fossil fuel companies to sue governments over phase-out policies, presenting a barrier to climate action. A recent IISD report offers guidance on how to approach fossil fuel phase-outs amid ISDS risks.
What Makes Today’s Debt Crisis So Pernicious?
Anahí Wiedenbrüg and Yanne Horas discuss the causes of current debt vulnerabilities and present their latest report, the Debt for Resilience initiative, which charts a path toward sustained economic recovery and resilience for debt-distressed countries.
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Our Impact
“The howler monkeys are everywhere”: How women in Belize are harnessing the power of nature to conserve their community
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, and their aspirations for community-based conservation through nature-based solutions.
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.
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.