2021 Set To Be a Busy Year For Climate Negotiations
The roster of multilateral events for this year is filling up quickly. IISD experts reveal why this leaves them cautiously optimistic. While 2021 could feature seven COPs, five summits, and five key conferences, these come with the giant caveat of immunization. Governments, civil
What Gender Responsive Adaptation Teaches Us About an Equitable Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the ways in which gender inequality interacts with shocks and stresses to exacerbate the impacts on women and girls. As this global crisis unfolds, we are seeing gender-specific risks, including an increase in
Sub-Saharan Africa: Sustainable and Transformative Recovery
There is no doubt COVID-19 shattered progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On top of a horrific loss of life, an additional 95 million people globally could be thrust into poverty and hunger because of the pandemic. Two decades of
Why the WTO Must End Harmful Fishing Subsidies
More than one third of the world's fish stocks are overexploited. Our ocean is already suffering. And right now, billions of dollars in government subsidies just encourage more fishing. The good news is that we have an opportunity to end harmful
The Effects of Climate Change on Groundwater: An Out-Of-Sight Crisis
Both groundwater quantity and quality are being affected by extended periods of droughts and floods caused by extreme weather events. We urgently need more research, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy to better understand the situation and take action. It is well known climate
Energy Charter Treaty Reform Gives Strong Political Signal
While a recent amendment on fossil fuel investments is a promising sign that a modernized Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) could spur more ambitious climate action, governments must consider alternative paths toward this goal. On Wednesday 7 October, EU parliamentarians finalized their negotiating mandate
The U.S. Has Exited the Paris Agreement. Does it Matter?
The last time there was a major climate treaty, the United States stood on the sidelines. This time, stakes may be higher, but the energy transition (and global cooperation at large) will continue. “When America sneezes, the world catches a cold.” The
We Can End Hunger and Meet Climate Goals For an Extra USD 14 Billion per Year
Governments are spending unprecedented sums of public money in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in hopes of building a better world for our children and protecting the most vulnerable. Overnight, social and economic experiments almost too fantastic to contemplate have
The Next Chapter in Sustainable Development Governance
The WTO's Marrakesh Agreement famously enshrined the objective of sustainable development in its preamble 25 years ago. Now, policy in this realm has evolved dramatically, but we must not become complacent. Experts reflect on key takeaways from Geneva Trade Week. The debate over how to ensure
Why Canada Can’t Afford to Put Climate Adaptation on the Back Burner
Investing in climate adaptation measures is an opportunity to demonstrate foresight, show leadership, protect our economy, and keep Canadians safe. You may have heard Justin Trudeau and other leaders use the phrase “build back better” to highlight the importance of not
Vulnerable Mining Workers Need Stronger Social Protections
The mining sector hasn't been spared from COVID-19; with sites closing and mobility restricted, the livelihoods of vulnerable workers are in jeopardy. What can governments and industry do to ensure no one is left behind when the next pandemic strikes? Let's take a
How Cycle Lanes Can Help Ensure Low Emission Cities Post-COVID
The pandemic has shown us what a low emission city can look like, governments have swiftly created new bicycle lanes and promised greener investments. Such commitments are paramount for sustainable development and a healthy planet. What if our new normal offered us more time, health and