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.
IISD’s Best of 2025: Articles
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re revisiting our most-read articles of the year.
IISD’s Best of 2025: Publications
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re revisiting our most downloaded publications of the year.
How Biophysical Monitoring Turns Data into Action for Nature-Based Solutions
Rigorous and consistent data analysis provides the feedback needed to refine strategies, attract investment, and strengthen natural infrastructure that delivers multiple social, environmental, and economic benefits.
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.
Is a New Oil Pipeline in Canada’s National Interest?
Building a new oil pipeline would impose a significant economic and environmental cost on Alberta and Canada.
IISD Trade and Sustainability Review, December 2025
This edition of the IISD Trade and Sustainability Review highlights five distinct and often underexplored dimensions of industrial policy, focusing on services, agriculture, digitalization, and inclusive development, the textiles and garments sector in least developed countries, and policy-making processes.
How Canadian LNG Impacts the Climate: Carbon emissions, fuel switching, and cleaner alternatives
Producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Canada will increase domestic emissions, undermine the global energy transition, and divert resources away from climate solutions. Our expert, Steven Haig, explains.
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.
What’s Next for Sustainable Development in 2026
IISD President and CEO, Patricia Fuller, outlines the opportunities and challenges that will shape sustainable development in 2026.
Five Trends That Have Shaped Global Subsidies Over Decades
As we celebrate the Global Subsidies Initiative's 20th anniversary, we asked our experts how thinking on government support has shifted over time.
What Happened at COP 30 on Climate and Health?
Experts from the Friends of Climate and Health explain why human health is relevant to climate policy, and what progress was made at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30).
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.
Why Industrial Policy-making Is the Key to Unlocking Gains From Industrial Policy
Prof. David Luke and Hana AlWakeel argue that unlocking the gains of industrial policy depends on strengthening policy-making capacity, making it more adaptive, consultative, and transboundary—specifically in Africa.
Rethinking Industrial Policy for the Services Economy
Pierre Sauvé explores what industrial policy looks like in a services-driven economy, highlighting the need for policies that create the conditions for services to flourish and drive growth across the entire economy.
Nepal’s Textiles and Clothing Exports
As Nepal approaches graduation from least-developed country status, Paras Kharel, Kshitiz Dahal, and Dikshya Singh explore the challenges facing the country’s textiles and clothing sector and outline the policy shifts needed to preserve its competitiveness.
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.
Making the Business Case for Nature-Based Infrastructure: How the City of Cape Town boosted funding for restoring its waterways
IISD supported the City of Cape Town with two integrated cost–benefit analyses, making a strong case for investing in nature-based infrastructure.
Over a Decade of Protecting the World's Fresh Water: Five ways IISD Experimental Lakes Area has made a difference
The Experimental Lakes Area has been transformed ever since IISD saved it from imminent closure. But, don’t just take our word for it. Here are five stories from people who have seen, firsthand, the impact of IISD-ELA over the last decade.
Restoring Wetlands and Weaving Tradition: How Fijian coastal communities are building climate resilience
From reviving kuta weaving to patrolling coastal waters, Fijian communities are taking action to safeguard biodiversity, prevent illegal fishing, and build resilience in the face of climate change.