Impact Areas

IISD will focus its efforts on five critical and interconnected areas of sustainable development: climate, nature, social equity, economies, and international governance. These impact areas are deeply intertwined. Progress in one area can catalyze gains in others, while failure to act in one can undermine progress across the board. This interconnectedness makes it essential to move beyond siloed approaches and embrace systems thinking.

Our Impact Areas

Climate

IISD helps governments achieve a just and equitable energy transition and turn adaptation plans into action.

Nature

IISD advances nature-based solutions through comprehensive benefits assessments and hands-on implementation. IISD Experimental Lakes Area protects freshwater systems through new research and policy guidance.

Social Equity

With our partners, IISD supports just and equitable transitions to sustainability, amplifies underrepresented voices in decision making, and ensures Indigenous knowledge systems inform solutions.

Sustainable Economies

IISD advances inclusive & effective policies across sectors to help build a future where prosperity is measured in resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship.

International Governance

IISD improves multilateralism through greater transparency and accountability, recognizing that progress on sustainable development must be pursued at all levels of governance.