What's new in sustainable development

Inside Plastics Treaty Talks at INC-5.2

From August 5 - 14, diplomats will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, for INC-5.2, where they'll aim to finalize the world’s first international treaty to combat plastic pollution.

Countries remain divided on how far the treaty should go, particularly when it comes to limiting plastic production and regulating chemicals of concern.

How delegates address these gaps will determine whether the new treaty rises to the ambition countries set when they first agreed to end plastic pollution.

Our experts help you get up to speed ahead of the deliberations.

Unpacking the ICJ Advisory Opinion on States' Climate Obligations

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered its much-anticipated advisory opinion on states’ obligations to tackle climate change, confirming that international law requires states to prevent significant harm to the climate—and that failure to do so can trigger legal responsibility. But what are the potential ramifications?

How Economists Broke Climate Change Policy, and How Design Can Fix It

In his new TED talk, IISD’s Zach Rempel argues true progress on climate commitments won’t come only from swapping fossil fuels for renewables, but from redesigning our neighbourhoods to use less energy.

Where Do We Stand on the Quest to Preserve the Deep Sea?

The International Seabed Authority’s 30th session unfolded across 3 intense weeks in Kingston, Jamaica. It revealed both how far the body has come in its 3 decades of existence and how far it must go before it can effectively fulfill its mandate. Read an analysis from IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

How FfD4 Helped Reinvigorate Political Will to Move Beyond GDP

Talks on how to move beyond traditional economic measures of progress, such as GDP, are usually technical. At the year’s biggest finance for development conference, the arguments turned political and moral.

Living Through Climate Change, in her own Words

Women in Senegal share their photos and stories of facing climate change impacts with mangroves, innovation, and bravery (in French).

What Could the UN Tax Convention Deliver?

As countries prepare for the next phase of negotiations around the UN Tax Convention in August, our new report looks at all the protocol topics under discussion.

What's at Stake in WTO Fisheries Subsidies Talks?

As of last week, only five more countries must formally accept the landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for it to enter into force. Now, WTO members are focused on negotiating new rules that aim to more effectively address subsidies that fuel overfishing. We outline what’s on the table.

Consumer Protection and E-Commerce Issues for Developing Countries

The rise of the digital marketplace is transforming global commerce, bringing both opportunities and challenges—particularly for developing countries. This primer helps policy-makers navigate key consumer protection issues and the impacts of trade agreements in the digital economy.

What Does the First Global Stocktake Mean for the National Adaptation Plan Process?

In 2023, the first global stocktake (GST) concluded at COP 28 in Dubai, painting a clearer picture of the state of global climate action. This new report from the NAP Global Network distills the outcomes of the first GST into eight key messages relevant to adaptation.

Job Opportunities at IISD

At IISD, we believe in investing in people who are passionate and talented at what they do. Help enhance our work across all of our focus areas and make an impact on the planet and its people.

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