What's new in sustainable development

Unpacking Plastics Treaty Talks

After 10 days in Geneva, over 2 years since negotiations first began, plastics treaty talks ended without an agreement. 

But although the goal of “ending plastic pollution forever” has suffered a setback, it is not out of reach. As our Earth Negotiations Bulletin experts say in their analysis, now is the time to regroup, assess positions, and determine where there is common ground or room to compromise.

The process remains in the balance, without clarity on key issues. Nevertheless, many are tempering expectations for an ambitious agreement and hope that, once adopted, it will be able to evolve and strengthen over time.

We unpack the story so far and explain why we have to get serious about tackling plastic pollution.

Decarbonizing the Energy Sector

The global shift to clean energy is gaining momentum—but most investments remain concentrated in a few regions. Our experts explore what’s holding back some countries and unpack what must change to power a truly global, just, and sustainable energy transition.

Making the Case for Nature-Based Infrastructure

The NBI Global Resource Centre’s free 5-week live program returns this autumn to help you master the tools for assessing the economic performance and co-benefits of nature-based infrastructure. This interactive course is ideal for policy-makers, infrastructure planners, investors, and others seeking actionable insights for making the investment case for sustainable, nature-based infrastructure.

Upgrading Canada's Homes: A path to net-zero

Buildings account for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third-largest emitting sector after the oil and gas and transportation sectors. Zach Rempel explains how energy retrofitting could lead to CAD 10.8 billion in annual energy bill savings and create thousands of jobs on the road to net-zero.

How State-Owned Power Companies Are Impacting the Energy Transition in Emerging Economies

State-owned power companies are often overlooked in global climate conversations, but in many emerging economies, including South Africa, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, they are quietly advancing the clean energy transition. Here’s how.

Here's How Countries Can Track Their NAP Progress

As countries advance their national adaptation plan (NAP) processes, they need clear, practical ways to track and report progress. This new collection of practice briefs from the NAP Global Network offers practical steps and real-world examples to help monitor, evaluate, and report on NAPs.  

Dismantling the Case for Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon

The Colombian government has made important steps to shelve oil and gas expansion in protected areas of the Colombian Amazon. Yet risks remain outside those areas. Our experts explain why the economic and energy security case for future expansion is unsubstantiated.

Accelerating Climate Adaptation Finance 

Against the backdrop of climate impacts intensifying across Southern and Eastern Africa, the Government of Zambia, NAP Global Network, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co-hosted a landmark event in Lusaka, on the sidelines of NAP Expo 2025. The event laid the groundwork for more strategic, coordinated, and impactful adaptation investments across the region.

Why Gender Inclusion Must Drive the Just Energy Transition

As the global clean energy transition gains momentum, one principle becomes increasingly clear: we cannot talk about equity without addressing gender. Yet, for many women in South Africa—especially those in coal-affected regions like Komati in Emalahleni—the energy transition feels divorced from their everyday realities.

Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Somalia’s Mining Sector

Somalia is a relatively new country with a small mining sector comprising artisanal and small-scale mining operations. IGF experts examine the country’s mining laws, policies, and regulations and identify gaps, strengths, and recommendations for improvement.

Rethinking Fiscal Rules for Debt Sustainability

Emerging markets and developing economies are facing rising debt costs, tighter fiscal space, and growing financing needs for climate and development. On September 18, join our webinar to launch the report Design Choices for Debt Sustainability. 

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