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This policy brief examines the legal complexities of invoking force majeure during the COVID-19 pandemic, warning governments that arguing against the concept to hold companies accountable may undermine their own future legal defenses for pandemic-related state actions.

This research paper examines the challenges facing the Codex Alimentarius Commission due to increasing scientific uncertainty and the resulting political tensions in international food standard-setting. The author argues that the Commission must evolve by incorporating elements of the precautionary principle to maintain its legitimacy and functionality in a globalized trade environment.

This case study describes how the Town of Canmore, Alberta, developed a Climate Resilience Action Plan in 2016 using the Climate Resilience Express (CRE) tool developed by All One Sky (AOS). The process involved identifying climate risks and opportunities through stakeholder workshops and bilateral meetings, leading to specific adaptation strategies for forest fires, Bow River flooding, and mountain creek flooding.

This fact sheet by the International Institute for Sustainable Development evaluates Argentina's government support for fossil fuels, ranking it second among G20 non-OECD member countries. While the country shows relatively good transparency and low support for fossil fuel use, it provides substantial funding for oil and gas production, primarily through state-owned enterprise (SOE) investments.

This fact sheet by the International Institute for Sustainable Development evaluates Australia's government support for fossil fuels, noting a 30% increase in support relative to the 2014–2016 average and highlighting significant tax exemptions for producers and users.

This fact sheet by the International Institute for Sustainable Development evaluates South Africa's government support for fossil fuels, ranking it as the second-worst performer among G20 non-OECD member countries due to poor transparency and continued backing of coal-based power.

This briefing paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) proposes a shift from 'full system coordination' to 'targeted coherence' within Global Environmental Governance (GEG). The authors argue that deep, system-wide coordination is impossible due to the diversity of international organizations; instead, they suggest a modular, multi-tiered approach tailored to the specific mandates of different agencies.

The GEO Resource Book is a training manual developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to build capacity for forward-looking, integrated environmental assessment (IEA) and reporting at sub-global levels. It provides a modular framework based on the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) approach to help practitioners produce policy-relevant information on the interactions between the natural environment and human society.

This report examines the impact of the OECD's Pillar Two global minimum tax proposal on the mining sector, specifically focusing on 'timing differences' between accounting profits and taxable income. It argues that without proper resolution of these differences, resource-rich developing countries could lose significant tax revenue and investment to developed nations where parent companies are headquartered.

This report, submitted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to the UNFCCC First Global Stocktake, analyzes the failure of governments to align public financial flows with the Paris Agreement. It argues that public support for fossil fuels remains high and often increases, creating a financial barrier to clean energy deployment. The document provides evidence of subsidy trends, the impact of COVID-19 recovery packages, and offers a framework for fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR) to accelerate the energy transition while ensuring social equity.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the global and regional policy and financial responses to the surge in foreign investment in agricultural land and water following the 2008 food crisis. It details various voluntary guidelines, principles, and financing mechanisms designed to ensure that large-scale investments are transparent, respect land rights, and contribute to food security and rural development.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines the global and regional normative and financial responses to the increase in foreign investment in agricultural land and water, often termed 'land grabbing', following the 2008 food crisis. It evaluates various guidelines, principles, and funding mechanisms designed to ensure that agricultural investments are transparent, respect land rights, and contribute to rural development and food security.

This report, produced by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM), analyzes the sustainability of China's fish and fish products market supply chains. Using a Global Commodity Chain Sustainability Analysis (GCCSA) framework, the study examines three specific case studies: tilapia aquaculture, cod reprocessing, and the live reef food fish trade (LRFFT). The report evaluates these chains across ecological, economic, and social dimensions, highlighting China's pivotal role as a global producer, processor, and consumer. It identifies critical challenges including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, traceability gaps, and environmental degradation, while recommending the adoption of national traceability systems, sustainability certifications, and strategic policy integration with China's Five-Year Plans to ensure long-term sector viability.

This report, produced by the China Association of Aquatic Products Processing and Trade (CAPPMA) in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), analyzes the sustainability of China's fisheries and aquaculture supply chains. It focuses on three specific case studies—tilapia, cod, and live reef food fish—to identify environmental and social challenges and provide strategic policy guidance for integrating sustainability into China's national trade and economic policies.

This report details a 27-month pilot project using a conflict-sensitive approach to conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Albertine Rift. By implementing participatory mapping, multi-stakeholder monitoring committees, and dialogue-based resolution strategies, the project achieved reductions in illegal fishing in Virunga National Park and illegal woodcutting in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. It also established a collaborative framework for the creation of the Itombwe Reserve and the proposed Ngamika National Park in Misotshi-Kabogo. The findings emphasize that while dialogue and awareness are critical, long-term sustainability requires addressing root causes like poverty through alternative livelihoods and securing political and military support.

This report outlines the history and evolution of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), from its origins as a UN Type II partnership in 2002 to its current status as a member-led forum of over 80 countries focused on sustainable mining governance.

This guide outlines the process for issuing green bonds in China, detailing the identification of eligible assets, the role of independent reviews, and the necessity of tracking and reporting procedures to ensure transparency and investor confidence.

This guide by the International Institute for Sustainable Development provides a step-by-step framework for issuing green bonds in China. It outlines the requirements for qualifying green assets, the necessity of independent verification, the processes for tracking and reporting proceeds, and the specific regulatory bodies responsible for approving different types of bonds. The document emphasizes that any bond type can be 'green' if the proceeds are earmarked for qualifying environmental projects, and it highlights the potential for re-labelling existing bonds in China that already fund green assets.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the implications of the July 2025 International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change, specifically regarding environmentally harmful subsidies. It argues that the ICJ's findings transform the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies from a political commitment into a legal imperative, potentially exposing states to international and domestic litigation.

This research paper reviews the current and planned climate change adaptation actions in Ghana. It identifies the northern regions and the agricultural sector as the most vulnerable and the primary focus of adaptation projects. While Ghana has established national policies and strategies, the report notes a gap in concrete actions within sectoral policies and a need for a more robust evidence base through monitoring and evaluation.