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This policy brief examines the success of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It highlights the synergy between science, diplomacy, and the private sector, noting that the regime has not only facilitated the recovery of the ozone layer but has also provided significant climate co-benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) evaluates the feasibility and desirability of transitioning United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meetings to online formats. Based on stakeholder surveys and interviews, it argues that while the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that many UNFCCC activities can be held virtually, a meaningful transition requires addressing deep-seated issues of trust, power imbalances, and the digital divide to avoid exacerbating existing inequities.

This policy brief examines the history and effectiveness of United Nations 'mega-conferences' on sustainable development, from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to Rio+20 in 2012. It analyzes how these events have attempted to integrate economic development, social equity, and environmental protection, while highlighting the persistent tensions between industrialized and developing nations regarding financial responsibility and the right to development.

This guide from the International Institute for Sustainable Development outlines strategies for governments to communicate the concept of net-zero emissions to the public to increase support for climate policies. It emphasizes moving away from technical, future-oriented descriptions toward tangible, local, and inclusive messaging supported by positive imagery.

This factsheet provides an overview of public-private partnerships (PPPs), detailing their definitions, common models, advantages, risks, and success factors, with a particular focus on their role in sustainable urban development and climate neutrality.

This briefing from the Stockholm Environment Institute discusses the role of public-private partnerships and international collaboration in decarbonizing heavy industry, highlighting the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) and various policy mechanisms to address hard-to-abate sectors.

This research paper examines the quality of climate adaptation knowledge produced through a co-design process in Sweden, arguing that traditional knowledge quality criteria are insufficient for understanding how knowledge is actually applied by decision-makers.

This research paper evaluates three technical systems for recovering nutrients and carbon from domestic wastewater in Sweden and Poland using multi-criteria analysis and stakeholder participation.

The Nordic sustainable bond market reached a cumulative volume of USD 88.2bn by the end of 2020, representing 5% of the global Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS) market. Green bonds dominate the region, accounting for 96% of the total GSS volume, with Sweden leading in issuance. The market is characterized by high transparency, with 99% of volume benefiting from external reviews and a strong presence of corporate and public sector issuers.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines Environmental Fiscal Reform (EFR) in the Nordic countries, highlighting how the alignment of taxes, subsidies, and spending has decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions and provided a model for post-pandemic economic recovery.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the governance challenges associated with the over-exploitation of natural resources. It argues that current resource use is unsustainable and unevenly distributed, calling for transformative change through inclusive decision-making, the protection of human rights for marginalized groups, and a shift toward circular economies.

This report summarizes the results of the UNLOCK project, which analyzed the role of Swedish municipalities in promoting sustainable consumption. It identifies barriers and opportunities for local governments to influence consumption patterns both through their own operations and by creating incentives for households and private businesses.

This policy brief, prepared by the Climate Bonds Initiative in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and commissioned by the Brazilian Ministry of Economy, explores how subnational consortia in Brazil can utilize innovative financial modeling to fund sustainable municipal infrastructure. It analyzes the legal barriers facing Brazilian municipalities, proposes the adoption of pooled financing mechanisms (MFGCs), and provides international case studies to support a green economic recovery.

This policy brief, prepared by the Climate Bonds Initiative and supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, examines the potential for Brazilian subnational consortia to use Pooled Finance Mechanisms (PFMs) to fund sustainable infrastructure. It identifies significant regulatory and financial barriers facing Brazilian municipalities and proposes updates to the legal framework and the adoption of blended finance models to attract private and international capital for climate-resilient projects.

The report analyzes the EU power sector in 2020, highlighting a landmark moment where renewables generated 38% of electricity, overtaking fossil-fired generation for the first time. While coal generation saw a significant decline, the report notes that the transition speed remains insufficient to meet 2030 and 2050 climate targets, partly due to the persistence of gas generation and a record drop in nuclear output.

This report by Agora Energiewende and Ember analyzes the European power sector in 2020, highlighting a milestone where renewables overtook fossil fuels as the primary source of electricity for the first time in the EU.

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021 evaluates 57 of the world's highest greenhouse gas emitters, finding that no single country is currently on a path compliant with the Paris Agreement goals. While the European Union improved its ranking to 16th place, the report highlights a stark divide between leading nations and G20 members like the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, who are rated 'very low'.

This policy brief from the International Institute for Sustainable Development explores the precautionary principle, a guide in international environmental law that advocates for taking protective action even in the absence of full scientific certainty to avoid serious or irreversible damage.

This briefing explores the precautionary principle as a guide for decision-makers to protect the environment, public health, and security in the face of scientific uncertainty. It traces the principle's evolution from national laws in Sweden to its integration into major international treaties and the law of the European Union, while discussing the ongoing tension between environmental safeguarding and economic development.

This briefing reports preliminary findings on the financing of sustainable city goals in Sweden. While Swedish cities are actively pursuing climate neutrality and sustainability, there is no national coordination, leading to varied levels of ambition. External financing is not a primary bottleneck due to low interest rates, though borrowing is restricted to capital expenditure. Green bonds are used primarily for marketing and strategic reasons rather than financial gain, while social bonds and social impact bonds are viewed as too complex or small-scale to be viable. The report identifies a 'silo effect' between sustainability project teams and finance departments as a potential barrier to progress.