Search Climate Insights Directory

The 46th meeting of the IAI Executive Council took place on 22 June 2018 in Antigua, Guatemala. The primary outcome was the election of a new EC Bureau, consisting of Mr. Gabriel Aintablian (Chair), Mr. Jean Pierre Ometto (First Vice-Chair), and Ms. Milagro Mainieri (Second Vice-Chair). The Council discussed the need for increased involvement in drafting an IAI Strategic Plan and the goal of re-engaging non-active Parties. Additionally, Ecuador expressed willingness to host the 47th and 48th meetings of the EC.

The 2nd Science-Policy Workshop of the IAI focused on integrating scientific research into policy across the Americas. Key discussions included the IPBES Regional Assessment for the Americas, the launch of the IAI Open Data initiative, and the development of a new 25-year Strategic Plan. The workshop also highlighted the role of science diplomacy and the impact of Collaborative Research Network (CRN3) projects on regional policy outcomes, such as water security and protected areas.

The 2nd IAI Science-Policy Workshop brought together researchers and policymakers to discuss the intersection of science and policy in the Americas. Key discussions included the IPBES regional assessment, the implementation of an Open Data Project, and the development of a new 25-year strategic plan for the IAI. The workshop also explored the role of science diplomacy and shared experiences from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). Participants emphasized the need for better communication of scientific uncertainty to policymakers and the importance of incorporating traditional and indigenous knowledge into data systems.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) confirms that the CoP-26, EC-45, and EC-46 meetings in Antigua, Guatemala, will continue despite a volcanic eruption that occurred on June 3, 2018, as government authorities have reported that the situation has stabilized.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) submitted an independent auditors' report for the period ending June 30, 2017. The auditors provided an unqualified opinion, stating that the financial statements present fairly the Institute's financial position in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. The IAI's total assets as of June 30, 2017, were 3,412,639 USD, and total revenues, gains, and contributions for the year were 3,047,200 USD. The report details funding for various scientific programs, including the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) and Training Institutes, largely supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The report provides an audit of the IAI's financial position, operations, and cash flows, concluding that the statements present fairly the Institute's financial position in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. It details revenues from member nations and grants, expenses for core management and research programs, and the status of contributions from member countries.

This report, prepared by the United States of America as Chair of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), outlines the activities of the EC during the intersessional period leading up to its 45th meeting in June 2018. It details the EC's oversight of various decisions from the 25th Conference of the Parties (CoP-25), including efforts to improve data transparency, document accessibility, communication strategies, and long-term funding sustainability.

This document is a participant list for the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, which took place on 20-21 June 2018 in Antigua, Guatemala. It identifies delegates from various member nations, observers from non-party states and associated institutions, and representatives from scientific bodies such as the National Science Foundation and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

This briefing from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Directorate reports on the implementation of Decision XXV/28, which aims to enhance the capacity of IAI research projects to communicate scientific results to stakeholders and policy makers.

The IAI Directorate Science reports on the final phase of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), the launch of the Small Grant Program on ecosystem services and human wellbeing (SGP-HW), and the planning for the fourth Collaborative Research Network (CRN4). Key initiatives include a co-design process for climate adaptation in the megacities of Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago de Chile, and a collaborative research framework with Argentina's CONICET. The Directorate is shifting toward a co-funding model to diversify science funding and is emphasizing transdisciplinary research aligned with international frameworks like the SDGs.

In a speech to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan discusses the intersection of trade, sustainability, innovation, and climate change. He warns that protectionism and the potential end of NAFTA would increase costs and emissions, while highlighting the growth of the global green goods and services market. Vaughan emphasizes the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 'Winnipeg PEG' model for community-based sustainability reporting, which IISD aims to replicate globally. He also notes the rise of climate-related financial risk disclosure and the necessity of integrating environmental and economic goals to ensure long-term competitiveness.

This briefing report from the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research outlines the committee's activities, membership updates, and planned meetings leading up to the 26th Conference of the Parties (CoP-26) in June 2018.

The report outlines the current composition of the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), noting the resignation of two members and the upcoming term conclusions for two others. It details intersessional activities, including four teleconferences and advisory roles regarding the Small Grants Call on Ecosystem Services and Adaptation for Human Well-Being (SGP-HW) and the CRN3 researchers meeting. The committee is scheduled to meet in June 2018 to evaluate SGP-HW pre-proposals and discuss research on global change, specifically regarding CRN4 and activities in the Central America and Caribbean region.

This briefing document, prepared by the IAI Directorate for the 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP), reports on a meeting held in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7 November 2017. The meeting focused on establishing a flexible collaborative funding mechanism to support scientific projects on global change in the Americas, aiming to reduce the IAI's dependency on a single donor and ensure long-term sustainability.

This briefing document outlines the process for nominating a member to the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, following the conclusion of Dr. Javier Gracia Garza's first term in June 2018.

This briefing document, prepared by the Chair of the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) for the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), outlines the process for nominating a candidate to fill a vacancy on the SPAC in June 2018.

The IAI Directorate is working to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making in the Americas by establishing relationships with multilateral environmental agreements, enhancing the capacity of member countries, and diversifying its funding sources. Key efforts include collaborating with the IPCC and UNFCCC, developing a sub-regional network for megacities in Latin America, and implementing an open data policy. The Directorate is also seeking to increase the visibility of the IAI through communication strategies and the hosting of the Belmont Forum Secretariat.

This report from the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details capacity-building activities conducted between the 25th and 26th Conferences of the Parties (2017-2018). It highlights the implementation of inter- and transdisciplinary training, science-policy integration, and the use of seed grants to foster regional scientific cooperation and communication.

The IAI Directorate implemented several capacity-building initiatives between 2017 and 2018, focusing on transdisciplinary research, science diplomacy, and science communication. Key activities included the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Climate Change, which trained 119 graduate students from 30 countries, and the Professional Development Seminar (PDS) on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Integrating Policy and Science for Sustainability held in the Dominican Republic and Canada. The Directorate also engaged in science-policy collaboration through events in Mexico and the USA. To expand these efforts, the IAI proposes the creation of a Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program and a Research Internship Program, alongside a new Seed Grant Program for 2019-2020.

This report from the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details activities and strategic partnerships undertaken between sessions to increase the institute's visibility and influence within international climate and biodiversity frameworks. It outlines collaborations with the IPCC, UN agencies, and various NGOs to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation, particularly for Latin America.