Explainers

We can’t make progress on sustainable development if we don’t understand it. Research papers and textbooks don’t always speak in plain language, which makes it hard to learn about the nuances of environmental negotiations or get clarity on what counts as a fossil fuel subsidy. IISD experts are here to help with accessible explainers on tricky topics. 

Highlights

After COP 28: What's next for adaptation?

IISD experts Anne Hammill, Angie Dazé, Emilie Beauchamp, Jeffrey Qi, and Alec Crawford take a closer look at what we saw—and did not see—on adaptation at COP 28 in Dubai, and where we go from here.

Explainer

January 25, 2024

Unpacking Carbon Capture and Storage: The technology behind the promise

Many fossil fuel-producing countries are placing big bets on carbon capture and storage to cut emissions. This article takes a closer look at the feasibility, costs, and risks associated with carbon capture and storage to shine a light on why it doesn't live up to its reputation as a definitive solution.

Explainer

November 28, 2023

The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative: What you need to know

The populations of millions of animal and plant species continue to decline at accelerating rates across the globe, with many under threat of extinction. The Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative will contribute to addressing this challenge.

Explainer

November 8, 2023

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Eight Ways Cities Are Building Climate Resilience

This essay looks at eight examples drawn from the Building a Climate-Resilient City research series prepared for the City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary by the Prairie Climate Centre.
Explainer April 10, 2017

A Guide to COP 22

Negotiators gathering from November 7–18, 2016, in Morocco face the monumental task of preparing for the implementation the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement. IISD brings you up to speed on the status of negotiations and the most significant items on the Marrakech Climate Change Conference agenda.
Explainer November 1, 2016

Unpacking Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Oil, gas and coal are multi-billion-dollar industries, and every year fossil fuel companies get billions in tax breaks and handouts that increase their profits even further. This website was created to cut through the jargon, so you can understand what’s really happening, debate it, and propose solutions for Canadians and Canada’s economy.
Explainer August 30, 2016