How Finance Can Lock Countries Into Fossil Fuel Dependence—and What to Do About It

Clean energy technologies such as solar panels and battery systems have seen dramatic cost declines, yet many low- and middle-income countries still struggle to mobilize the capital to deploy them at scale, often because they face far higher borrowing costs than wealthier economies.

Fossil fuel dependence can thus become financially locked in, not because renewable alternatives are unavailable, but because international financial systems reward short-term extractive revenues over long-term sustainable development.

Our experts break down what a fairer path forward would look like.

Women Are Shaping the Future of Fisheries in Belize

For decades, the vital contributions of women in Belize’s fisheries sector have gone unrecognized. But after years of dedication and advocacy, women are now charting a new course for the country’s small-scale fisheries. And with the establishment of Belize’s National Women in Fisheries Association, they are claiming their rightful place in fisheries governance.

Why Animals Belong in Climate Action

For decades, the role of wildlife in climate change mitigation received little attention. Research and policy have largely focused on plants as engines of carbon storage and nature-based climate solutions. Yet an expanding body of scientific evidence shows animals can shape carbon cycling and ecosystem functions in ways that influence climate outcomes. And as this evidence grows, it is starting to reshape international discussions about climate policy and wildlife conservation.

IISD Joins Amazon and WRI in an NbS Initiative in Johannesburg  

Building on the SUNCASA project’s experience implementing NbS in densely populated and environmentally degraded urban areas, IISD has partnered with Amazon and the World Resources Institute to revitalize 130 ha of the Klip River corridor in the historic Soweto township of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Through its Right Now Climate Fund, Amazon has committed USD 1.5 million to support the initiative, which also aims to create 300 green jobs and build the capacity of more than 1,000 women from the local community, advancing inclusive and climate-resilient urban development.

How Plants Are Helping Improve Water Quality and Biodiversity

Did you know that plants can help improve water quality? That's the idea behind IISD's floating treatment wetlands (FTW) project with the Rural Municipality of Springfield, Manitoba. Since they were planted in 2024, the FTWs have grown into thriving wetland habitats with extensive root systems. As water flows through those roots, it helps capture excess nutrients and other pollutants while creating habitat for wildlife. We recently published two new videos that explain how FTWs work and how this project is supporting healthier stormwater ponds in Manitoba.

Dive Into Freshwater Science: New publications database  

Since 1968, research at IISD Experimental Lakes Area has contributed to over 1,500 published academic articles. This new database lets you easily explore it. Search by topic, environmental issue, researcher, lake or year—or all of the above!

Rethinking our Relationship With Water

Across the Canadian Prairies, water carries memory, identity, responsibility, and life. This digital story shares the experiences of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, highlighting powerful perspectives on water, climate change, stewardship, resilience, and what it means to build more inclusive water futures.

The WTO’s E-Commerce Moratorium Expired—Now What?

The World Trade Organization's e-commerce moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions expired in March after members failed to agree on its renewal, reopening debates over tariff revenue and digital industrialization. On Thursday. July 16, join leading experts as they explore what this means for developing countries navigating an increasingly fragmented digital trade landscape.