SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:51:54 +0000 en hourly 1 https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-favicon-20180207-2-150x150.jpg?modtime= SEI https://www.sei.org/ 32 32 Film: How can artificial intelligence contribute to Agenda 2030? https://www.sei.org/features/film-foresight-innovation-agenda-2030/ In this film, Henrik Carlsen, Co-Director of Mistra Geopolitics at SEI, Lena Sellgren at Business Sweden and Fredrik Heintz at Linköping University – experts within the Mistra Geopolitics programme – discuss the geopolitics of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and the importance of foresight. In this film, Henrik Carlsen, Co-Director of Mistra Geopolitics at SEI, Lena Sellgren at Business Sweden and Fredrik Heintz at Linköping University – experts within the Mistra Geopolitics programme – discuss the geopolitics of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and the importance of foresight.

]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:33 +0000 Ylva Rylander https://www.sei.org/features/film-foresight-innovation-agenda-2030/ Feature Mind the gap! Revisiting the migration optimism/pessimism debate https://www.sei.org/publications/migration-development-impacts/ Drawing on fieldwork in three villages in Northeast Thailand where domestic and some international migration are commonplace, this report focuses on two often under-examined aspects of migration: the affects of migration, and in particular the affective labour that makes migration possible; and the effects of migration on farming and agriculture. Drawing on fieldwork in three villages in Northeast Thailand where domestic and some international migration are commonplace, this report focuses on two often under-examined aspects of migration: the affects of migration, and in particular the affective labour that makes migration possible; and the effects of migration on farming and agriculture.

]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2022 03:11:08 +0000 Albert Salamanca https://www.sei.org/publications/migration-development-impacts/ Publication Tackling the energy crisis: six lessons from past crises https://www.sei.org/perspectives/tackling-energy-crisis-eu/ Russia’s war in Ukraine and retaliation against those who oppose it has created an energy crisis in Europe. But past global crises have stimulated green energy progress before. SEI Associate Researcher Jindan Gong details how lessons of the past can maximize the decarbonization opportunity today. Russia’s war in Ukraine and retaliation against those who oppose it has created an energy crisis in Europe.

But past global crises have stimulated green energy progress before. SEI Associate Researcher Jindan Gong details how lessons of the past can maximize the decarbonization opportunity today.

]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2022 19:09:37 +0000 Jindan Gong https://www.sei.org/perspectives/tackling-energy-crisis-eu/ Perspective SEI becomes knowledge partner to KTH Climate Action Centre https://www.sei.org/features/sei-becomes-knowledge-partner-to-kth-climate-action-centre/ With the goal of speeding up the climate transition in society, the new research collaboration between SEI and KTH Climate Action Centre aims to co-create new solutions. With the goal of speeding up the climate transition in society, the new research collaboration between SEI and KTH Climate Action Centre aims to co-create new solutions.

]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2022 10:54:04 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/sei-becomes-knowledge-partner-to-kth-climate-action-centre/ Feature Toby Gardner in Mongabay: agriculture the primary driver of tropical deforestation https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/toby-gardner-in-mongabay-on-deforestation/ According to research published in the journal Science agriculture is the primary driver of tropical deforestation, accounting for 90% or more of forest loss, yet only about half of total land cleared is put into active agricultural production. SEI researcher, Toby Gardner, is qouted in Mongabay’s article about the study. According to research published in the journal Science agriculture is the primary driver of tropical deforestation, accounting for 90% or more of forest loss, yet only about half of total land cleared is put into active agricultural production. SEI researcher, Toby Gardner, is qouted in Mongabay’s article about the study.

]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:24:29 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/toby-gardner-in-mongabay-on-deforestation/ Press Conflict sensitivity and renewable energy: a case study from Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp https://www.sei.org/publications/conflict-sensitivity-and-renewable-energy/ This report examines the need to consider conflict sensitivity when planning and carrying out renewable energy projects in energy-scarce areas, such as refugee camps. The report uses a case study from Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp to look at the potential for renewable energy projects to lead to conflict or to exacerbate existing tensions. The authors argue that the issue should receive greater consideration in project planning and implementation. This report examines the need to consider conflict sensitivity when planning and carrying out renewable energy projects in energy-scarce areas, such as refugee camps. The report uses a case study from Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp to look at the potential for renewable energy projects to lead to conflict or to exacerbate existing tensions. The authors argue that the issue should receive greater consideration in project planning and implementation.

 

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:24:38 +0000 Ruth Nyakerario; Naho Mirumachi https://www.sei.org/publications/conflict-sensitivity-and-renewable-energy/ Publication Breakdown or breakthrough: currents to watch in 2023 https://www.sei.org/perspectives/breakdown-breakthrough-currents-2023/ SEI Currents 2023 taps the institute’s expertise and insights from all our centres on five continents to examine trends emerging in 2023 and beyond. SEI Communications Director and Head of Strategic Policy Engagement Robert Watt introduces the series, which examines trends to watch as 2023 unfolds. These issues will serve as a springboard for a look at the year ahead. Watch SEI’s online Currents 2023 event as we and selected panellists discuss these and other key issues. SEI Currents 2023 taps the institute’s expertise and insights from all our centres on five continents to examine trends emerging in 2023 and beyond. SEI Communications Director and Head of Strategic Policy Engagement Robert Watt introduces the series, which examines trends to watch as 2023 unfolds. These issues will serve as a springboard for a look at the year ahead. Watch SEI’s online Currents 2023 event as we and selected panellists discuss these and other key issues.

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:43:35 +0000 Robert Watt https://www.sei.org/perspectives/breakdown-breakthrough-currents-2023/ Perspective SEI Currents 2023 https://www.sei.org/features/currents2023/ Watch our Currents 2023 event from 11 January and read the perspectives by our researchers on topics to follow in the coming year. Watch our Currents 2023 event from 11 January and read the perspectives by our researchers on topics to follow in the coming year.


]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:52:38 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/currents2023/ Feature Reality check: coming to grips with the “meaning” crisis https://www.sei.org/perspectives/meaning-crisis/ The world is drowning in lies: misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, fake news and pseudo-science. Manipulation of the truth, much of it “computational propaganda”, is an industrial-scale problem and a money-making enterprise. The casualty is trust – in governments, institutions, media, leaders, and even our fellow citizens. What are the implications? How can the world combat the new technologies and the tried-and-true rhetoric used to manipulate the facts – and all of us? The world is drowning in lies: misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, fake news and pseudo-science. Manipulation of the truth, much of it “computational propaganda”, is an industrial-scale problem and a money-making enterprise. The casualty is trust – in governments, institutions, media, leaders, and even our fellow citizens. What are the implications? How can the world combat the new technologies and the tried-and-true rhetoric used to manipulate the facts – and all of us? 

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:24:11 +0000 Karen Brandon https://www.sei.org/perspectives/meaning-crisis/ Perspective Technological disruption: Will artificial intelligence solve global problems or widen equity gaps? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/technology-equity/ A Fourth Industrial Revolution has begun, created by technological advances that have radically altered how we live, work and interact. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of this disruption, and is forging ahead, largely in the absence of regulation. (Indeed, one could wonder whether this was written by a human or ChatGPT.) What are the implications for society? Will humanity wield AI in ways that help solve climate challenges? Or will this tool widen existing global disparities? A Fourth Industrial Revolution has begun, created by technological advances that have radically altered how we live, work and interact. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of this disruption, and is forging ahead, largely in the absence of regulation. (Indeed, one could wonder whether this was written by a human or  ChatGPT.)  What are the implications for society? Will humanity wield AI in ways that help solve climate challenges? Or will this tool widen existing global disparities?

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:20:13 +0000 Ulrika Lamberth https://www.sei.org/perspectives/technology-equity/ Perspective The democracy deficit: What does a global decline in freedom portend for climate and sustainability agendas? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/democracy-deficit/ More than two-thirds of the world’s population now lives under a dictatorship. Autocracy is rising. Democracy is waning. What are the causes and consequences of this rising authoritarianism? And what are the implications for sustainable development and climate change – which require monumental and united efforts to address? More than two-thirds of the world’s population now lives under a dictatorship. Autocracy is rising. Democracy is waning. What are the causes and consequences of this rising authoritarianism? And what are the implications for sustainable development and climate change – which require monumental and united efforts to address? 

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:17:18 +0000 Lynsi Burton https://www.sei.org/perspectives/democracy-deficit/ Perspective The cost-of-living crisis: accelerating or delaying a green transition? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/rising-cost-living/ The world is in the throes of a cost-of-living crisis. Prices of energy and food are soaring, with devastating effects on the poor. A complex combination of forces has given rise to a grim economic picture and a whole new vocabulary: “climateflation, fossilflation and greenflation”. Can the world address these crises of the present and, at the same time, invest in a better future? Will the global upheaval of 2023 give rise to a turning point for a green energy transition? The world is in the throes of a cost-of-living crisis. Prices of energy and food are soaring, with devastating effects on the poor. A complex combination of forces has given rise to a grim economic picture and a whole new vocabulary: “climateflation, fossilflation and greenflation”. Can the world address these crises of the present and, at the same time, invest in a better future? Will the global upheaval of 2023 give rise to a turning point for a green energy transition?

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:30:58 +0000 Karen Brandon https://www.sei.org/perspectives/rising-cost-living/ Perspective Klimatkalkylatorn version 2.0: metodbeskrivning https://www.sei.org/publications/klimatkalkylatorn-version-2-0-metodbeskrivning/ Det här dokumentet beskriver kortfattat de principer, data, metoder och antaganden som ligger bakom verktygets beräkningar för Klimatkalkylatorn 2.0. Det här dokumentet beskriver kortfattat de principer, data, metoder och antaganden som ligger bakom verktygets beräkningar för Klimatkalkylatorn 2.0.

]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:09:01 +0000 Katarina Axelsson https://www.sei.org/publications/klimatkalkylatorn-version-2-0-metodbeskrivning/ Publication Does financial risk mitigation boost renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa? SEI researchers investigate in Zambia https://www.sei.org/features/risk-mitigation-renewable-energy-zambia/ Private investments help developing countries reach the Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030. In some regions, public money and financial risk mitigation strategies are used to draw that financing for projects that advance SDG objectives such as renewable energy. Two SEI researchers travelled to Zambia in Fall 2022 to learn whether the risk mitigation policies used to attract private investment in renewable energy truly help Sub-Saharan African countries reach their climate goals. Private investments help developing countries reach the Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030. In some regions, public money and financial risk mitigation strategies are used to draw that financing for projects that advance SDG objectives such as renewable energy.

Two SEI researchers travelled to Zambia in Fall 2022 to learn whether the risk mitigation policies used to attract private investment in renewable energy truly help Sub-Saharan African countries reach their climate goals.

]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:19:08 +0000 Lynsi Burton https://www.sei.org/features/risk-mitigation-renewable-energy-zambia/ Feature SEI secures over 240 million SEK of external funding grants in 2022 https://www.sei.org/features/external-funding-grants-2022/ SEI has secured new funding worth over 240 million SEK to push the frontiers of sustainability research. The new projects aim to improve the scientific basis of sustainability enhancing policies through institutional collaborations, multi-site partnerships, tangible research impact pathways and strategic stakeholder engagements. SEI has secured new funding worth over 240 million SEK to push the frontiers of sustainability research. The new projects aim to improve the scientific basis of sustainability enhancing policies through institutional collaborations, multi-site partnerships, tangible research impact pathways and strategic stakeholder engagements.

]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:37:41 +0000 Selorm Kugbega; Ylva Rylander; Ulrika Lamberth https://www.sei.org/features/external-funding-grants-2022/ Feature SEI indicator for impacts of consumption on biodiversity adopted at COP15 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sei-indicator-adopted-at-cop15/ Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption Indicator (GEIC) developed by SEI and partners to assess the sustainability of consumption is adopted as part of a historic new deal to protect nature agreed today at COP 15 in Montreal. Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption Indicator (GEIC) developed by SEI and partners to assess the sustainability of consumption is adopted as part of a historic new deal to protect nature agreed today at COP 15 in Montreal.

]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:00:29 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sei-indicator-adopted-at-cop15/ Press SEI at AGU Fall Meeting 2022 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-at-agu-fall-meeting-2022/ AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting is the most influential event in the world dedicated to the advancement of Earth and space sciences. Every year, AGU Fall Meeting convenes >25,000 attendees from 100+ countries to share research and network. Researchers, scientists, educators, students, policymakers, enthusiasts, journalists and communicators attend AGU Fall Meeting to better understand our planet and environment and our role in preserving its future at a results-oriented gathering. AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting is the most influential event in the world dedicated to the advancement of Earth and space sciences.

Every year, AGU Fall Meeting convenes >25,000 attendees from 100+ countries to share research and network. Researchers, scientists, educators, students, policymakers, enthusiasts, journalists and communicators attend AGU Fall Meeting to better understand our planet and environment and our role in preserving its future at a results-oriented gathering.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:19:52 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-at-agu-fall-meeting-2022/ Event International Migrants Day Conference 2022 https://www.sei.org/events/international-migrants-day-conference-2022/ The Asian Research Centre for Migration, based in the Institute of Asian Studies in Chulalongkorn University in collaboration with SEI, the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organization will celebrate International Migrants Day with a conference on 16 December. SEI Asia Research Fellow, Sara Vigil and Research Associate, Dayoon Kim will present. The Asian Research Centre for Migration, based in the Institute of Asian Studies in Chulalongkorn University in collaboration with SEI, the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organization will celebrate International Migrants Day with a conference on 16 December. SEI Asia Research Fellow, Sara Vigil and Research Associate, Dayoon Kim will present.

]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:41:58 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/international-migrants-day-conference-2022/ Event Ensuring gender equality is core to effective disaster risk reduction policies https://www.sei.org/perspectives/gender-equality-disaster-risk/ For effective disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, there is a growing recognition that gender-responsive and human rights-focused action is needed in policies and practice. For effective disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, there is a growing recognition that gender-responsive and human rights-focused action is needed in policies and practice.

]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:35:53 +0000 Dayoon Kim; Natalia Biskupska https://www.sei.org/perspectives/gender-equality-disaster-risk/ Perspective Togo’s new climate policies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality – here’s how https://www.sei.org/perspectives/togos-new-climate-policies/ The University of Lomé and the Stockholm Environment Institute have supported Togo’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to adopt a more ambitious climate change target. In this perspective, Chris Malley explains that the key was identifying the additional benefits that climate actions would achieve. This piece was originally published by The Conversation. The University of Lomé and the Stockholm Environment Institute have supported Togo’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to adopt a more ambitious climate change target. In this perspective, Chris Malley explains that the key was identifying the additional benefits that climate actions would achieve.

This piece was originally published by The Conversation.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:02:01 +0000 Chris Malley https://www.sei.org/perspectives/togos-new-climate-policies/ Perspective