SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:00:06 +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 Recycling nutrients and reducing carbon emissions in the Baltic Sea Region—Sustainable or economically infeasible? https://www.sei.org/publications/recycling-nutrients-reducing-carbon-baltic/ The authors investigated the sustainability of “ecotechnologies” for recovering carbon and nutrients. They also demonstrated how a so-called “bottom-up” approach can serve as a decision-making instrument. The authors investigated the sustainability of “ecotechnologies” for recovering carbon and nutrients. They also demonstrated how a so-called “bottom-up” approach can serve as a decision-making instrument.

]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:11:56 +0000 Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/publications/recycling-nutrients-reducing-carbon-baltic/ Publication Floating resilience: how Thailand’s floating villages stay in place and adapt https://www.sei.org/features/floating-resilience-how-thailands-floating-villages-stay-in-place-and-adapt/ Coastal communities are increasingly facing changes in wind and wave patterns and more frequent rainstorms that impact their local transport, food, livelihoods and even ability to live in their own homes. Despite these challenges, what keeps them there? Coastal communities are increasingly facing changes in wind and wave patterns and more frequent rainstorms that impact their local transport, food, livelihoods and even ability to live in their own homes. Despite these challenges, what keeps them there?

]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:17:59 +0000 Nicole Anschell https://www.sei.org/features/floating-resilience-how-thailands-floating-villages-stay-in-place-and-adapt/ Feature The five biggest threats to our natural world…and how we can stop them https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/five-biggest-threats-biodiversity/ As COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity talks began last week, The Guardian ran an article on the five main drivers of biodiversity loss and how countries can collectively act to tackle them. SEI’s Kevin Hicks was asked about the issue of nitrogen pollution. As COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity talks began last week, The Guardian ran an article on the five main drivers of biodiversity loss and how countries can collectively act to tackle them. SEI’s Kevin Hicks was asked about the issue of nitrogen pollution.

]]> Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:37:13 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/five-biggest-threats-biodiversity/ Press StratKIT final conference https://www.sei.org/events/stratkit-final-conference/ The StratKIT Final Conference on green public procurement and catering services took place on 13 October 2021. In a virtual conference with about 170 participants, experts from food and catering enterprises, the European Commission, the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, ICLEI and science discussed necessary changes for the Farm to Fork Strategy as well as practice examples and further results from StratKIT. Also, the sustainable public meal toolkit was officially launched during the conference. The StratKIT Final Conference on green public procurement and catering services took place on 13 October 2021. In a virtual conference with about 170 participants, experts from food and catering enterprises, the European Commission, the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, ICLEI and science discussed necessary changes for the Farm to Fork Strategy as well as practice examples and further results from StratKIT. Also, the sustainable public meal toolkit was officially launched during the conference.

]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:44:54 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/stratkit-final-conference/ Event StratKIT lõpukonverents https://www.sei.org/events/stratkit-final-conference-est/ Projekt „StratKIT – Innovatiivsed strateegiad avaliku sektori toitlustuses: jätkusuutlike hangete abivahend Läänemere piirkonnas“ on edendanud toitlustusteenuse mudelite arendamist ja kasutuselevõttu. Projektipartnerid ja assotsieerunud organisatsioonid kuuest Läänemere-äärsest riigist on jaganud ideid ja lähenemisviise, katsetanud ja hinnanud meetmeid, ning kogunud häid lahendusi üle Euroopa. Projekt „StratKIT – Innovatiivsed strateegiad avaliku sektori toitlustuses: jätkusuutlike hangete abivahend Läänemere piirkonnas“ on edendanud toitlustusteenuse mudelite arendamist ja kasutuselevõttu. Projektipartnerid ja assotsieerunud organisatsioonid kuuest Läänemere-äärsest riigist on jaganud ideid ja lähenemisviise, katsetanud ja hinnanud meetmeid, ning kogunud häid lahendusi üle Euroopa.

]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:45:27 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/stratkit-final-conference-est/ Event The role of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction https://www.sei.org/features/the-role-of-international-cooperation-in-disaster-risk-reduction/ The theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is #OnlyTogether, focusing on Target F of the Sendai Framework for DRR: enhancing international cooperation for developing countries to reduce disaster risk and losses. To mark the occasion, SEI researchers reflect on the role of international cooperation, the challenges faced in the Covid-19 pandemic context and what can be done to ensure developing countries are supported effectively to reduce vulnerability and bu... The theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is #OnlyTogether, focusing on Target F of the Sendai Framework for DRR: enhancing international cooperation for developing countries to reduce disaster risk and losses.

To mark the occasion, SEI researchers reflect on the role of international cooperation, the challenges faced in the Covid-19 pandemic context and what can be done to ensure developing countries are supported effectively to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.

]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2021 17:00:03 +0000 Michael Boyland https://www.sei.org/features/the-role-of-international-cooperation-in-disaster-risk-reduction/ Feature Giving a voice to vulnerable road users for inclusive transport planning in African cities https://www.sei.org/events/voice-of-vulnerable-road-users/ This webinar will share the preliminary findings of two ongoing SEI studies focusing on equitable mobility in Kenya (Nairobi and Mombasa) and inclusive climate resilient transport planning in low Income countries in Africa (Lusaka and Kampala). It is part of the annual forum of the Africa Network for Walking and Cycling (ANWAC). This webinar will share the preliminary findings of two ongoing SEI studies focusing on equitable mobility in Kenya (Nairobi and Mombasa) and inclusive climate resilient transport planning in low Income countries in Africa (Lusaka and Kampala). It is part of the annual forum of the Africa Network for Walking and Cycling (ANWAC).

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:26:29 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/voice-of-vulnerable-road-users/ Event Exploring mechanisms for systemic thinking in decision-making through three country applications of SDG synergies https://www.sei.org/publications/three-country-sdg-synergies/ The authors analyzed three applications of a decision-support approach called SDG Synergies, which aims at building capacity in systems thinking among decision-makers and implementing agencies. Drawing on empirical material from Mongolia, Colombia, and Sri Lanka, they identified three sets of mechanisms that seem important for enabling more systemic thinking: system boundaries, rules of engagement and biases. The authors analyzed three applications of a decision-support approach called SDG Synergies, which aims at building capacity in systems thinking among decision-makers and implementing agencies. Drawing on empirical material from Mongolia, Colombia, and Sri Lanka, they identified three sets of mechanisms that seem important for enabling more systemic thinking: system boundaries, rules of engagement and biases.

]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:12:42 +0000 Karina Barquet; Linn Järnberg; Ivonne Lobos Alva; Nina Weitz https://www.sei.org/publications/three-country-sdg-synergies/ Publication When decisions are made by drones and other tech https://www.sei.org/features/when-decisions-are-made-by-drones-and-other-tech/ This Q&A with SEI Policy Fellow Amar Čaušević discusses the hidden risks of AI, remote sensing and more in the agriculture, forestry and marine sectors. Artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring and other tools allow companies and governments to see the big picture. From land use to fisheries management, these tools can be used in ways that protect or destroy natural resources. Causevic and his colleagues recently surveyed where these technologies are used globally and the risks they pose... This Q&A with SEI Policy Fellow Amar Čaušević discusses the hidden risks of AI, remote sensing and more in the agriculture, forestry and marine sectors.

Artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring and other tools allow companies and governments to see the big picture. From land use to fisheries management, these tools can be used in ways that protect or destroy natural resources. Causevic and his colleagues recently surveyed where these technologies are used globally and the risks they pose for sustainable decision-making.

]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:16:15 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/when-decisions-are-made-by-drones-and-other-tech/ Feature The role of municipal governments in the sustainability transition – research and experimentation https://www.sei.org/events/the-role-of-municipal-governments-in-the-sustainability-transition-research-and-experimentation/ Municipal governments play a key role in creating sustainable societies. In this online session at the Innovate4Cities conference, experts will discuss the benefits and challenges that municipal governments face when joining research and innovation projects. Municipal governments play a key role in creating sustainable societies. In this online session at the Innovate4Cities conference, experts will discuss the benefits and challenges that municipal governments face when joining research and innovation projects.

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:21:25 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/the-role-of-municipal-governments-in-the-sustainability-transition-research-and-experimentation/ Event Kohalike omavalitsuste valimisi iseloomustavad varasemast ambitsioonikamad keskkonnalubadused https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/kohalike-omavalitsuste-valimisi-iseloomustavad-varasemast-ambitsioonikamad-keskkonnalubadused/ Kõige enam pööratakse 2021. aasta kohaliku omavalitsuste valimislubadustes tähelepanu kliima ja energia ning liikluse ja liikuvuse teemadele. Kõige enam pööratakse 2021. aasta kohaliku omavalitsuste valimislubadustes tähelepanu kliima ja energia ning liikluse ja liikuvuse teemadele.

]]> Fri, 08 Oct 2021 04:43:15 +0000 Johanna Lehtmets https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/kohalike-omavalitsuste-valimisi-iseloomustavad-varasemast-ambitsioonikamad-keskkonnalubadused/ Press SEI Science Forum: A healthy planet for all https://www.sei.org/features/sei-forum-a-healthy-planet-for-all/ The topics at this year’s Science Forum in September revolved around the limits of growth as an economic paradigm, climate, environment and development policy. The UN climate change negotiations, Stockholm+50, Agenda 2030 and an outlook towards 2022 were also discussed. The forum comprised a total of 20 sessions and engaged the SEI Science Advisory Council and 280 employees from all SEI centres around the globe. The topics at this year’s Science Forum in September revolved around the limits of growth as an economic paradigm, climate, environment and development policy. The UN climate change negotiations, Stockholm+50, Agenda 2030 and an outlook towards 2022 were also discussed.

The forum comprised a total of 20 sessions and engaged the SEI Science Advisory Council and 280 employees from all SEI centres around the globe.

]]> Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:00:22 +0000 Inès Bakhtaoui; Ylva Rylander https://www.sei.org/features/sei-forum-a-healthy-planet-for-all/ Feature Ülevaade erakondade keskkonnaalastest lubadustest valimisplatvormides kohalike omavalitsuste volikogude valimistel 2021. aastal https://www.sei.org/publications/keskkonnalubadused-kov2021/ Käesolev ülevaade koostati eesmärgiga teha kindlaks, kas ja milliseid keskkonnaalaseid eesmärke on seadnud ning missuguseid lubadusi on andnud poliitilised parteid oma valimisplatvormides 2021. aasta kohalike omavalitsuste volikogude valimistel. Samuti vaadati, kuidas need lubadused on muutunud võrreldes eelmiste ehk 2017. aasta valimistega. Käesolev ülevaade koostati eesmärgiga teha kindlaks, kas ja milliseid keskkonnaalaseid eesmärke on seadnud ning missuguseid lubadusi on andnud poliitilised parteid oma valimisplatvormides 2021. aasta kohalike omavalitsuste volikogude valimistel. Samuti vaadati, kuidas need lubadused on muutunud võrreldes eelmiste ehk 2017. aasta valimistega.

]]> Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:51:25 +0000 Kaja Peterson; Brigita Tool https://www.sei.org/publications/keskkonnalubadused-kov2021/ Publication Effectiveness of climate change adaptation interventions in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of funding modalities: a mixed methods systematic review protocol https://www.sei.org/publications/effectiveness-of-climate-change-adaptation-interventions-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-the-impact-of-funding-modalities-a-mixed-methods-systematic-review-protocol/ This mixed methods systematic review protocol provides a methodological plan for a review that aims to assess the effectiveness of adaptation finance and bridge the gap between existing approaches. This mixed methods systematic review protocol provides a methodological plan for a review that aims to assess the effectiveness of adaptation finance and bridge the gap between existing approaches.

]]> Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:16:29 +0000 Biljana Macura; Nella Canales; Inès Bakhtaoui; Richard Taylor; Rocio A. Diaz-Chavez; Fedra Vanhuyse; Richard J.T. Klein https://www.sei.org/publications/effectiveness-of-climate-change-adaptation-interventions-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-the-impact-of-funding-modalities-a-mixed-methods-systematic-review-protocol/ Publication Enabling inclusion in smart city development: a policy toolkit https://www.sei.org/tools/inclusion-city-development-policy-toolkit/ This policy toolkit provides insights and recommendations for urban planners to help them adopt more inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to smart urbanization. It is designed specifically for municipal-level urban planners and metropolitan development authorities who aspire to develop inclusive “smart” projects. Stakeholder engagement can be an effective way to achieve greater inclusivity. This policy toolkit provides insights and recommendations for urban planners to help them adopt more inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to smart urbanization. It is designed specifically for municipal-level urban planners and metropolitan development authorities who aspire to develop inclusive “smart” projects. Stakeholder engagement can be an effective way to achieve greater inclusivity.

]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:43:59 +0000 https://www.sei.org/tools/inclusion-city-development-policy-toolkit/ Tool Which forest-risk commodities imported to the UK have the highest overseas impacts? A rapid evidence synthesis https://www.sei.org/publications/forest-commodities-overseas-impacts/ This paper describes a rapid evidence synthesis to identify which forest-risk commodities imported to the UK have the highest overseas impacts. This paper describes a rapid evidence synthesis to identify which forest-risk commodities imported to the UK have the highest overseas impacts.

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 16:27:26 +0000 Amy Molotoks; Chris West https://www.sei.org/publications/forest-commodities-overseas-impacts/ Publication Building climate diplomacy back better https://www.sei.org/events/building-climate-diplomacy-back-better/ Can climate negotiations under the UNFCCC be moved online in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and done in ways that increase the effectiveness, inclusiveness and transparency of the UN climate process? Representatives from the UNFCCC, the Swedish government and independent climate platforms discussed the findings of a recent SEI report that explored this question based on the engagement of a select but diverse group of stakeholders. Can climate negotiations under the UNFCCC be moved online in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and done in ways that increase the effectiveness, inclusiveness and transparency of the UN climate process?

Representatives from the UNFCCC, the Swedish government and independent climate platforms discussed the findings of a recent SEI report that explored this question based on the engagement of a select but diverse group of stakeholders.

]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:43:26 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/building-climate-diplomacy-back-better/ Event The lack of social impact considerations in transitioning towards urban circular economies: a scoping review https://www.sei.org/publications/lack-social-impact-urban-circular/ More cities are embarking on transitions to circular economies, hailed as one of the solutions to resolve the climate crisis. Such transitions will only be transformative if social impacts are considered. Currently, where social impacts are covered in the published literature, the focus is on employment and governance. More research is needed to understand how circular economies will affect areas such as culture, health and fears and aspirations. More cities are embarking on transitions to circular economies, hailed as one of the solutions to resolve the climate crisis. Such transitions will only be transformative if social impacts are considered. Currently, where social impacts are covered in the published literature, the focus is on employment and governance. More research is needed to understand how circular economies will affect areas such as culture, health and fears and aspirations.

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:25:12 +0000 Fedra Vanhuyse; Daniel Ddiba https://www.sei.org/publications/lack-social-impact-urban-circular/ Publication Mapping and assessing indicator-based frameworks for monitoring circular economy development at the city-level https://www.sei.org/publications/monitoring-circular-economy-city-level/ Transitioning towards a circular economy is a promising pathway to tackle pressing sustainability challenges at the city level. Indicator-based frameworks, or integrated systems of indicators, are considered to be useful tools for monitoring this transition. The authors present 15 indicator-based frameworks applicable to measure circularity at the city level to fill a gap in mapping and assessing. Transitioning towards a circular economy is a promising pathway to tackle pressing sustainability challenges at the city level. Indicator-based frameworks, or integrated systems of indicators, are considered to be useful tools for monitoring this transition. The authors present 15 indicator-based frameworks applicable to measure circularity at the city level to fill a gap in mapping and assessing.

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:13:19 +0000 Fedra Vanhuyse https://www.sei.org/publications/monitoring-circular-economy-city-level/ Publication Eco-innovation diversity in a circular economy: towards circular innovation studies https://www.sei.org/publications/eco-innovation-diversity-circular-economy/ The authors propose a “circular innovation studies” agenda, focusing on the circular economy–eco-innovation nexus that has recently attracted attention both from an analytical and regulatory perspective. The authors propose a “circular innovation studies” agenda, focusing on the circular economy–eco-innovation nexus that has recently attracted attention both from an analytical and regulatory perspective.

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:07:41 +0000 Fedra Vanhuyse https://www.sei.org/publications/eco-innovation-diversity-circular-economy/ Publication