SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:38:02 +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 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 Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis https://www.sei.org/publications/nature-based-activities-health-review/ This paper presents a systematic review of the controlled and uncontrolled evidence for outdoor nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve adult mental health in community based (non-hospital) settings. It identifies which of the reviewed NBIs are most effective and what format and dose is most efficacious. This paper presents a systematic review of the controlled and uncontrolled evidence for outdoor nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve adult mental health in community based (non-hospital) settings. It identifies which of the reviewed NBIs are most effective and what format and dose is most efficacious.

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 08:03:45 +0000 Rachel Pateman https://www.sei.org/publications/nature-based-activities-health-review/ Publication Chemical safety & noise pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a gender equality, social equity and poverty reduction lens https://www.sei.org/publications/chemical-safety-noise-pollution-in-bih-a-gesep-lens/ This discussion brief explains how chemical safety and noise pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are deeply related to gender inequality, social inequity and poverty. This discussion brief explains how chemical safety and noise pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are deeply related to gender inequality, social inequity and poverty.

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:46:01 +0000 Claudia Strambo; Lisa Segnestam https://www.sei.org/publications/chemical-safety-noise-pollution-in-bih-a-gesep-lens/ Publication The circular economy – a tool for reaching an inclusive, carbon-free world? https://www.sei.org/features/circular-economy-a-tool-for-carbon-free-world/ While efforts to tackle the climate crisis are often focused on decarbonization and energy efficiency, a transition to a circular economy has the potential of contributing to the rapid emission cuts needed to reach the targets of the Paris Agreement by transforming the way we produce and use products and services. SEI researchers reflect on the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day 2021, “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”, by highlighting the role that municipalities and a c... While efforts to tackle the climate crisis are often focused on decarbonization and energy efficiency, a transition to a circular economy has the potential of contributing to the rapid emission cuts needed to reach the targets of the Paris Agreement by transforming the way we produce and use products and services.

SEI researchers reflect on the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day 2021, “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”, by highlighting the role that municipalities and a circular economy play in reaching an inclusive carbon-free world.

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 08:17:20 +0000 Venni Arra https://www.sei.org/features/circular-economy-a-tool-for-carbon-free-world/ Feature Understanding social implications crucial for chemical safety https://www.sei.org/features/understanding-social-implications-crucial-for-chemical-safety/ Exposure to harmful chemicals is one of the environmental risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) that is particularly dangerous to human health. However, it is crucial to note that people of different genders, occupations, locations, age or health status may be exposed to and affected by chemicals differently. For these reasons, environmental policymaking must consider that certain social groups are more vulnerable than others. Exposure to harmful chemicals is one of the environmental risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) that is particularly dangerous to human health. However, it is crucial to note that people of different genders, occupations, locations, age or health status may be exposed to and affected by chemicals differently. For these reasons, environmental policymaking must consider that certain social groups are more vulnerable than others.

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:47:35 +0000 Johanna Lehtmets https://www.sei.org/features/understanding-social-implications-crucial-for-chemical-safety/ Feature COP26: Considering the negative health effects of climate change https://www.sei.org/features/considering-the-negative-health-effects-of-climate/ Ahead of the COP26 climate summit in late October, researchers are calling for political leaders to consider the negative health effects of climate change. According to Sir Andrew Haines, “Climate change is projected to have far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects on health.” Ahead of the COP26 climate summit in late October, researchers are calling for political leaders to consider the negative health effects of climate change. According to Sir Andrew Haines, “Climate change is projected to have far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects on health.”

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:17:23 +0000 Ylva Rylander https://www.sei.org/features/considering-the-negative-health-effects-of-climate/ Feature Urban October 2021 https://www.sei.org/features/urban-october-2021/ Urban October is a month-long conversation on sustainable urbanization conducted through hundreds of virtual and physical events and activities. Learn more about SEI’s work to support sustainable cities for the health and wellbeing of their inhabitants and the planet. Urban October is a month-long conversation on sustainable urbanization conducted through hundreds of virtual and physical events and activities. Learn more about SEI’s work to support sustainable cities for the health and wellbeing of their inhabitants and the planet.

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:53:57 +0000 Venni Arra https://www.sei.org/features/urban-october-2021/ Feature Guardians of the forest https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/guardians-of-the-forest/ The forest is sometimes referred to as the green lungs of the city, but it does more than provide fresh air. The mangroves form a shield that protects nearly 9 million residents from typhoons that roll over the South China Sea. They also serve as a kidney, filtering waste water from the industrial complexes in the city and neighbouring areas. With Ho Chi Minh City sinking by the year due to rising sea levels, the Can Gio forest has never more vital than today. The forest is sometimes referred to as the green lungs of the city, but it does more than provide fresh air. The mangroves form a shield that protects nearly 9 million residents from typhoons that roll over the South China Sea. They also serve as a kidney, filtering waste water from the industrial complexes in the city and neighbouring areas.

With Ho Chi Minh City sinking by the year due to rising sea levels, the Can Gio forest has never more vital than today.

]]> Wed, 03 Nov 2021 03:26:12 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/guardians-of-the-forest/ Press Upscaling small scale organic waste processing ventures for circular economy in cities in SSA and East Asia https://www.sei.org/projects/upscaling-small-scale-organic-waste-processing-ventures-for-circular-economy-in-cities-in-ssa-and-east-asia/ The study generated knowledge to inform the upscaling of investments in small-scale organic waste processing ventures in cities in low and middle-income countries. It proposed an analytical approach combining urban metabolism analysis and economic modeling using SEI’s Resource Value Mapping tool, political economy analysis, and business model assessment to understand the socio-technical viability, policy, and other support systems for urban organic waste processing in a circular economy. The study generated knowledge to inform the upscaling of investments in small-scale organic waste processing ventures in cities in low and middle-income countries. It proposed an analytical approach combining urban metabolism analysis and economic modeling using SEI’s Resource Value Mapping tool, political economy analysis, and business model assessment to understand the socio-technical viability, policy, and other support systems for urban organic waste processing in a circular economy.

]]> Wed, 17 Aug 2022 11:59:42 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/upscaling-small-scale-organic-waste-processing-ventures-for-circular-economy-in-cities-in-ssa-and-east-asia/ Project New database aims to help build the future of clean household energy policy https://www.sei.org/features/new-database-build-future-clean-household-energy-policy/ Almost one-third of the world’s population doesn’t have access to clean, efficient energy sources for cooking. A team of SEI scientists hopes to help tackle the problem with better policies. Almost one-third of the world’s population doesn’t have access to clean, efficient energy sources for cooking. A team of SEI scientists hopes to help tackle the problem with better policies.

]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:09:09 +0000 Lynsi Burton https://www.sei.org/features/new-database-build-future-clean-household-energy-policy/ Feature Defining and achieving clean cooking https://www.sei.org/events/clean-cooking-webinar-who/ The World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines define which fuels and technologies for household use are considered clean for health. This session, hosted by Health and Energy Platform of Action (HEPA), the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), will include SEI scientists who will unveil a new household energy policy repository that summarizes the clean household energy policies in more than 30 countries. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines define which fuels and technologies for household use are considered clean for health. This session, hosted by Health and Energy Platform of Action (HEPA), the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), will include SEI scientists who will unveil a new household energy policy repository that summarizes the clean household energy policies in more than 30 countries.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 23:57:34 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/clean-cooking-webinar-who/ Event Nordic Green to Scale for countries: unlocking the potential of climate solutions in Kenya and Ethiopia https://www.sei.org/publications/nordic-green-to-scale-for-countries-unlocking-the-potential-of-climate-solutions-in-kenya-and-ethiopia/ Nordic Green to Scale for countries zooms in on two regions: Kenya and Ethiopia in East Africa and the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine in Europe. This report presents the emission reduction potential of 10 selected solutions for the African target countries. The study highlights the costs, savings and co-benefits of implementing the solutions as well as makes policy recommendations for capturing the potential. Nordic Green to Scale for countries zooms in on two regions: Kenya and Ethiopia in East Africa and the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine in Europe. This report presents the emission reduction potential of 10 selected solutions for the African target countries. The study highlights the costs, savings and co-benefits of implementing the solutions as well as makes policy recommendations for capturing the potential.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 22:09:59 +0000 Mbeo Ogeya; Hannah Wanjiru; Anne Nyambane https://www.sei.org/publications/nordic-green-to-scale-for-countries-unlocking-the-potential-of-climate-solutions-in-kenya-and-ethiopia/ Publication Integrated planning ensures equitable access to water in Bolivia https://www.sei.org/features/integrated-planning-ensures-equitable-access-to-water-in-bolivia/ Linking watershed management to water and sanitation issues to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods are central to Bolivia WATCH, an innovative intervention to plan for better management of the country’s water resources. Integrating scientific tools and communities’ local wisdom helps decision makers develop an inclusive approach in ensuring equitable access to clean water. Linking watershed management to water and sanitation issues to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods are central to Bolivia WATCH, an innovative intervention to plan for better management of the country’s water resources. Integrating scientific tools and communities’ local wisdom helps decision makers develop an inclusive approach in ensuring equitable access to clean water.

]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2021 23:38:56 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/integrated-planning-ensures-equitable-access-to-water-in-bolivia/ Feature Integrating user experiences into mini-grid business model design in rural Tanzania https://www.sei.org/publications/integrating-user-experiences-into-mini-grid-business-model-design-in-rural-tanzania/ Renewable energy mini-grids can have significant impacts on livelihoods and improved business performance and productivity in rural parts of Africa, particularly where electricity grid extension is technically or financially unviable. However, designing mini-grid business models that balance affordable service provision with acceptable cost recovery remains a challenge. Renewable energy mini-grids can have significant impacts on livelihoods and improved business performance and productivity in rural parts of Africa, particularly where electricity grid extension is technically or financially unviable. However, designing mini-grid business models that balance affordable service provision with acceptable cost recovery remains a challenge.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 21:36:52 +0000 Mbeo Ogeya; Cassilde Muhoza; Oliver Johnson https://www.sei.org/publications/integrating-user-experiences-into-mini-grid-business-model-design-in-rural-tanzania/ Publication The entrepreneur’s go-to-market innovation strategy: towards a decision-analytic framework and a road mapping process to create radically successful businesses driving spectacular growth and profitability https://www.sei.org/publications/entrepreneurs-go-to-market-innovation-strategy/ It is well known that 90 percent of all new ventures fail partly because they often lack vital resources, must compete against established companies but have little or no business acumen with which to compete and drive spectacular growth and profitability. Thus, just one-out-of-ten start-ups grow into successful, sustained enterprises. It is well known that 90 percent of all new ventures fail partly because they often lack vital resources, must compete against established companies but have little or no business acumen with which to compete and drive spectacular growth and profitability. Thus, just one-out-of-ten start-ups grow into successful, sustained enterprises.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:47:47 +0000 Anderson Kehbila https://www.sei.org/publications/entrepreneurs-go-to-market-innovation-strategy/ Publication Assessing transition pathways to low-carbon electricity generation in Kenya: A hybrid approach using backcasting, socio-technical scenarios and energy system modelling https://www.sei.org/publications/assessing-transition-pathways-to-low-carbon-electricity-generation-in-kenya-a-hybrid-approach-using-backcasting-socio-technical-scenarios-and-energy-system-modelling/ The authors say that many of Kenya’s development choices will determine its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pathways in the short and long term. In the study, the environmental and economic impacts of renewable energy and thermal power technologies were evaluated based on six alternative scenarios using the LEAP-Kenya-Centralized-Electricity model to represent different development pathways of Kenya’s electricity generation future from 2010 to 2040. The authors say that many of Kenya’s development choices will determine its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pathways in the short and long term. In the study, the environmental and economic impacts of renewable energy and thermal power technologies were evaluated based on six alternative scenarios using the LEAP-Kenya-Centralized-Electricity model to represent different development pathways of Kenya’s electricity generation future from 2010 to 2040.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:10:47 +0000 Anderson Kehbila; Robert Karisa Masumbuko; Philip Osano; Mbeo Ogeya https://www.sei.org/publications/assessing-transition-pathways-to-low-carbon-electricity-generation-in-kenya-a-hybrid-approach-using-backcasting-socio-technical-scenarios-and-energy-system-modelling/ Publication A review of water-forest-energy-food security nexus data and assessment of studies in East Africa https://www.sei.org/publications/a-review-of-water-forest-energy-food-security-nexus-data-and-assessment-of-studies-in-east-africa/ The increasing scarcity of environmental resources and competition among forest, water, food and energy with a growing population and climate change pose serious threats to natural ecosystems. To provide an integrated approach towards forest conservation and energy, water and food security in the context of climate change and variability, the study undertook a literature and data review to analyse and synthesize baseline and trends of the forest-water-food-energy security nexus in East Africa. The increasing scarcity of environmental resources and competition among forest, water, food and energy with a growing population and climate change pose serious threats to natural ecosystems. To provide an integrated approach towards forest conservation and energy, water and food security in the context of climate change and variability, the study undertook a literature and data review to analyse and synthesize baseline and trends of the forest-water-food-energy security nexus in East Africa.

]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:07:13 +0000 Anderson Kehbila; Philip Osano https://www.sei.org/publications/a-review-of-water-forest-energy-food-security-nexus-data-and-assessment-of-studies-in-east-africa/ Publication Integrated assessment of global climate, air pollution, and dietary, malnutrition and obesity health impacts of food production and consumption between 2014 and 2018 https://www.sei.org/publications/integrated-assessment-of-global-climate-air-pollution-and-dietary-malnutrition-and-obesity-health-impacts-of-food-production-and-consumption-between-2014-and-2018/ This paper presents a new model that for the first time integrates the assessment of food consumption-related health risks, with the quantification of the greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutant emissions and health burdens associated with food production. This paper presents a new model that for the first time integrates the assessment of food consumption-related health risks, with the quantification of the greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutant emissions and health burdens associated with food production.

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:57:40 +0000 Chris Malley; Kevin Hicks; Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna; Eleni Michalopoulou; Amy Molotoks; Jessica Slater; Charles Heaps; Silvia Ulloa; Jason Veysey https://www.sei.org/publications/integrated-assessment-of-global-climate-air-pollution-and-dietary-malnutrition-and-obesity-health-impacts-of-food-production-and-consumption-between-2014-and-2018/ Publication Untangling the effects of climate variability and irrigation management on water levels in Lakes Titicaca and Poopó https://www.sei.org/publications/untangling-the-effects-of-climate-variability-and-irrigation-management-on-water-levels-in-lakes-titicaca-and-poopo/ SEI researchers quantified the impact of irrigation and climate variability on the range of fluctuation of water levels in Lakes Titicaca and Poopó by applying the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) model to dynamically represent the hydrology of the catchment area, irrigation and water storage in the lakes. SEI researchers quantified the impact of irrigation and climate variability on the range of fluctuation of water levels in Lakes Titicaca and Poopó by applying the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) model to dynamically represent the hydrology of the catchment area, irrigation and water storage in the lakes.

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:56:31 +0000 Nilo Lima; Marisa Escobar; Bart (A.J.) Wickel; David Purkey; Manon von Kaenel https://www.sei.org/publications/untangling-the-effects-of-climate-variability-and-irrigation-management-on-water-levels-in-lakes-titicaca-and-poopo/ Publication Integration of climate change mitigation and sustainable development planning: lessons from a national planning process in Nigeria https://www.sei.org/publications/climate-change-mitigation-and-development-planning-in-nigeria/ In this journal article, researchers from SEI York discuss climate change mitigation and sustainable development planning in Nigeria. In this journal article, researchers from SEI York discuss climate change mitigation and sustainable development planning in Nigeria.

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:05:12 +0000 Chris Malley; Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna; Kevin Hicks; Mikael Román; Candela de la Sota Sández https://www.sei.org/publications/climate-change-mitigation-and-development-planning-in-nigeria/ Publication