SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:40:44 +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 “Vaccine apartheid” threatens the equity of climate negotiations https://www.sei.org/perspectives/vaccine-apartheid-threatens-equity-climate-negotiations/ Just 0.2% of Covid-19 vaccine supplies have gone to low-income countries. This leaves developing countries continuing to deal with the pandemic, while wealthier countries begin returning to normal. With the UN’s preparatory climate negotiations for COP26 beginning this week, we outline how this “vaccine apartheid” threatens the equity of climate negotiations – and what steps can be taken to address these inequitable impacts. Just 0.2% of Covid-19 vaccine supplies have gone to low-income countries. This leaves developing countries continuing to deal with the pandemic, while wealthier countries begin returning to normal.

With the UN’s preparatory climate negotiations for COP26 beginning this week, we outline how this “vaccine apartheid” threatens the equity of climate negotiations – and what steps can be taken to address these inequitable impacts.

]]> Mon, 31 May 2021 06:38:01 +0000 Anisha Nazareth; Zoha Shawoo; Frida Lager https://www.sei.org/perspectives/vaccine-apartheid-threatens-equity-climate-negotiations/ Perspective Reaching net-zero industry through public-private partnerships https://www.sei.org/publications/reaching-net-zero-industry-public-private-partnerships/ Global momentum for industry transition is building and recent years have seen the growth of much-needed collaboration between nations, as well as public and private-sector actors. The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) is one example of this, providing an arena for such international cooperation. Using case studies from a number of countries, this brief reviews a range of public-private partnerships and policy mixes, and examines the importance of collective action. Global momentum for industry transition is building and recent years have seen the growth of much-needed collaboration between nations, as well as public and private-sector actors. The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) is one example of this, providing an arena for such international cooperation. Using case studies from a number of countries, this brief reviews a range of public-private partnerships and policy mixes, and examines the importance of collective action.

]]> Fri, 28 May 2021 08:45:47 +0000 Gökçe Mete; Robin Hocquet; Felipe Sanchez; Sara Talebian; Astrid Nilsson Lewis https://www.sei.org/publications/reaching-net-zero-industry-public-private-partnerships/ Publication Towards indicators of the global environmental impacts of UK consumption: embedded deforestation 2021 https://www.sei.org/publications/draft-indicator-for-uk-overseas-consumption-impacts/ The Outcome Indicator Framework for the UK government’s 25-year environment plan calls for the development of an indicator to measure the overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities. This report describes the work undertaken so far, and future work needed to release this indicator as an experimental statistic for Outcome Indicator Reporting starting in 2022. The Outcome Indicator Framework for the UK government’s 25-year environment plan calls for the development of an indicator to measure the overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities. This report describes the work undertaken so far, and future work needed to release this indicator as an experimental statistic for Outcome Indicator Reporting starting in 2022.

]]> Fri, 28 May 2021 08:10:43 +0000 Simon Croft; Chris West; Amanda Otley https://www.sei.org/publications/draft-indicator-for-uk-overseas-consumption-impacts/ Publication Developing regional cooperation on air pollution in Northeast Asia: transferring lessons from Europe and North America, progress and future development https://www.sei.org/publications/regional-cooperation-on-air-pollution-in-northeast-asia/ This report reviews the cooperation between three Northeast Asian countries: China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and assesses which aspects of the regional collaboration from Europe and North America can be transferred to this part of Asia. The report will serve to advise governments, intergovernmental agencies and others on some key options that can be used to take further action at either national or regional scales. This report reviews the cooperation between three Northeast Asian countries: China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and assesses which aspects of the regional collaboration from Europe and North America can be transferred to this part of Asia. The report will serve to advise governments, intergovernmental agencies and others on some key options that can be used to take further action at either national or regional scales.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 23:00:08 +0000 Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna; Kevin Hicks; Eve Palmer; Diane Archer; Jaee Nikam https://www.sei.org/publications/regional-cooperation-on-air-pollution-in-northeast-asia/ Publication Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs https://www.sei.org/publications/measuring-progress-environment-and-the-sdgs/ SEI’s Ivonne Lobos Alva is one of the lead authors of the “Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs” publication that informs on the 92 environment-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, analyzes the progress made in achieving the SDGs targets, and identifies data gaps. SEI’s Ivonne Lobos Alva is one of the lead authors of the “Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs” publication that informs on the 92 environment-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, analyzes the progress made in achieving the SDGs targets, and identifies data gaps.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 22:18:14 +0000 Ivonne Lobos Alva https://www.sei.org/publications/measuring-progress-environment-and-the-sdgs/ Publication The circular economy potential of urban organic waste streams in low- and middle-income countries https://www.sei.org/publications/the-circular-economy-in-low-and-middle-income-countries/ There is growing recognition of the potential environmental and socio-economic benefits of applying a circular approach to urban organic waste management. But the challenges of implementing a circular economy approach to waste management in low- and middle-income countries are poorly understood. There is growing recognition of the potential environmental and socio-economic benefits of applying a circular approach to urban organic waste management. But the challenges of implementing a circular economy approach to waste management in low- and middle-income countries are poorly understood.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 15:15:28 +0000 Daniel Ddiba; Kim Andersson; Arno Rosemarin; Sarah Dickin https://www.sei.org/publications/the-circular-economy-in-low-and-middle-income-countries/ Publication Transboundary climate risk and adaptation https://www.sei.org/publications/transboundary-climate-risk-adaptation/ This policy brief summarises the present state of knowledge on transboundary climate risks and discusses the implications for adaptation programming, policy and global governance. This policy brief summarises the present state of knowledge on transboundary climate risks and discusses the implications for adaptation programming, policy and global governance.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 15:02:56 +0000 Magnus Benzie; Katy Harris https://www.sei.org/publications/transboundary-climate-risk-adaptation/ Publication Webinar: decarbonization in a new geopolitical landscape – the EU, US and China https://www.sei.org/events/webinar-decarbonization-geopolitical-landscape-eu-us-china/ This free webinar gathers researchers from the Mistra Geopolitics research programme to examine how the new geopolitical landscape with the EU, the US and China will affect opportunities for sustainability transitions; how different countries position themselves in decarbonization competition and cooperation; and how global trends might hinder decarbonization. This free webinar gathers researchers from the Mistra Geopolitics research programme to examine how the new geopolitical landscape with the EU, the US and China will affect opportunities for sustainability transitions; how different countries position themselves in decarbonization competition and cooperation; and how global trends might hinder decarbonization.

]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 12:09:06 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/webinar-decarbonization-geopolitical-landscape-eu-us-china/ Event Toidujäätmete ja toidukao teke Eesti toidutarneahelas https://www.sei.org/publications/toidujaatmete-ja-toidukao-teke-eesti-toidutarneahelas/ Eestis tekkiva toidujäätmete ja toidukao ning nende tekkepõhjuste uuring viidi läbi kõigis toidutarneahela etappides, sh kodumajapidamistes, toitlustuses, kaubanduses, toidutööstuses ja esmatootmises (põllumajandus ja kalakasvatus). Uuringu tulemused kajastavad 2020. aastal tehtud detailuuringus kogutud andmete ning riikliku jäätmearuandluse 2019. aasta andmete analüüsil saadud tulemusi. Eestis tekkiva toidujäätmete ja toidukao ning nende tekkepõhjuste uuring viidi läbi kõigis toidutarneahela etappides, sh kodumajapidamistes, toitlustuses, kaubanduses, toidutööstuses ja esmatootmises (põllumajandus ja kalakasvatus). Uuringu tulemused kajastavad 2020. aastal tehtud detailuuringus kogutud andmete ning riikliku jäätmearuandluse 2019. aasta andmete analüüsil saadud
tulemusi.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 11:06:25 +0000 Evelin Piirsalu; Harri Moora; Kadi Väli https://www.sei.org/publications/toidujaatmete-ja-toidukao-teke-eesti-toidutarneahelas/ Publication Uuring: Eestis läheb aastas raisku 164 miljoni euro eest toitu https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/uuring-eestis-laheb-aastas-raisku-164-miljoni-euro-eest-toitu/ Keskkonnaministeeriumi tellitud värskest uuringust selgub, et Eestis tekib 167 000 tonni toidujäätmeid aastas. Toidujäätmetest poole ehk ligikaudu 84 000 tonni moodustab raisku läinud toit ehk toidukadu. Kogu toidutarneahela jooksul Eestis raisatud toidu väärtus kokku on hinnanguliselt 164 miljonit eurot aastas. Foto: Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Keskkonnaministeeriumi tellitud värskest uuringust selgub, et Eestis tekib 167 000 tonni toidujäätmeid aastas. Toidujäätmetest poole ehk ligikaudu 84 000 tonni moodustab raisku läinud toit ehk toidukadu. Kogu toidutarneahela jooksul Eestis raisatud toidu väärtus kokku on hinnanguliselt 164 miljonit eurot aastas.

Foto: Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 11:45:31 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/uuring-eestis-laheb-aastas-raisku-164-miljoni-euro-eest-toitu/ Press What is the impact of complex WASH interventions on gender and social equality outcomes in low- and middle-income countries? A mixed-method systematic review protocol https://www.sei.org/publications/complex-wash-interventions-gender-social-equality-outcomes-low-middle-income-countries-protocol/ Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are crucial to human health and wellbeing, but access to them is often unequal. This protocol explains the objectives and methods of a review which seeks to synthesise evidence on gender and social equality outcomes in complex WASH interventions. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are crucial to human health and wellbeing, but access to them is often unequal. This protocol explains the objectives and methods of a review which seeks to synthesise evidence on gender and social equality outcomes in complex WASH interventions.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 13:23:30 +0000 Biljana Macura; Laura Del Duca; Adriana Soto Trujillo; Sarah Dickin https://www.sei.org/publications/complex-wash-interventions-gender-social-equality-outcomes-low-middle-income-countries-protocol/ Publication Researcher perspectives on challenges and opportunities in conservation physiology revealed from an online survey https://www.sei.org/publications/challenges-opportunities-conservation-physiology-survey/ This article presents the results of an online survey aimed at gaining first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by conservation physiologists. Characterizing the current state of the field can help build a better foundation for determining how it can grow. This article presents the results of an online survey aimed at gaining first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by conservation physiologists. Characterizing the current state of the field can help build a better foundation for determining how it can grow.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 12:01:12 +0000 Neal Haddaway https://www.sei.org/publications/challenges-opportunities-conservation-physiology-survey/ Publication Inclusive climate-resilient transport in Africa: assessment of the needs of transport stakeholders including disadvantaged groups https://www.sei.org/publications/inclusive-climate-resilient-transport-in-africa-needs-assessment/ This report presents a summary of an assessment undertaken to understand the awareness that transport planners and decision-makers have of catering for the needs of disadvantaged groups. This includes the challenges transport planners and decision-makers face in incorporating the views of disadvantaged groups and climate resilience in the planning process. This report presents a summary of an assessment undertaken to understand the awareness that transport planners and decision-makers have of catering for the needs of disadvantaged groups. This includes the challenges transport planners and decision-makers face in incorporating the views of disadvantaged groups and climate resilience in the planning process.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 08:04:18 +0000 Gary Haq; Cassilde Muhoza; George Njoroge https://www.sei.org/publications/inclusive-climate-resilient-transport-in-africa-needs-assessment/ Publication The climate case against Shell: SEI Senior Scientist’s letter to the court https://www.sei.org/publications/climate-case-shell-sei-letter-court/ In a letter submitted to the District Court of The Hague, SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson criticizes a Shell-commissioned report on oil and gas production. In a letter submitted to the District Court of The Hague, SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson criticizes a Shell-commissioned report on oil and gas production.

]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 22:31:12 +0000 Peter Erickson https://www.sei.org/publications/climate-case-shell-sei-letter-court/ Publication Biofuture Platform Policy Conference and Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference https://www.sei.org/events/biofuture-platform-policy-conference-biofuture-summit-ii-and-brazilian-bioenergy-science-and-technology-conference-bbest/ Photo: Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images. The Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference and the 20-country Biofuture Platform will combine two conferences in one: the second Biofuture Platform policy conference (BIOFUTURE SUMMIT II), and the fourth edition of the Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference (BBEST).

Photo: Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images.

The Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference and the 20-country Biofuture Platform will combine two conferences in one: the second Biofuture Platform policy conference (BIOFUTURE SUMMIT II), and the fourth edition of the Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference (BBEST).

]]> Sun, 16 May 2021 21:05:49 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/biofuture-platform-policy-conference-biofuture-summit-ii-and-brazilian-bioenergy-science-and-technology-conference-bbest/ Event Netherlands court rules that Shell must reduce its emissions https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/netherlands-court-rules-shell-reduce-emissions/ SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson comments on the verdict, which says Shell must cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson comments on the verdict, which says Shell must cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 16:33:36 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/netherlands-court-rules-shell-reduce-emissions/ Press Oil companies say reducing their production won’t reduce CO2 emissions. Here’s the reality. https://www.sei.org/perspectives/oil-companies-reducing-production-co2-emissions/ SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson details why Shell’s arguments in a recent court case are misleading, in the wake of a verdict ordering the oil major to reduce emissions. SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson details why Shell’s arguments in a recent court case are misleading, in the wake of a verdict ordering the oil major to reduce emissions.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 18:27:19 +0000 Peter Erickson https://www.sei.org/perspectives/oil-companies-reducing-production-co2-emissions/ Perspective The economics of biodiversity: an African dialogue https://www.sei.org/events/the-economics-of-biodiversity-an-african-dialogue/ Join Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, SEI Africa Centre Director Dr Philip Osano, and technical level panelists from African governments, United Nations agencies, academia, and the private sector. The experts will focus on implications of the Dasgupta Report for Africa and the resulting opportunities. Join Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, SEI Africa Centre Director Dr Philip Osano, and technical level panelists from African governments, United Nations agencies, academia, and the private sector. The experts will focus on implications of the Dasgupta Report for Africa and the resulting opportunities.

]]> Wed, 05 May 2021 13:58:29 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/the-economics-of-biodiversity-an-african-dialogue/ Event Act now to safeguard biodiversity, nature’s asset class in Africa – the Dasgupta Review https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/act-now-to-safeguard-biodiversity-natures-asset-class-in-africa-dasgupta-review/ A UK Treasury-commissioned independent review on the economics of biodiversity has called for a change in the way the world thinks and acts with regard to nature. Africa, alongside the rest of the world, must heed the call to understand that our economies are embedded within nature and are not external to it, participants in a webinar heard. A UK Treasury-commissioned independent review on the economics of biodiversity has called for a change in the way the world thinks and acts with regard to nature. Africa, alongside the rest of the world, must heed the call to understand that our economies are embedded within nature and are not external to it, participants in a webinar heard.

]]> Fri, 28 May 2021 18:33:06 +0000 Lawrence Nzuve; Philip Osano https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/act-now-to-safeguard-biodiversity-natures-asset-class-in-africa-dasgupta-review/ Press To decarbonize U.S. industry, look to federal and state-level partnerships https://www.sei.org/publications/to-decarbonize-u-s-industry-look-to-partnerships/ As the world’s largest economy, the United States (U.S.) will be an essential player in global efforts to address climate change. Tackling industrial emissions will therefore need to be a key element of U.S. climate policy. As the world’s largest economy, the United States (U.S.) will be an essential player in global efforts to address climate change. Tackling industrial emissions will therefore need to be a key element of U.S. climate policy.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 07:05:03 +0000 Derik Broekhoff; Silvia Ulloa; Jason Veysey https://www.sei.org/publications/to-decarbonize-u-s-industry-look-to-partnerships/ Publication