SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:33:11 +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 Länsstyrelsernas arbete med hållbar konsumtion: utmaningar och möjligheter https://www.sei.org/publications/lansstyrelsernas-hallbar-konsumtion/ Som en del av UNLOCK projektet publicerar SEI rekommendationer baserat på en enkätundersökning som utfördes hösten 2018 bland landets länsstyrelser. Enkäten undersöker vilken roll den regionala nivån kan tänkas spela för att främja kommunernas arbete med hållbar konsumtion på lokal nivå. Som en del av UNLOCK projektet publicerar SEI rekommendationer baserat på en enkätundersökning som utfördes hösten 2018 bland landets länsstyrelser. Enkäten undersöker vilken roll den regionala nivån kan tänkas spela för att främja kommunernas arbete med hållbar konsumtion på lokal nivå.

]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:35:41 +0000 Katarina Axelsson; Karin André; Elena Dawkins; Åsa Gerger Swartling; Aina Virginia Bituin Eriksson https://www.sei.org/publications/lansstyrelsernas-hallbar-konsumtion/ Publication Drivkrafter för hållbar konsumtion på lokal nivå https://www.sei.org/publications/drivkrafter-for-hallbar-konsumtion-pa-lokal-niva/ Rapporten sammanfattar resultaten från projektet UNLOCK, som identifierar och analyserar möjligheter och hinder för hållbar konsumtion på lokal nivå. Rapporten sammanfattar resultaten från projektet UNLOCK, som identifierar och analyserar möjligheter och hinder för hållbar konsumtion på lokal nivå.

]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:08:03 +0000 Elena Dawkins; Karin André; Katarina Axelsson; Åsa Gerger Swartling https://www.sei.org/publications/drivkrafter-for-hallbar-konsumtion-pa-lokal-niva/ Publication Challenges and opportunities in municipalities’ work on sustainable consumption https://www.sei.org/publications/municipalities-work-on-sustainable-consumption/ This brief presents the findings of a survey of Swedish municipalities which was conducted to better understand how they work with sustainable consumption, the challenges they face, and the most important driving forces behind their work. The brief makes three recommendations for how municipalities can strengthen their work on sustainable consumption. This brief presents the findings of a survey of Swedish municipalities which was conducted to better understand how they work with sustainable consumption, the challenges they face, and the most important driving forces behind their work. The brief makes three recommendations for how municipalities can strengthen their work on sustainable consumption.

]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 08:57:36 +0000 Katarina Axelsson; Karin André; Elena Dawkins; Aina Virginia Bituin Eriksson https://www.sei.org/publications/municipalities-work-on-sustainable-consumption/ Publication Swedish municipalities have large potential to advance sustainable consumption https://www.sei.org/publications/swedish-municipalities-sustainable-consumption/ This policy brief aims to get an in-depth understanding of how Swedish municipalities are currently managing sustainable consumption, the challenges they face and what opportunities currently exist for them to further advance their work. The brief is based on the final results of the project, described in detail in the UNLOCK final report. This policy brief aims to get an in-depth understanding of how Swedish municipalities are currently managing sustainable consumption, the challenges they face and what opportunities currently exist for them to further advance their work. The brief is based on the final results of the project, described in detail in the UNLOCK final report.

]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 08:48:21 +0000 Elena Dawkins; Katarina Axelsson; Karin André; Åsa Gerger Swartling; Aina Virginia Bituin Eriksson https://www.sei.org/publications/swedish-municipalities-sustainable-consumption/ Publication Evaluating the grassland NPP dynamics in response to climate change in Tanzania https://www.sei.org/publications/evaluating-the-grassland-npp-in-tanzania/ Evaluating NPP fluctuation, the rate at which an ecosystem accumulates energy or biomass, and developing effective responses based on the findings can help decrease the loss of grazing animals, improve the adaptation of grassland and increase food security. Evaluating NPP fluctuation, the rate at which an ecosystem accumulates energy or biomass, and developing effective responses based on the findings can help decrease the loss of grazing animals, improve the adaptation of grassland and increase food security.

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 10:12:15 +0000 Holger Hoff https://www.sei.org/publications/evaluating-the-grassland-npp-in-tanzania/ Publication Risks for new natural gas developments in Appalachia https://www.sei.org/publications/risks-for-new-natural-gas-developments-in-appalachia/ This paper explores trends affecting the economic viability of the gas industry in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, and finds that it is vulnerable to sustained, low prices of domestic gas and natural gas liquids. This paper explores trends affecting the economic viability of the gas industry in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, and finds that it is vulnerable to sustained, low prices of domestic gas and natural gas liquids.

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:02:15 +0000 Peter Erickson; Ploy Achakulwisut https://www.sei.org/publications/risks-for-new-natural-gas-developments-in-appalachia/ Publication Groundbreaking analysis shows future Appalachian shale gas drilling unprofitable and petrochemical buildout unlikely https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/analysis-shows-future-appalachian-shale-gas-drilling-unprofitable/ New gas field developments in Appalachia are unlikely to be profitable as the US energy system undergoes rapid decarbonization, according to a report from the Stockholm Environment Institute’s US Center (SEI) and the Ohio River Valley Institute. Rosy industry projections of a gas-fueled petrochemical buildout led many Appalachian communities to bank on job growth that never arrived and now may never materialize. New gas field developments in Appalachia are unlikely to be profitable as the US energy system undergoes rapid decarbonization, according to a report from the Stockholm Environment Institute’s US Center (SEI) and the Ohio River Valley Institute. Rosy industry projections of a gas-fueled petrochemical buildout led many Appalachian communities to bank on job growth that never arrived and now may never materialize.

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:02:33 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/analysis-shows-future-appalachian-shale-gas-drilling-unprofitable/ Press Forest resources are at the heart of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy. How can they be used sustainably? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/forests-eu-bioeconomy/ In its push for climate-neutrality set out in its Green Deal, the EU bets high on the bioeconomy, with its potential to deliver decarbonization by switching to bio-based renewable materials and circular design systems. A recent online event highlighted the latest debate on the issue. In its push for climate-neutrality set out in its Green Deal, the EU bets high on the bioeconomy, with its potential to deliver decarbonization by switching to bio-based renewable materials and circular design systems. A recent online event highlighted the latest debate on the issue. 

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:55:04 +0000 Francis X. Johnson; Ekaterina Bessonova https://www.sei.org/perspectives/forests-eu-bioeconomy/ Perspective An impossible tangle of things we can’t understand? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/an-impossible-tangle-of-things-we-cant-understand/ Here’s an idea for a drinking game next time you find yourself at a conference on sustainability: take a sip whenever a presenter displays an image of “night lights” – a night-time satellite image of the world. The image clearly shows where there is light and where it is dark, reflecting the extent of electrification across the regions of the world. A satellite image of the earth. Image: WikiImages / Pixabay Here’s an idea for a drinking game next time you find yourself at a conference on sustainability: take a sip whenever a presenter displays an image of “night lights” – a night-time satellite image of the world. The image clearly shows where there is light and where it is dark, reflecting the extent of electrification across the regions of the world.

A satellite image of the earth. Image: WikiImages / Pixabay

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:47:15 +0000 Olle Olsson; Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/perspectives/an-impossible-tangle-of-things-we-cant-understand/ Perspective The bigger the better? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-bigger-the-better/ In part 1 of this series, we distinguished between grids that are inherently transportation networks (e.g. telecommunications, roads, railroads) and all the other grids that do not necessarily have to be gridded, but for some reason are still organized in this way. In this part we ask: why is this? Solar panels and wind turbine near Ijssel river, The Netherlands. Image: Mischa Keijser / Getty In part 1 of this series, we distinguished between grids that are inherently transportation networks (e.g. telecommunications, roads, railroads) and all the other grids that do not necessarily have to be gridded, but for some reason are still organized in this way. In this part we ask: why is this?

Solar panels and wind turbine near Ijssel river, The Netherlands. Image: Mischa Keijser / Getty

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:49:54 +0000 Olle Olsson; Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-bigger-the-better/ Perspective Defections and death spirals https://www.sei.org/perspectives/defections-and-death-spirals/ In the previous part of this series, we looked at the emergence of wind turbines and especially solar PV as the future dominants of global electricity markets, and hinted at how their different techno-economic logic – e.g. economies of numbers rather than economies of unit scale – might affect the role of grids in future electricity systems. In this final part, we focus on the pace of development of off-grid innovation in the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) sector. Solar panels installed... In the previous part of this series, we looked at the emergence of wind turbines and especially solar PV as the future dominants of global electricity markets, and hinted at how their different techno-economic logic – e.g. economies of numbers rather than economies of unit scale – might affect the role of grids in future electricity systems. In this final part, we focus on the pace of development of off-grid innovation in the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) sector.

Solar panels installed on water supply of neighbouring greenhouses, Netherlands. Photo: Mischa Keijser / Getty Images.

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:52:29 +0000 Olle Olsson; Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/perspectives/defections-and-death-spirals/ Perspective Going beyond watershed boundaries: lessons from Nong Han Lake https://www.sei.org/features/going-beyond-watershed-boundaries-lessons-from-nong-han-lake/ The last 20 years have seen the widespread use of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to manage water resources in Southeast Asia. A recent field visit to the Nong Han Lake in northeast Thailand showed the importance of “going beyond the watershed” for improved water management. The last 20 years have seen the widespread use of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to manage water resources in Southeast Asia. A recent field visit to the Nong Han Lake in northeast Thailand showed the importance of “going beyond the watershed” for improved water management.

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 01:30:46 +0000 Uttam Ghimire https://www.sei.org/features/going-beyond-watershed-boundaries-lessons-from-nong-han-lake/ Feature The importance of valuing water https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-importance-of-valuing-water/ Water is essential for all life, yet as human activity changes the climate, we threaten this finite, irreplaceable resource. What can we do differently today to safeguard this valuable resource? How can our actions and policies ensure equitable access to water, both for humans and for ecosystems? Water is essential for all life, yet as human activity changes the climate, we threaten this finite, irreplaceable resource. What can we do differently today to safeguard this valuable resource? How can our actions and policies ensure equitable access to water, both for humans and for ecosystems?

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:27:34 +0000 Annette Huber-Lee; Laura Forni; Marisa Escobar; Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa; Rocio A. Diaz-Chavez; Karina Barquet; Brenda Ochola https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-importance-of-valuing-water/ Perspective Wastewater and excreta an untapped resource for solving environmental risks https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/wastewater-and-excreta-an-untapped-resource-for-solving-environmental-risks/ A book by SEI and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), launched on World Water Day, reports that the sanitation waste of 50% of the global population is still disposed of without having been treated – posing enormous risks to public health and the environment. This disposal means opportunities are being flushed away; instead, this waste could be used to provide more than 50 million tons of fertilizer nutrient, which would account for 25% of the current global demand. A book by SEI and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), launched on World Water Day, reports that the sanitation waste of 50% of the global population is still disposed of without having been treated – posing enormous risks to public health and the environment. This disposal means opportunities are being flushed away; instead, this waste could be used to provide more than 50 million tons of fertilizer nutrient, which would account for 25% of the current global demand.

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 05:30:07 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/wastewater-and-excreta-an-untapped-resource-for-solving-environmental-risks/ Press Más allá de la cuenca hidrográfica: teleconexiones del agua en la cuenca del río Campoalegre en Colombia https://www.sei.org/features/mas-alla-de-la-cuenca-hidrografica-teleconexiones-del-agua-en-la-cuenca-del-rio-campoalegre-en-colombia/ La producción cafetera y la generación de hidroenergía en la cuenca Campoalegre, en Colombia, ilustran el reto de integrar consideraciones de sectores productivos y las dinámicas entre zonas que concentran actividades dependientes de agua. Este estudio de caso demuestra porque es importante planear más allá de la cuenca hidrográfica y cómo la iniciativa de SEI, Agua sin Límites, contribuye a este cambio de pensamiento. La producción cafetera y la generación de hidroenergía en la cuenca Campoalegre, en Colombia, ilustran el reto de integrar consideraciones de sectores productivos y las dinámicas entre zonas que concentran actividades dependientes de agua. Este estudio de caso demuestra porque es importante planear más allá de la cuenca hidrográfica y cómo la iniciativa de SEI, Agua sin Límites, contribuye a este cambio de pensamiento.

 

 

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:15:11 +0000 Tania Santos; Héctor Angarita; Cláudia Coleoni https://www.sei.org/features/mas-alla-de-la-cuenca-hidrografica-teleconexiones-del-agua-en-la-cuenca-del-rio-campoalegre-en-colombia/ Feature Shaping the water sector to be more climate resilient: A plea for greater and wider collaboration https://www.sei.org/publications/shaping-the-water-sector-to-be-more-climate-resilient/ Improved management of water and sanitation services is fundamental not only for climate change adaptation but also for mitigation – and collaboration plays a major role in this. Improved management of water and sanitation services is fundamental not only for climate change adaptation but also for mitigation – and collaboration plays a major role in this. 

]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:25:28 +0000 Kim Andersson https://www.sei.org/publications/shaping-the-water-sector-to-be-more-climate-resilient/ Publication Sanitation, Wastewater Management and Sustainability: from Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery (2nd ed.) https://www.sei.org/publications/sanitation-wastewater-management-and-sustainability/ This 2nd edition of Sanitation, Wastewater Management and Sustainability: From Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery aims to bring about change by showing how improved sanitation and wastewater management can benefit both humans and the environment. This 2nd edition of Sanitation, Wastewater Management and Sustainability: From Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery aims to bring about change by showing how improved sanitation and wastewater management can benefit both humans and the environment.

]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:13:03 +0000 Kim Andersson; Arno Rosemarin; Sarah Dickin; Caspar Trimmer https://www.sei.org/publications/sanitation-wastewater-management-and-sustainability/ Publication A new marine litter programme for schools motivates students to contribute to citizen science https://www.sei.org/features/marine-litter-programme-for-schools/ Marine litter is a global environmental problem that also threatens the Baltic Sea ecosystem. SEI Tallinn has created a citizen science programme, the Nature and Origin of Marine Litter, within the Urban Eco-Islands: Urban and Smart Island Tourism Destinations project. The programme can be used by students to study the composition and origin of marine litter. Young woman collecting trash on the beach. Photo:Westend61 / Getty Images Marine litter is a global environmental problem that also threatens the Baltic Sea ecosystem. SEI Tallinn has created a citizen science programme, the Nature and Origin of Marine Litter, within the Urban Eco-Islands: Urban and Smart Island Tourism Destinations project. The programme can be used by students to study the composition and origin of marine litter.

Young woman collecting trash on the beach. Photo:
Westend61 / Getty Images

]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2021 08:50:58 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/marine-litter-programme-for-schools/ Feature Environmental issues in Europe – sharing lessons learned https://www.sei.org/features/environmental-issues-in-europe-sharing-lessons-learned/ “Don’t make the same mistakes as us; learn from us and progress even further than we have.” That was the main message from the ministry representatives, NGOs, researchers, environment agencies and other experts who came together for a recently concluded webinar series. These participants shared experiences from a range of EU countries in dealing with environmental issues. “Don’t make the same mistakes as us; learn from us and progress even further than we have.” That was the main message from the ministry representatives, NGOs, researchers, environment agencies and other experts who came together for a recently concluded webinar series. These participants shared experiences from a range of EU countries in dealing with environmental issues.  

]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:37:55 +0000 Johanna Lehtmets; Anneli Sundin https://www.sei.org/features/environmental-issues-in-europe-sharing-lessons-learned/ Feature Behavioural insights for policymaking: Reducing plastic use https://www.sei.org/events/behavioral-insights-for-policymaking-reducing-plastic-use/ Join the 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles and Education Programme to learn of best practices in applying behavioural insights to reduce plastic use. This webinar will specifically explore the use of nudging and communication campaigns as environmental policy tools. Join the 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles and Education Programme to learn of best practices in applying behavioural insights to reduce plastic use. This webinar will specifically explore the use of nudging and communication campaigns as environmental policy tools.

]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:31:08 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/behavioral-insights-for-policymaking-reducing-plastic-use/ Event