SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:39:42 +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 SEI Tallinn’s Season’s Greetings https://www.sei.org/features/sei-tallinns-seasons-greetings-2/ SEI Tallinn would like to thank all its partners for a fruitful year of collaboration and contributions towards making the world a better and more sustainable place. We wish you a Happy Holiday Season and all the best for 2021 – the UN Year of fruits and vegetables! SEI Tallinn would like to thank all its partners for a fruitful year of collaboration and contributions towards making the world a better and more sustainable place.

We wish you a Happy Holiday Season and all the best for 2021 – the UN Year of fruits and vegetables!

]]> Thu, 24 Dec 2020 12:01:04 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/sei-tallinns-seasons-greetings-2/ Feature How Theory of Change can be a pathway to impact: three takeaways https://www.sei.org/perspectives/how-theory-of-change-can-be-a-pathway-to-impact-three-takeaways/ Theory of Change (ToC) is a systematic approach focusing on pathways to change. This approach can be a key ingredient for a well-functioning project design, blended with stakeholder participation and strategies for communication. Here, three takeaways from a recent paper exploring the use of ToC are outlined. Theory of Change (ToC) is a systematic approach focusing on pathways to change. This approach can be a key ingredient for a well-functioning project design, blended with stakeholder participation and strategies for communication. Here, three takeaways from a recent paper exploring the use of ToC are outlined.

]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:42:38 +0000 Anneli Sundin https://www.sei.org/perspectives/how-theory-of-change-can-be-a-pathway-to-impact-three-takeaways/ Perspective Sveriges energirelaterade reformer i budgeten 2021 kan ge fart åt en grön återhämtning https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sveriges-energirelaterade-reformer-i-budgeten-2021-kan-ge-fart-at-en-gron-aterhamtning/ I juli 2020 lanserade fjorton expertorganisationer från hela världen — inklusive Stockholm Environment Institute — Energy Policy Tracker, en databas som visar fortlöpande analys av regeringars ekonomiska återhämtningspaket för covid-19 ur ett klimat- och energiperspektiv. I juli 2020 lanserade fjorton expertorganisationer från hela världen — inklusive Stockholm Environment Institute — Energy Policy Tracker, en databas som visar fortlöpande analys av regeringars ekonomiska återhämtningspaket för covid-19 ur ett klimat- och energiperspektiv.

]]> Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:15:44 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sveriges-energirelaterade-reformer-i-budgeten-2021-kan-ge-fart-at-en-gron-aterhamtning/ Press Arctic Wetlands Ecosystems – AWERRS https://www.sei.org/projects/arctic-wetlands-ecosystems/ By focusing on human activities that impact Arctic wetlands ecosystems, the Arctic Wetlands Ecosystems – Resilience through Restoration & Stewardship (AWERRS) project tackled the broad challenge of building resilience in a rapidly changing Arctic. Led by SEI, this project involved partners and collaborators from Norway, Iceland, Sweden, the Russian Federation and the United States. By focusing on human activities that impact Arctic wetlands ecosystems, the Arctic Wetlands Ecosystems – Resilience through Restoration & Stewardship (AWERRS) project tackled the broad challenge of building resilience in a rapidly changing Arctic.

Led by SEI, this project involved partners and collaborators from Norway, Iceland, Sweden, the Russian Federation and the United States.

]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:33:35 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/arctic-wetlands-ecosystems/ Project Seitsme Euroopa rohelise pealinna võrdlus: lävendtegevused ja initsiatiivid https://www.sei.org/publications/seitsme-euroopa-rohelise-pealinna-vordlus-lavendtegevused-ja-initsiatiivid/ Käesolev uurimustöö analüüsib keskkonnanäitajaid ja aspekte, mis on toonud praeguseks Euroopa Rohelise Pealinna tiitli pälvinud linnadele edu. Käesolev uurimustöö analüüsib keskkonnanäitajaid ja aspekte, mis on toonud praeguseks Euroopa Rohelise Pealinna tiitli pälvinud linnadele edu.

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:23:36 +0000 Kaidi Kaaret; Kristel Nõges; Kaja Peterson https://www.sei.org/publications/seitsme-euroopa-rohelise-pealinna-vordlus-lavendtegevused-ja-initsiatiivid/ Publication How can regional cooperation on bioeconomy pathways support equity, health and well-being? https://www.sei.org/features/bioeconomy-pathways-equity-health-well-being/ A workshop during the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2020 examined priorities for innovative bioeconomy pathways that promote health, well-being and resilience. Below, you can watch a video from the workshop, and read takeaway points and quotes from key speakers. A workshop during the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2020 examined priorities for innovative bioeconomy pathways that promote health, well-being and resilience. Below, you can watch a video from the workshop, and read takeaway points and quotes from key speakers.

 

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:45:00 +0000 Venni Arra; Ekaterina Bessonova https://www.sei.org/features/bioeconomy-pathways-equity-health-well-being/ Feature Rethinking migration and (mal)adaptation to climate change https://www.sei.org/perspectives/rethinking-migration-and-maladaptation-to-climate-change/ The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered economies, compromised the lives of millions and urged us to rethink human mobility in a changing climate. This piece explains why an intersectional understanding of drivers and impacts is needed for enhancing the human security of people who migrate and those who stay behind. A family travels to a safer location amid flood waters as water enters new areas after the cyclone Aila hit in the south-west parts in Harinagar, Satkhira, displacing thousands and fo... The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered economies, compromised the lives of millions and urged us to rethink human mobility in a changing climate. This piece explains why an intersectional understanding of drivers and impacts is needed for enhancing the human security of people who migrate and those who stay behind.

A family travels to a safer location amid flood waters as water enters new areas after the cyclone Aila hit in the south-west parts in Harinagar, Satkhira, displacing thousands and forcing them to move. Photo: Abir Abdullah/IOM

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2020 02:00:55 +0000 Sara Vigil https://www.sei.org/perspectives/rethinking-migration-and-maladaptation-to-climate-change/ Perspective Citizen science for quantifying and reducing food loss and food waste https://www.sei.org/publications/citizen-science-to-reduce-food-waste/ This paper identifies citizen science opportunities to address food waste-related SDGs. This paper identifies citizen science opportunities to address food waste-related SDGs.

]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:12:09 +0000 Rachel Pateman; Evelin Piirsalu; Emilie Stokeld; Sarah West https://www.sei.org/publications/citizen-science-to-reduce-food-waste/ Publication Our future in the Anthropocene biosphere: global sustainability and resilient societies https://www.sei.org/publications/anthropocene-biosphere-sustainability-resilient-societies/ The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of our interconnected, tightly coupled and globalized world. This White Paper sets the scientific stage for understanding and responding to such crises in support of global sustainability and more resilient societies. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of our interconnected, tightly coupled and globalized world. This White Paper sets the scientific stage for understanding and responding to such crises in support of global sustainability and more resilient societies.

]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2020 15:54:19 +0000 Holger Hoff https://www.sei.org/publications/anthropocene-biosphere-sustainability-resilient-societies/ Publication How can agricultural research translation projects targeting smallholder production systems be strengthened by using Theory of Change? https://www.sei.org/publications/agricultural-research-translation-projects-smallholder-production-systems-strengthened-theory-of-change/ This article explores how using a Theory of Change approach can lead to more effective integration of science-based knowledge into agricultural and policy development, crucial for improving food security. This article explores how using a Theory of Change approach can lead to more effective integration of science-based knowledge into agricultural and policy development, crucial for improving food security.

]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2020 10:14:42 +0000 Anneli Sundin https://www.sei.org/publications/agricultural-research-translation-projects-smallholder-production-systems-strengthened-theory-of-change/ Publication The Paris Agreement Five Years On: Adaptation to dangerous climate change is not conceding defeat on mitigation https://www.sei.org/perspectives/paris-agreement-five-years-on-adaptation-to-dangerous-climate-change-is-not-conceding-defeat-on-mitigation/ The insights of global experts working the field of climate change adaptation suggest that more ambition is needed – not just to achieve the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement – but to both carry out the scale of adaptation action that many experts think will be needed, and to prepare for the potential for even greater warming. Examining the subject of adaptation to high-end climate change is important. It does not mean conceding defeat. It means being prudent. The insights of global experts working the field of climate change adaptation suggest that more ambition is needed – not just to achieve the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement – but to both carry out the scale of adaptation action that many experts think will be needed, and to prepare for the potential for even greater warming. Examining the subject of adaptation to high-end climate change is important. It does not mean conceding defeat. It means being prudent.

]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:00:12 +0000 Richard Taylor; Richard J.T. Klein https://www.sei.org/perspectives/paris-agreement-five-years-on-adaptation-to-dangerous-climate-change-is-not-conceding-defeat-on-mitigation/ Perspective A collaborative green transition is crucial for tackling climate change in cities https://www.sei.org/features/a-collaborative-green-transition-is-crucial-for-tackling-climate-change-in-cities/ The 10th Sustainable Development Forum focused on cities and human settlements in a changing climate. Participating experts from Estonia and beyond focused on both the international view and on how to achieve climate neutrality in Estonia at the local level. Sustainable Development Forum 2020 in the Estonian Parliament and online. Photo: Aron Urb The 10th Sustainable Development Forum focused on cities and human settlements in a changing climate. Participating experts from Estonia and beyond focused on both the international view and on how to achieve climate neutrality in Estonia at the local level.

Sustainable Development Forum 2020 in the Estonian Parliament and online. Photo: Aron Urb

]]> Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:12:16 +0000 Johanna Lehtmets https://www.sei.org/features/a-collaborative-green-transition-is-crucial-for-tackling-climate-change-in-cities/ Feature Kliimamuutuse mõjude arvestamiseks linnades on vaja koostööl põhinevat rohepööret https://www.sei.org/features/kliimamuutuse-mojude-arvestamiseks-linnades-on-vaja-koostool-pohinevat-rohepooret/ Tänavune juba 10. Säästva Arengu Foorum keskendus linnadele ja asumitele muutuvas kliimas. Teema üle arutlesid eksperdid Eestist ning kaugemalt võttes fookusesse nii rahvusvahelise vaate kui keskendudes sellele, kuidas saavutada kliimaneutraalsus Eestis kohaliku omavalitsuse tasandil. Tänavune juba 10. Säästva Arengu Foorum keskendus linnadele ja asumitele muutuvas kliimas. Teema üle arutlesid eksperdid Eestist ning kaugemalt võttes fookusesse nii rahvusvahelise vaate kui keskendudes sellele, kuidas saavutada kliimaneutraalsus Eestis kohaliku omavalitsuse tasandil.

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:35:30 +0000 Johanna Lehtmets https://www.sei.org/features/kliimamuutuse-mojude-arvestamiseks-linnades-on-vaja-koostool-pohinevat-rohepooret/ Feature Water use in global livestock production – opportunities and constraints for increasing water productivity https://www.sei.org/publications/water-use-global-livestock-production-opportunities-constraints-increasing-water-productivity/ Increasing population, change in consumption habits, and climate change will likely increase the competition for freshwater resources in the future. This article offers a comprehensive assessment of water use and water productivity in the global livestock sector. Increasing population, change in consumption habits, and climate change will likely increase the competition for freshwater resources in the future. This article offers a comprehensive assessment of water use and water productivity in the global livestock sector.

]]> Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:36:08 +0000 Holger Hoff https://www.sei.org/publications/water-use-global-livestock-production-opportunities-constraints-increasing-water-productivity/ Publication Nonequilibrium models of optimal enhancer function https://www.sei.org/publications/nonequilibrium-models-optimal-enhancer-function/ To date, the more general, “nonequilibrium” biophysical models have proven difficult to analyze and connect to data. This article reduces this complexity theoretically, by constructing simple nonequilibrium models which perform optimal gene regulation within known experimental constraints. To date, the more general, “nonequilibrium” biophysical models have proven difficult to analyze and connect to data. This article reduces this complexity theoretically, by constructing simple nonequilibrium models which perform optimal gene regulation within known experimental constraints.

]]> Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:00:21 +0000 Rok Grah https://www.sei.org/publications/nonequilibrium-models-optimal-enhancer-function/ Publication BONUS RETURN Final Report: results, conclusions and recommendations https://www.sei.org/publications/bonus-return-final-report/ The BONUS RETURN project (May 2017 to October 2020) set out to explore the reduction of emissions to the Baltic Sea from agriculture and wastewater by turning nutrients and carbon into benefits – closing nutrient loops and promoting circularity. This report summarizes the project’s results, conclusions and recommendations. Mainstreaming the circular economy requires a shift in mindsets – away from take-make-dispose and towards reduce-reuse-recycle-recover strategy. Image: Angela Schmidt / Eye... The BONUS RETURN project (May 2017 to October 2020) set out to explore the reduction of emissions to the Baltic Sea from agriculture and wastewater by turning nutrients and carbon into benefits – closing nutrient loops and promoting circularity. This report summarizes the project’s results, conclusions and recommendations.

Mainstreaming the circular economy requires a shift in mindsets – away from take-make-dispose and towards reduce-reuse-recycle-recover strategy. Image: Angela Schmidt / EyeEm /  Getty 

]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 19:59:23 +0000 https://www.sei.org/publications/bonus-return-final-report/ Publication The Paris Agreement, NDCs and changing realities https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-paris-agreement-ndcs-and-changing-realities/ The Paris Agreement may not have changed the world – but it installed the NDC process, which has been helpful in building capacities in small and medium developing countries. Together with changing realities on the ground, this can help in getting us onto pathways that are compatible with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement may not have changed the world – but it installed the NDC process, which has been helpful in building capacities in small and medium developing countries. Together with changing realities on the ground, this can help in getting us onto pathways that are compatible with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.

]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 07:19:32 +0000 Charles Heaps https://www.sei.org/perspectives/the-paris-agreement-ndcs-and-changing-realities/ Perspective Det svenska biståndet måste agera kraftfullare för att utrota hunger https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/det-svenska-bistandet-maste-agera-kraftfullare-for-att-utrota-hunger/ Inför utdelningen av Nobels fredspris lyfter forskare inom programmet Agriculture for Food Security 2030 vikten av att Sverige satsar mer bistånd till småskaligt jordbruk. ”Katastrofbistånd räddar liv vid akut nöd, men utrotar inte hunger”, skriver de i Omvärlden. Inför utdelningen av Nobels fredspris lyfter forskare inom programmet Agriculture for Food Security 2030 vikten av att Sverige satsar mer bistånd till småskaligt jordbruk. ”Katastrofbistånd räddar liv vid akut nöd, men utrotar inte hunger”, skriver de i Omvärlden.

]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:36:01 +0000 Ivar Virgin https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/det-svenska-bistandet-maste-agera-kraftfullare-for-att-utrota-hunger/ Press Lessons learned from the Baltic Sea https://www.sei.org/perspectives/lessons-learned-from-the-baltic-sea/ Karina Barquet, the BONUS RETURN project coordinator, reflects on lessons she has learned through her work addressing issues confronting the Baltic Sea region. Her observations draw on her experiences through the BONUS RETURN project, which piloted promising ecotechnologies that can help address sustainable development issues in the region, and reduce the run-off that is harming its aquatic life. Karina Barquet, the BONUS RETURN project coordinator, reflects on lessons she has learned through her work addressing issues confronting the Baltic Sea region. Her observations draw on her experiences through the BONUS RETURN project, which piloted promising ecotechnologies that can help address sustainable development issues in the region, and reduce the run-off that is harming its aquatic life.

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2020 23:47:37 +0000 Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/perspectives/lessons-learned-from-the-baltic-sea/ Perspective The Paris Agreement five years on https://www.sei.org/features/the-paris-agreement-five-years-on/ Five years after the Paris Agreement was adopted, SEI looks at what the historical agreement said on various issues of climate politics, where we are now — and where we need to go. Five years after the Paris Agreement was adopted, SEI looks at what the historical agreement said on various issues of climate politics, where we are now — and where we need to go.

]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:36:13 +0000 Andrea Lindblom https://www.sei.org/features/the-paris-agreement-five-years-on/ Feature