SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:34:25 +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 Understanding the stickiness of commodity supply chains is key to improving their sustainability https://www.sei.org/publications/sticky-supply-chains/ This article presents a novel concept, “stickiness”, to measure and characterize the level of stability and rigidity of supply chain relationships. Understanding stickiness can inform policies and initiatives to address deforestation, in particular, to assess the potential effectiveness of supply chain zero-deforestation commitments. This article presents a novel concept, “stickiness”, to measure and characterize the level of stability and rigidity of supply chain relationships. Understanding stickiness can inform policies and initiatives to address deforestation, in particular, to assess the potential effectiveness of supply chain zero-deforestation commitments.

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:43:54 +0000 Chris West; Toby Gardner; Simon Croft; Javier Godar; Michael Lathuillière https://www.sei.org/publications/sticky-supply-chains/ Publication Low-carbon transitions in West Sumatra, Indonesia: gender and equity dimensions https://www.sei.org/publications/low-carbon-transitions-in-west-sumatra-indonesia-gender-and-equity-dimensions/ Like many developing and middle-income countries, Indonesia is grappling with questions of energy security and electrification for its own citizens in an economy reliant on an uncertain coal market. This SEI policy paper explores how gender equality and social equity issues evolve in an energy-transition reality. Like many developing and middle-income countries, Indonesia is grappling with questions of energy security and electrification for its own citizens in an economy reliant on an uncertain coal market.  This SEI policy paper explores how gender equality and social equity issues evolve in an energy-transition reality.

]]> Fri, 24 Jul 2020 09:32:49 +0000 May Thazin Aung; Jessica Koski; Bernadette P. Resurrección; Sivan Kartha https://www.sei.org/publications/low-carbon-transitions-in-west-sumatra-indonesia-gender-and-equity-dimensions/ Publication Convergence of actual, warranted, and natural growth rates in a Kaleckian–Harrodian‐classical model https://www.sei.org/publications/convergence-of-actual-warranted-and-natural-growth-rates-in-a-kaleckian-harrodian%e2%80%90classical-model/ This paper describes a dynamic one‐sector macroeconomic model that draws on both post‐Keynesian and classical/neo‐Marxian themes. This paper describes a dynamic one‐sector macroeconomic model that draws on both post‐Keynesian and classical/neo‐Marxian themes.

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:08:56 +0000 Eric Kemp-Benedict https://www.sei.org/publications/convergence-of-actual-warranted-and-natural-growth-rates-in-a-kaleckian-harrodian%e2%80%90classical-model/ Publication How effective is climate finance in assisting farmers in low- and middle-income countries adapt to climate change? https://www.sei.org/features/how-effective-is-climate-finance-in-assisting-farmers-in-low-and-middle-income-countries-adapt-to-climate-change/ A new SEI project examines the impact of climate finance in agricultural adaptation in low- and middle-income countries of the Global South. The project launched with an online workshop, where stakeholders in East African countries offered insights into key issues. A new SEI project examines the impact of climate finance in agricultural adaptation in low- and middle-income countries of the Global South. The project launched with an online workshop, where stakeholders in East African countries offered insights into key issues.

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2020 06:30:58 +0000 Inès Bakhtaoui; Richard Taylor https://www.sei.org/features/how-effective-is-climate-finance-in-assisting-farmers-in-low-and-middle-income-countries-adapt-to-climate-change/ Feature Dasgupta Review on Economics of Biodiversity https://www.sei.org/events/dasgupta-review-on-economics-of-biodiversity/ SEI will host a meeting to gather feedback from select key stakeholder groups in Africa on the independent, global Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity led by Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta. The Dasgupta Review, commissioned by HM Treasury, has been exploring the sustainability of our engagements with Nature – what we take from it; how we return to it; and why we disrupt Nature’s processes. The meeting will contribute to ongoing discussions for the final report set to be published ... SEI will host a meeting to gather feedback from select key stakeholder groups in Africa on the independent, global Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity led by Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta. The Dasgupta Review, commissioned by HM Treasury, has been exploring the sustainability of our engagements with Nature – what we take from it; how we return to it; and why we disrupt Nature’s processes. The meeting will contribute to ongoing discussions for the final report set to be published in autumn this year.

Image: Maina Wainaina

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:40:49 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/dasgupta-review-on-economics-of-biodiversity/ Event Descarbonización y desarrollo en Latinoamérica y el Caribe: riesgos y oportunidades de la recuperación ante el Covid-19 https://www.sei.org/events/descarbonizacion-y-desarrollo-en-latinoamerica-y-el-caribe-riesgos-y-oportunidades-de-la-recuperacion-ante-el-covid-19/ Investigadores y expertos en política de desarrollo verde explorarán cómo las estrategias de recuperación ante la crisis económica derivada del Covid-19 pueden ayudar a propiciar economías más diversas, más sostenibles e incluyentes. Investigadores y expertos en política de desarrollo verde explorarán cómo las estrategias de recuperación ante la crisis económica derivada del Covid-19 pueden ayudar a propiciar economías más diversas, más sostenibles e incluyentes.

]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2020 00:02:57 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/descarbonizacion-y-desarrollo-en-latinoamerica-y-el-caribe-riesgos-y-oportunidades-de-la-recuperacion-ante-el-covid-19/ Event Carbon lock-in and development in Latin America and the Caribbean: risks and opportunities for recovery from Covid-19 https://www.sei.org/events/decarbonization-and-development-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-risks-and-opportunities-for-recovery-from-covid-19/ Researchers and experts in green development policy will explore how recovery strategies in the face of the Covid-19 economic crisis can help foster more diverse, more sustainable and inclusive economies. Researchers and experts in green development policy will explore how recovery strategies in the face of the Covid-19 economic crisis can help foster more diverse, more sustainable and inclusive economies.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:01:17 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/decarbonization-and-development-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-risks-and-opportunities-for-recovery-from-covid-19/ Event SEI analyses land-based climate mitigation issues through new research role https://www.sei.org/features/sei-analyses-land-based-climate-mitigation-issues-through-new-research-role/ SEI is a key partner in a new European Commission Horizon2020 research project, LAND-use based MitigAtion for Resilient Climate pathways (LANDMARC). The four-year project will analyze technical, socio-economic, and ecological dimensions of the issue. Image: John finney photography / Getty SEI is a key partner in a new European Commission Horizon2020 research project, LAND-use based MitigAtion for Resilient Climate pathways (LANDMARC). The four-year project will analyze technical, socio-economic, and ecological dimensions of the issue.

Image: John finney photography / Getty 

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 09:11:26 +0000 Francis X. Johnson https://www.sei.org/features/sei-analyses-land-based-climate-mitigation-issues-through-new-research-role/ Feature Ministers from across Africa come together to discuss the economics of biodiversity https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/ministers-from-across-africa-come-together-to-discuss-the-economics-of-biodiversity/ SEI joins Kenya’s National Treasury to host an online event that brings together experts and Ministers from Kenya, Rwanda, and the UK to inform the upcoming Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity. SEI joins Kenya’s National Treasury to host an online event that brings together experts and Ministers from Kenya, Rwanda, and the UK to inform the upcoming Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 03:00:29 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/ministers-from-across-africa-come-together-to-discuss-the-economics-of-biodiversity/ Press A framework for modelling soil structure dynamics induced by biological activity https://www.sei.org/publications/modelling-soil-structure-dynamics/ Soil degradation is a worsening global phenomenon driven by socio-economic pressures, poor land management practices and climate change. Soil degradation is a worsening global phenomenon driven by socio-economic pressures, poor land management practices and climate change.

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:05:45 +0000 Matthew Fielding https://www.sei.org/publications/modelling-soil-structure-dynamics/ Publication Covid-19 is a stark reminder to conserve nature https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/covid-19-is-stark-reminder-to-conserve-nature/ Economic growth and environmental conservation have often been viewed as conflicting. The Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for governments, businesses and communities to ensure economic growth planning does not lead to destruction of the environment. The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of our dependence on nature and the economic costs that come with failure to safeguard our animal, human and ecosystem health which are intrinsically linked. Image:... Economic growth and environmental conservation have often been viewed as conflicting. The Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for governments, businesses and communities to ensure economic growth planning does not lead to destruction of the environment.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of our dependence on nature and the economic costs that come with failure to safeguard our animal, human and ecosystem health which are intrinsically linked.

Image: Buena Vista Images / Getty Images.

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:48:19 +0000 Philip Osano https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/covid-19-is-stark-reminder-to-conserve-nature/ Press Bouncing back or bouncing forward? The overlooked role of taxonomies for climate action and pandemic recovery https://www.sei.org/perspectives/bouncing-back-or-bouncing-forward/ “Resilience” is central to the ongoing global discussion about how to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but what does this term really mean? Bouncing back or bouncing forward? Here, Sukaina Bharwani and Julia Barrott argue that enhanced understanding “resilience” is foundational to increase climate action, and to propel the pandemic recovery conversation forward to action. Their insights stem from their work on a taxonomy for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. “Resilience” is central to the ongoing global discussion about how to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but what does this term really mean? Bouncing back or bouncing forward? Here, Sukaina Bharwani and Julia Barrott argue that enhanced understanding  “resilience” is foundational to increase climate action, and to propel the pandemic recovery conversation forward to action. Their insights stem from their work on a taxonomy for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2020 16:54:48 +0000 Sukaina Bharwani; Julia Barrott https://www.sei.org/perspectives/bouncing-back-or-bouncing-forward/ Perspective Cities can lead the way to circularity – what do they need? https://www.sei.org/features/cities-can-lead-the-way-to-circularity-what-do-they-need/ Cities can jump-start the transition to a circular economy. The Urban Circularity Assessment Framework project addresses three gaps to facilitate the transition. Cities can jump-start the transition to a circular economy. The Urban Circularity Assessment Framework project addresses three gaps to facilitate the transition.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:21:34 +0000 Fedra Vanhuyse; Aina Virginia Bituin Eriksson; Maryna Henrysson https://www.sei.org/features/cities-can-lead-the-way-to-circularity-what-do-they-need/ Feature LANDMARC https://www.sei.org/projects/landmarc/ The LANDMARC project will enhance our understanding of the realistic potential of land-based negative emission solutions in agriculture, forestry and other land use sectors. The LANDMARC project will enhance our understanding of the realistic potential of land-based negative emission solutions in agriculture, forestry and other land use sectors.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 09:07:35 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/landmarc/ Project G20 governments have committed $151 billion to fossil fuels in Covid-19 recovery packages https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/g20-governments-have-committed-151-billion-to-fossil-fuels-in-covid-19-recovery-packages/ The new Energy Policy Tracker (EPT) offers a near-real-time snapshot of public funding commitments and other government policies related to the production and consumption of energy. The new Energy Policy Tracker (EPT) offers a near-real-time snapshot of public funding commitments and other government policies related to the production and consumption of energy.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2020 06:00:12 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/g20-governments-have-committed-151-billion-to-fossil-fuels-in-covid-19-recovery-packages/ Press Los gobiernos del G20 han comprometido 151 mil millones de dólares a combustibles fósiles en los paquetes de recuperación COVID-19 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/los-gobiernos-del-g20-han-comprometido-151-mil-millones-de-dolares-a-combustibles-fosiles-en-los-paquetes-de-recuperacion-covid-19/ El nuevo Energy Policy Tracker ofrece un panorama casi en tiempo real de los compromisos de financiación pública y otras políticas gubernamentales relacionadas con la producción y el consumo de energía. El nuevo Energy Policy Tracker ofrece un panorama casi en tiempo real de los compromisos de financiación pública y otras políticas gubernamentales relacionadas con la producción y el consumo de energía.

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:19:20 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/los-gobiernos-del-g20-han-comprometido-151-mil-millones-de-dolares-a-combustibles-fosiles-en-los-paquetes-de-recuperacion-covid-19/ Press Building Resilience to Climate Change in Informal Settlements https://www.sei.org/publications/building-resilience-to-climate-change-in-informal-settlements/ Approximately 1 billion people currently live in informal settlements, primarily in urban areas in low- and middle-income countries. Informal settlements are defined by poor-quality houses or shacks built outside formal laws and regulations. Most informal settlements lack piped water or adequate provision for sanitation, drainage, and public services. Many are on dangerous sites because their inhabitants have a higher chance of avoiding eviction. Approximately 1 billion people currently live in informal settlements, primarily in urban areas in low- and middle-income countries. Informal settlements are defined by poor-quality houses or shacks built outside formal laws and regulations. Most informal settlements lack piped water or adequate provision for sanitation, drainage, and public services. Many are on dangerous sites because their inhabitants have a higher chance of avoiding eviction.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:30:49 +0000 Diane Archer https://www.sei.org/publications/building-resilience-to-climate-change-in-informal-settlements/ Publication Governing sustainability in secondary cities of the Global South https://www.sei.org/publications/governing-sustainability-in-secondary-cities-of-the-global-south/ The impacts of environmental degradation and climate change have highlighted that the most vulnerable and exposed are usually marginalized, low-income populations with the least opportunity to participate in the urban development decisions which affect their livelihoods, health and happiness. However, these new and growing environmental threats have created opportunities for innovations in urban governance which could enable the previously marginalized to participate in decision-making that a... The impacts of environmental degradation and climate change have highlighted that the most vulnerable and exposed are usually marginalized, low-income populations with the least opportunity to participate in the urban development decisions which affect their livelihoods, health and happiness.

However, these new and growing environmental threats have created opportunities for innovations in urban governance which could enable the previously marginalized to participate in decision-making that aims to ensure a sustainable urban future.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2020 08:24:37 +0000 Charrlotte Adelina; Diane Archer; Oliver Johnson; Romanus Opiyo https://www.sei.org/publications/governing-sustainability-in-secondary-cities-of-the-global-south/ Publication Bigger is sometimes better: demonstrating hydrogen steelmaking at scale https://www.sei.org/publications/bigger-is-sometimes-better-demonstrating-hydrogen-steelmaking-at-scale/ This working paper examines the demonstration phase of HYBRIT, (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology), a groundbreaking effort to reduce CO2 emissions and decarbonize the steel industry, which accounts for about 7% of global CO2 emissions. HYBRIT seeks to commercialize a fossil fuel-free steel supply chain through use a new technology: a hydrogen direct reduction (HD-R) process. If this ambition is realized, it could become an important piece in the puzzle for achieving global deep dec... This working paper examines the demonstration phase of HYBRIT, (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology), a groundbreaking effort to reduce CO2 emissions and decarbonize the steel industry, which accounts for about 7% of global CO2 emissions. HYBRIT seeks to commercialize a fossil fuel-free steel supply chain through use a new technology: a hydrogen direct reduction (HD-R) process. If this ambition is realized, it could become an important piece in the puzzle for achieving global deep decarbonization.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2020 06:34:31 +0000 Olle Olsson; Björn Nykvist https://www.sei.org/publications/bigger-is-sometimes-better-demonstrating-hydrogen-steelmaking-at-scale/ Publication HLPF 2020 side event: Paris minus the SDGs: a formula for inequality? https://www.sei.org/events/hlpf-2020-side-event-paris-minus-the-sdgs-a-formula-for-inequality/ SEI’s Zoha Shawoo and Philip Osano participated in an HLPF 2020 side event which highlighted how policy incoherence between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda at the national level exacerbates inequalities. Photo: Guillaume de Germain/Unsplash SEI’s Zoha Shawoo and Philip Osano participated in an HLPF 2020 side event which highlighted how policy incoherence between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda at the national level exacerbates inequalities.

Photo: Guillaume de Germain/Unsplash

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:15:09 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/hlpf-2020-side-event-paris-minus-the-sdgs-a-formula-for-inequality/ Event