SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:05:52 +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 Recovering from Typhoon Haiyan: planned resettlement displaces farming communities https://www.sei.org/features/recovering-from-typhoon-haiyan-planned-resettlement-displaces-farming-communities/ Typhoon Haiyan devastated the city of Tacloban in the Philippines on 8 November 2013. Resettlement sites built north of the city aided in recovery, but also displaced farmers that had been working on the lands for generations. Many are now experiencing dramatic changes to their land security, housing, and ability to pursue their livelihoods. Typhoon Haiyan devastated the city of Tacloban in the Philippines on 8 November 2013. Resettlement sites built north of the city aided in recovery, but also displaced farmers that had been working on the lands for generations. Many are now experiencing dramatic changes to their land security, housing, and ability to pursue their livelihoods.

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2019 02:20:57 +0000 Karlee Johnson; Sofie Mortensen https://www.sei.org/features/recovering-from-typhoon-haiyan-planned-resettlement-displaces-farming-communities/ Feature Delivering on the Climate Action Summit https://www.sei.org/perspectives/delivering-the-climate-action-summit/ Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 – which is, after all, what is needed to give us a good chance of not exceeding 1.5°C – requires the decarbonization of industry. Not by some, but by all. There’s no free ride to 1.5. This article is based on remarks made at the Climate Action Summit on 22 September. It draws on the input of SEI researchers Björn Nykvist and Aaron Maltais. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 – which is, after all, what is needed to give us a good chance of not exceeding 1.5°C – requires the decarbonization of industry. Not by some, but by all. There’s no free ride to 1.5.

This article is based on remarks made at the Climate Action Summit on 22 September. It draws on the input of SEI researchers Björn Nykvist and Aaron Maltais.

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:26:53 +0000 Robert Watt https://www.sei.org/perspectives/delivering-the-climate-action-summit/ Perspective 5 tips for successful “green” meetings – that are culturally appropriate https://www.sei.org/perspectives/5-tips-for-successful-green-meetings-that-are-culturally-appropriate/ In Asia, running meetings in a more sustainable way presents a different set of problems than in the North. At SEI Asia we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Read our tips for success. In Asia, running meetings in a more sustainable way presents a different set of problems than in the North. At SEI Asia we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Read our tips for success.

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2019 03:02:59 +0000 Leonie Pearson https://www.sei.org/perspectives/5-tips-for-successful-green-meetings-that-are-culturally-appropriate/ Perspective Together it’s possible: phasing out food and plastic waste in the hospitality sector https://www.sei.org/events/food-plastic-waste-hospitality-sector/ Everyone is affected by the impacts of food and plastic waste. But how do we achieve SDG 12? Join us in New York on 27 September to learn how to reduce food and plastic waste in the hospitality sector. This UNGA side event will showcase the One Planet network as the implementation mechanism for SDG 12 and present strategies, approaches and cases of how to reduce food waste and single-use plastics. Everyone is affected by the impacts of food and plastic waste. But how do we achieve SDG 12?

Join us in New York on 27 September to learn how to reduce food and plastic waste in the hospitality sector. This UNGA side event will showcase the One Planet network as the implementation mechanism for SDG 12 and present strategies, approaches and cases of how to reduce food waste and single-use plastics.

]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:35:20 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/food-plastic-waste-hospitality-sector/ Event Reducing greenhouse gas emissions of Amazon hydropower with strategic dam planning https://www.sei.org/publications/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-of-amazon-hydropower-with-strategic-dam-planning/ Hydropower has been promoted as a climate-friendly alternative to meet the world’s growing electricity demand. Globally, hydropower dam construction is expected to reach unprecedented rates in the coming decades, especially in countries with emerging economies. One hotspot for future hydropower expansion is the Amazon, the world’s largest river basin. However, about 10% of the world’s hydropower facilities emit as much GHGs per unit energy as conventional fossil-fueled power plants.In light o... Hydropower has been promoted as a climate-friendly alternative to meet the world’s growing electricity demand. Globally, hydropower dam construction is expected to reach unprecedented rates in the coming decades, especially in countries with emerging economies. One hotspot for future hydropower expansion is the Amazon, the world’s largest river basin.

However, about 10% of the world’s hydropower facilities emit as much GHGs per unit energy as conventional fossil-fueled power plants.In light of the expected boom in construction of new hydropower dams in the Amazon basin, it is critical to identify whether future dams will produce low-carbon energy.

]]> Thu, 26 Sep 2019 16:45:36 +0000 Héctor Angarita https://www.sei.org/publications/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-of-amazon-hydropower-with-strategic-dam-planning/ Publication ¿Cómo reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de la energía hidroeléctrica del Amazonas? https://www.sei.org/publications/como-reducir-las-emisiones-de-gases-de-efecto-invernadero-de-la-energia-hidroelectrica-del-amazonas/ La energía hidroeléctrica se ha promovido como una alternativa para satisfacer la creciente demanda mundial de electricidad. Sin embargo, alrededor del 10% de las instalaciones hidroeléctricas en todo el mundo emiten tantos Gases de Efecto Invernadero (GEI) por unidad de energía como aquellas plantas de energía alimentadas con combustibles fósiles. A nivel mundial, se espera que la construcción de presas hidroeléctricas alcance tasas sin precedentes en las próximas décadas, especialmente en p... La energía hidroeléctrica se ha promovido como una alternativa para satisfacer la creciente demanda mundial de electricidad. Sin embargo, alrededor del 10% de las instalaciones hidroeléctricas en todo el mundo emiten tantos Gases de Efecto Invernadero (GEI) por unidad de energía como aquellas plantas de energía alimentadas con combustibles fósiles.

A nivel mundial, se espera que la construcción de presas hidroeléctricas alcance tasas sin precedentes en las próximas décadas, especialmente en países con economías emergentes. Un lugar clave para la futura expansión de la energía hidroeléctrica es el Amazonas, la cuenca hidrográfica más grande del mundo. ¿Cómo reducir la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero de la energía hidroeléctrica del Amazonas a través de la planificación estratégica de represas?

]]> Thu, 26 Sep 2019 16:43:39 +0000 Héctor Angarita https://www.sei.org/publications/como-reducir-las-emisiones-de-gases-de-efecto-invernadero-de-la-energia-hidroelectrica-del-amazonas/ Publication Successes and shortcomings of climate change communication: insights from a longitudinal analysis of Swedish Forest owners https://www.sei.org/publications/successes-and-shortcomings-of-climate-change-communication/ This article examines the effects of participatory, science-based climate change communication on adaptation efforts of forest owners in Sweden. The communication project did not lead to climate-related actions; in fact, forest owners grew less concerned about climate change in the project’s wake. The authors interpret the findings as evidence of the need for better-tailored communication. This article examines the effects of participatory, science-based climate change communication on adaptation efforts of forest owners in Sweden. The communication project did not lead to climate-related actions; in fact, forest owners grew less concerned about climate change in the project’s wake. The authors interpret the findings as evidence of the need for better-tailored communication.

]]> Wed, 25 Sep 2019 16:35:34 +0000 Gregor Vulturius; Karin André; Åsa Gerger Swartling https://www.sei.org/publications/successes-and-shortcomings-of-climate-change-communication/ Publication Designing transformative development interventions https://www.sei.org/publications/designing-transformative-development-interventions/ More than three trillion US dollars have been transferred by donor countries to low-income countries as development aid since the 1960s. While these investments have achieved many successes, a significant number of complex and crucial challenges still prove intractable. Innovative ideas are required in response. Our new toolkit combines service design, complex adaptive systems thinking and behavioural science in a way that allows for effective and efficient design and implementation of develo... More than three trillion US dollars have been transferred by donor countries to low-income countries as development aid since the 1960s. While these investments have achieved many successes, a significant number of complex and crucial challenges still prove intractable. Innovative ideas are required in response. Our new toolkit combines service design, complex adaptive systems thinking and behavioural science in a way that allows for effective and efficient design and implementation of development interventions in complex settings.

Read the brief in full below, or download the PDF.

]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2019 09:07:17 +0000 Fiona Lambe; Matthew Osborne https://www.sei.org/publications/designing-transformative-development-interventions/ Publication Building a resilient future https://www.sei.org/events/building-a-resilient-future/ Alongside action to transform towards low carbon development pathways, urgent action on building resilience and adapting to climate change is vital for achieving nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals. Just a day ahead of the UN Climate Action Summit, SEI is a partner in organising this event convened by the Global Resilience Partnership that sets out ambitious and transformative actions needed to build resilience. Register to be a part of it or follow the event live online. Alongside action to transform towards low carbon development pathways, urgent action on building resilience and adapting to climate change is vital for achieving nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Just a day ahead of the UN Climate Action Summit, SEI is a partner in organising this event convened by the Global Resilience Partnership that sets out ambitious and transformative actions needed to build resilience. Register to be a part of it or follow the event live online.

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2019 11:12:17 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/building-a-resilient-future/ Event Creative solutions for urban infrastructure https://www.sei.org/features/creative-solutions-for-urban-infrastructure/ SEI’s work brings non-traditional tools – think art and poetry – to urban development in Africa and elsewhere. The approach underpins new, creative ways of thinking about how to co-design city infrastructure for improved health and mobility. SEI’s work brings non-traditional tools – think art and poetry – to urban development in Africa and elsewhere. The approach underpins new, creative ways of thinking about how to co-design city infrastructure for improved health and mobility.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:28:36 +0000 Howard Cambridge; Karen Brandon; Steve Cinderby https://www.sei.org/features/creative-solutions-for-urban-infrastructure/ Feature A public-private path to decarbonizing industry and achieving net-zero emissions https://www.sei.org/perspectives/a-public-private-path-to-decarbonising-industry/ At the UN Climate Action Summit, heads of state and government are expected to detail how their countries plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One important element: decarbonizing industries such as steel, cement and petrochemicals. Here are some thoughts on what is needed for that to happen. At the UN Climate Action Summit, heads of state and government are expected to detail how their countries plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One important element: decarbonizing industries such as steel, cement and petrochemicals. Here are some thoughts on what is needed for that to happen.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:31:08 +0000 Aaron Maltais; Björn Nykvist https://www.sei.org/perspectives/a-public-private-path-to-decarbonising-industry/ Perspective Five lessons from past mining closures https://www.sei.org/features/five-lessons-from-past-mining-closures/ If we are serious about limiting the impacts of climate change, around 80% of the world’s coal reserves will have to stay in the ground. Some mines will need to close. Here are five lessons drawn from our research on mining transitions for equitable societies. If we are serious about limiting the impacts of climate change, around 80% of the world’s coal reserves will have to stay in the ground. Some mines will need to close. Here are five lessons drawn from our research on mining transitions for equitable societies.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 06:12:15 +0000 Claudia Strambo; May Thazin Aung https://www.sei.org/features/five-lessons-from-past-mining-closures/ Feature A tool to increase effectiveness of development finance https://www.sei.org/features/tool-to-increase-effectiveness-of-development-finance/ SEI is developing a tool that makes data on development finance easy to visualize. The goal is to create a clearer picture of aid flows, then start correlating to development indicators – and ultimately, make development finance more effective. SEI is developing a tool that makes data on development finance easy to visualize. The goal is to create a clearer picture of aid flows, then start correlating to development indicators – and ultimately, make development finance more effective.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 06:09:47 +0000 Andrea Lindblom https://www.sei.org/features/tool-to-increase-effectiveness-of-development-finance/ Feature Behind the scenes of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) https://www.sei.org/features/behind-the-scenes-of-nationally-determined-contributions/ NDCs are the pledges countries make toward meeting the internationally recognized goal of keeping global temperature increases to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. NDCs embody their efforts both to reduce emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. SEI works with countries to help them apply its energy and emissions modeling software called LEAP to examine the potential for more ambitious NDCs. Charlie Heaps is the developer of LEAP and a senior scientist at SEI. NDCs are the pledges countries make toward meeting the internationally recognized goal of keeping global temperature increases to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. NDCs embody their efforts both to reduce emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

SEI works with countries to help them apply its energy and emissions modeling software called LEAP to examine the potential for more ambitious NDCs. Charlie Heaps is the developer of LEAP and a senior scientist at SEI.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:27:30 +0000 Andrea Lindblom https://www.sei.org/features/behind-the-scenes-of-nationally-determined-contributions/ Feature How to enhance NDCs, reduce air pollution and improve human health https://www.sei.org/perspectives/how-to-enhance-ndcs-reduce-air-pollution-and-improve-human-health/ Reducing air pollution supports crucial development goals. If done right, it could also increase countries’ commitments to mitigate climate change, captured in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Reducing air pollution supports crucial development goals. If done right, it could also increase countries’ commitments to mitigate climate change, captured in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:14:27 +0000 Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna; Chris Malley https://www.sei.org/perspectives/how-to-enhance-ndcs-reduce-air-pollution-and-improve-human-health/ Perspective Video: how climate risks cross borders https://www.sei.org/features/video-how-climate-risks-cross-borders/ We live in a globalized world. Just as people, goods and services cross borders, so do the impacts of climate change. The Adaptation Without Borders initiative encourages a global approach to adaptation. We live in a globalized world. Just as people, goods and services cross borders, so do the impacts of climate change. The Adaptation Without Borders initiative encourages a global approach to adaptation.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 06:09:24 +0000 Andrea Lindblom https://www.sei.org/features/video-how-climate-risks-cross-borders/ Feature Making climate action work https://www.sei.org/features/making-climate-action-work/ The UN Climate Action Summit aims to accelerate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and to get to net zero emissions by 2050. What should leaders from governments, business and civil society prioritize? SEI has gathered evidence-based insights and solutions that can be applied across the action tracks of the summit. The UN Climate Action Summit aims to accelerate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and to get to net zero emissions by 2050. What should leaders from governments, business and civil society prioritize? SEI has gathered evidence-based insights and solutions that can be applied across the action tracks of the summit.

]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:00:11 +0000 Andrea Lindblom https://www.sei.org/features/making-climate-action-work/ Feature Why land-based mitigation is key to net-zero emissions https://www.sei.org/perspectives/why-land-based-mitigation-is-key-to-net-zero-emissions/ World leaders are to present their ideas and strategies on how to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit in New York. Net-zero requires balance between GHG emissions and removals from the atmosphere. So while it is vital to eliminate subsidies from fossil fuels and deepen investments in renewables and energy efficiency, net-zero also requires increasing the capacity of global carbon sinks. World leaders are to present their ideas and strategies on how to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit in New York.

Net-zero requires balance between GHG emissions and removals from the atmosphere. So while it is vital to eliminate subsidies from fossil fuels and deepen investments in renewables and energy efficiency, net-zero also requires increasing the capacity of global carbon sinks.

]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:42:23 +0000 Francis X. Johnson https://www.sei.org/perspectives/why-land-based-mitigation-is-key-to-net-zero-emissions/ Perspective Sharing the planet in just ways https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sharing-the-planet-in-just-ways/ There is a critical need to better understand and grasp the causes of climate change through entanglements of ecosystems with communal, state and global structures – and ultimately to explore possibilities to tackle climate change from within such interconnections. In this interview by Mediapart, the Bangkok-based researcher Sara Vigil reflects on climate change-induced migration and green grabbing in Africa and Asia. There is a critical need to better understand and grasp the causes of climate change through entanglements of ecosystems with communal, state and global structures – and ultimately to explore possibilities to tackle climate change from within such interconnections. In this interview by Mediapart, the Bangkok-based researcher Sara Vigil reflects on climate change-induced migration and green grabbing in Africa and Asia.

]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2019 11:53:11 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sharing-the-planet-in-just-ways/ Press ¿Por qué el uso del suelo es clave para alcanzar la neutralidad de carbono? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/por-que-el-uso-del-suelo-es-clave-para-alcanzar-la-neutralidad-de-carbono/ Los líderes mundiales presentaron sus ideas y estrategias sobre cómo lograr emisiones netas nulas de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) para 2050 en la Cumbre de Acción Climática de la ONU en Nueva York. Para lograr este objetivo se requiere un equilibrio entre las emisiones de GEI y las absorciones de la atmósfera. Entonces, si bien es vital eliminar los subsidios de los combustibles fósiles y profundizar las inversiones en energías renovables y eficiencia energética, el cero neto también req... Los líderes mundiales presentaron sus ideas y estrategias sobre cómo lograr emisiones netas nulas de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) para 2050 en la Cumbre de Acción Climática de la ONU en Nueva York.

Para lograr este objetivo se requiere un equilibrio entre las emisiones de GEI y las absorciones de la atmósfera. Entonces, si bien es vital eliminar los subsidios de los combustibles fósiles y profundizar las inversiones en energías renovables y eficiencia energética, el cero neto también requiere aumentar la capacidad de los sumideros de carbono globales.

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:02:08 +0000 Francis X. Johnson https://www.sei.org/perspectives/por-que-el-uso-del-suelo-es-clave-para-alcanzar-la-neutralidad-de-carbono/ Perspective