SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:51:20 +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 Bridging the gap – The role of short-lived climate pollutants https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-gap-role-short-lived-climate-pollutants/ The goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as agreed at the Conference of the Parties in 2015, is to keep global temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also calls for efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The ‘emissions gap’ is the difference between the emission trajectories resulting from implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the trajectories associated with em... The goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as agreed at the Conference of the Parties in 2015, is to keep global temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also calls for efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The ‘emissions gap’ is the difference between the emission trajectories resulting from implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the trajectories associated with emission scenarios that are consistent with temperature targets, such as the 2°C target. This chapter outlines the opportunities to reduce the emissions gap afforded by limiting emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2018 13:08:47 +0000 Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna https://www.sei.org/publications/bridging-gap-role-short-lived-climate-pollutants/ Publication A unifying explanation for variation in ozone sensitivity among woody plants https://www.sei.org/publications/unifying-explanation-variation-ozone-sensitivity-among-woody-plants/ This paper explores whether the variation in ozone sensitivity among woody species can be linked to interspecific variation in leaf morphology. This paper explores whether the variation in ozone sensitivity among woody species can be linked to interspecific variation in leaf morphology.

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2018 11:33:39 +0000 Lisa Emberson; Patrick Büker https://www.sei.org/publications/unifying-explanation-variation-ozone-sensitivity-among-woody-plants/ Publication Analysis of the distributions of hourly NO2 concentrations contributing to annual average NO2 concentrations across the European monitoring network https://www.sei.org/publications/analysis-distributions-hourly-no2-concentrations-contributing-annual-average-no2-concentrations-across-european-monitoring-network-2000-2014/ This study quantifies the contribution of hourly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variation to annual NO2 concentrations at > 2500 sites across Europe. Sites with distinct monthly, hour of day, and hourly NO2 contributions to annual NO2were not grouped into specific European regions. Within relatively small areas there were sites with similar annual NO2 but with differences in these contributions. Therefore, measures implemented to reduce annual NO2 in one location may not be as effective in others. This study quantifies the contribution of hourly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variation to annual NO2 concentrations at > 2500 sites across Europe. Sites with distinct monthly, hour of day, and hourly NO2 contributions to annual NO2were not grouped into specific European regions. Within relatively small areas there were sites with similar annual NO2 but with differences in these contributions. Therefore, measures implemented to reduce annual NO2 in one location may not be as effective in others.

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2018 10:45:00 +0000 Chris Malley; Kevin Hicks https://www.sei.org/publications/analysis-distributions-hourly-no2-concentrations-contributing-annual-average-no2-concentrations-across-european-monitoring-network-2000-2014/ Publication Apoyando la integración de los ODS en Colombia https://www.sei.org/projects/apoyando-la-integracion-de-los-ods-en-colombia/ SEI se ha asociado con el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (ONU Medio Ambiente) para apoyar la implementación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) desde la perspectiva medioambiental en Colombia. SEI se ha asociado con el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (ONU Medio Ambiente) para apoyar la implementación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) desde la perspectiva medioambiental en Colombia.

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2018 19:24:17 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/apoyando-la-integracion-de-los-ods-en-colombia/ Project Biased technological change and Kaldor’s stylized facts https://www.sei.org/publications/biased-technological-change-kaldors-stylized-facts/ This paper presents a theory of biased technological change in which firms pursue a random, local, search for productivity-enhancing innovations. This paper presents a theory of biased technological change in which firms pursue a random, local, search for productivity-enhancing innovations.

]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2018 09:51:59 +0000 Eric Kemp-Benedict https://www.sei.org/publications/biased-technological-change-kaldors-stylized-facts/ Publication Words matter: using language and technology to better inform the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities https://www.sei.org/publications/words-matter-using-language-technology-better-inform-climate-change-adaptation-disaster-risk-reduction-communities/ The authors advocate for the creation of a climate change “translator” that helps the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities find a way to better communicate with one another. The authors advocate for the creation of a climate change “translator” that helps the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities find a way to better communicate with one another.

]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:28:21 +0000 Julia Barrott; Sukaina Bharwani https://www.sei.org/publications/words-matter-using-language-technology-better-inform-climate-change-adaptation-disaster-risk-reduction-communities/ Publication Second rate or a second chance? Assessing biomass and biodiversity recovery in regenerating Amazonian forests https://www.sei.org/publications/second-rate-second-chance/ Although tropical forests in the eastern Amazon do not regenerate the same levels of biodiversity and biomass as undisturbed primary forests, they are still vitally important for species conservation and carbon storage. Although tropical forests in the eastern Amazon do not regenerate the same levels of biodiversity and biomass as undisturbed primary forests, they are still vitally important for species conservation and carbon storage.

]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:30:25 +0000 Toby Gardner https://www.sei.org/publications/second-rate-second-chance/ Publication What is “legislative theatre”, and can it help tackle air pollution? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/improv-theatre-air-pollution-kenya/ I was just in Mukuru, an informal settlement in Nairobi, working with the AIR Network on a piece of legislative theatre. I witnessed the power of using less conventional research methods to understand what’s important for local people and to communicate this to policy-makers. The results were unexpected and inspiring. I was just in Mukuru, an informal settlement in Nairobi, working with the AIR Network on a piece of legislative theatre. I witnessed the power of using less conventional research methods to understand what’s important for local people and to communicate this to policy-makers. The results were unexpected and inspiring.

]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:18:05 +0000 Fiona Lambe https://www.sei.org/perspectives/improv-theatre-air-pollution-kenya/ Perspective “Second best or second chance?” Why regrown tropical forests are worth protecting https://www.sei.org/features/secondary-forest-value/ Even after 40 years of recovery, secondary forests remain species and carbon-poor compared to undisturbed primary forests, according to a new study, but they are still an essential way of protecting biodiversity and storing carbon. Even after 40 years of recovery, secondary forests remain species and carbon-poor compared to undisturbed primary forests, according to a new study, but they are still an essential way of protecting biodiversity and storing carbon.

]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:30:46 +0000 Caspar Trimmer https://www.sei.org/features/secondary-forest-value/ Feature Untouched forests are the ecological gold standard https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/untouched-forests-ecological-gold-standard/ A new study reveals that untouched, primary forests are the ecological gold standard, but regrowing tropical forests are also key to biodiversity and carbon storage. The study shows that even after 40 years of recovery, secondary forests remain species and carbon-poor compared to undisturbed primary forests. SEI’s Dr Toby Gardner is one of the co-authors of the study that is published today in the leading journal Global Change Biology. A new study reveals that untouched, primary forests are the ecological gold standard, but regrowing tropical forests are also key to biodiversity and carbon storage. The study shows that even after 40 years of recovery, secondary forests remain species and carbon-poor compared to undisturbed primary forests.

SEI’s Dr Toby Gardner is one of the co-authors of the study that is published today in the leading journal Global Change Biology.

]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:30:52 +0000 Toby Gardner; Ylva Rylander https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/untouched-forests-ecological-gold-standard/ Press Brazil’s landless movement and rights ‘from below’ https://www.sei.org/publications/brazils-landless-movement-rights/ Member of the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST), wearing a mask during a demonstration in the Esplanade of the Ministries, in front of the National Congress. Photo: Marcello Casal JR/ABr, Wikimedia Commons.

Member of the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST), wearing a mask during a demonstration in the Esplanade of the Ministries, in front of the National Congress. Photo: Marcello Casal JR/ABr, Wikimedia Commons.

]]> Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:08:47 +0000 Jon Ensor https://www.sei.org/publications/brazils-landless-movement-rights/ Publication 7 ways to speed up Southeast Asia’s switch to renewable energy https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/southeast-asia-renewable-energy-switch/ Southeast Asia has immense potential for renewables, yet coal is still king. Eco-Business asked experts, including SEI Associate Peter du Pont, how the transition to renewables can be hastened. Southeast Asia has immense potential for renewables, yet coal is still king. Eco-Business asked experts, including SEI Associate Peter du Pont, how the transition to renewables can be hastened.

]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2018 14:54:49 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/southeast-asia-renewable-energy-switch/ Press Meeting the global challenge of adaptation by addressing transboundary climate risk https://www.sei.org/publications/transboundary-climate-risk/ This brief from SEI, IDDRI and ODI finds that a transboundary view of climate risk creates opportunities for international cooperation on adaptation. This brief from SEI, IDDRI and ODI finds that a transboundary view of climate risk creates opportunities for international cooperation on adaptation.

]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2018 10:28:26 +0000 Magnus Benzie; Kevin M. Adams; Åsa Persson; Richard J.T. Klein; Katy Harris https://www.sei.org/publications/transboundary-climate-risk/ Publication How can we support the development of robust groundwater sustainability plans? https://www.sei.org/publications/robust-groundwater-sustainability-plans/ This article describes the development of a groundwater sustainability plan for California’s Yolo County, using a participatory decision-making process. This article describes the development of a groundwater sustainability plan for California’s Yolo County, using a participatory decision-making process.

]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2018 21:56:25 +0000 Vishal Mehta; Charles A. Young; Susie Bresney https://www.sei.org/publications/robust-groundwater-sustainability-plans/ Publication Impacts of biofuel crop production in southern Africa: Land use change, ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and food security https://www.sei.org/publications/impacts-biofuel-ecosystem-services-synthesis/ In sub-Saharan Africa, biofuels have been touted as more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, wood and charcoal – but do they help alleviate poverty and improve well-being for farmers and end-users? This brief summarises insights from a three-country study in which an ecosystem services approach was to assess the trade-offs surrounding biofuel production and household use. In sub-Saharan Africa, biofuels have been touted as more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, wood and charcoal – but do they help alleviate poverty and improve well-being for farmers and end-users? This brief summarises insights from a three-country study in which an ecosystem services approach was to assess the trade-offs surrounding biofuel production and household use.

]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:41:47 +0000 Francis X. Johnson; Anne Nyambane https://www.sei.org/publications/impacts-biofuel-ecosystem-services-synthesis/ Publication Supporting SDG integration in Colombia https://www.sei.org/projects/sustainable-development-goals-colombia/ SEI is partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme to support the implementation of the environmental aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Colombia. SEI is partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme to support the implementation of the environmental aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Colombia.

]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2018 19:14:51 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/sustainable-development-goals-colombia/ Project Põhjamaade-Baltikumi ringse tekstiilisüsteemi suunas https://www.sei.org/projects/pohjamaade-baltikumi-ringse-tekstiilisusteemi-suunas/ Baltimaad on üheks põhiliseks sihtpunktiks Põhjamaade tarbijajärgsetele tekstiilidele, mängides olulist rolli Põhjamaade ringmajanduse süsteemis. Oma teadmisi jagades panustavad Põhjamaad Baltikumi ringmajanduse arengusse, edendades tekstiilide ümbertöötlemisega seotud oskusi, suurendades kogumisprotsesside võimekust, taaskasutust ja ümbertöötlemist. Seekaudu panustavad Põhjamaad tekstiilide uuskasutuse ja ringlussevõtu vallas võetud kohustustesse. Baltimaad on üheks põhiliseks sihtpunktiks Põhjamaade tarbijajärgsetele tekstiilidele, mängides olulist rolli Põhjamaade ringmajanduse süsteemis. Oma teadmisi jagades panustavad Põhjamaad Baltikumi ringmajanduse arengusse, edendades tekstiilide ümbertöötlemisega seotud oskusi, suurendades kogumisprotsesside võimekust, taaskasutust ja ümbertöötlemist. Seekaudu panustavad Põhjamaad tekstiilide uuskasutuse ja ringlussevõtu vallas võetud kohustustesse.

]]> Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:20:27 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/pohjamaade-baltikumi-ringse-tekstiilisusteemi-suunas/ Project YENESIS 2.0 https://www.sei.org/projects/yenesis-eng/ The project YENESIS – Youth Employment Network for Energy Sustainability in Islands, aims to address the challenge of unemployment of young professionals of 25-29 years of age (19-29 in Estonia’s case) not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) residing on islands of the beneficiary states. The project YENESIS – Youth Employment Network for Energy Sustainability in Islands, aims to address the challenge of unemployment of young professionals of 25-29 years of age (19-29 in Estonia’s case) not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) residing on islands of the beneficiary states.

]]> Tue, 21 May 2019 11:26:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/yenesis-eng/ Project Truly reconciled? A dyadic analysis of post-conflict social reintegration in Northern Uganda https://www.sei.org/publications/truly-reconciled-dyadic-analysis-post-conflict-social-reintegration-uganda/ In the aftermath of civil war or violent internal conflict, one of the key peacebuilding challenges is the reconciliation of former enemies who are members of the same small-scale societies. This paper carries out a dyadic analysis to help detect which groups in post-conflict Uganda may be more prone to discriminate against ex-combatants, which may help facilitate targeted interventions. In the aftermath of civil war or violent internal conflict, one of the key peacebuilding challenges is the reconciliation of former enemies who are members of the same small-scale societies. This paper carries out a dyadic analysis to help detect which groups in post-conflict Uganda may be more prone to discriminate against ex-combatants, which may help facilitate targeted interventions.

]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:41:03 +0000 Matthew Osborne https://www.sei.org/publications/truly-reconciled-dyadic-analysis-post-conflict-social-reintegration-uganda/ Publication The Good Life Goals: sustainable development gets personal https://www.sei.org/features/good-life-goals-sustainable-development-gets-personal/ Yesterday saw the launch of the Good Life Goals – a set of actions individuals around the world can take to support the Sustainable Development Goals – by the global change agency Futerra and the 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles and Education programme. Yesterday saw the launch of the Good Life Goals – a set of actions individuals around the world can take to support the Sustainable Development Goals – by the global change agency Futerra and the 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles and Education programme.

]]> Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:35:06 +0000 Peter Repinski https://www.sei.org/features/good-life-goals-sustainable-development-gets-personal/ Feature