SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:25:23 +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 “The way enthusiasm builds”: frame amplification and emotional reinforcement in participatory policymaking https://www.sei.org/publications/emotions-participatory-policymaking/ In this paper, the authors reflect on observations of three UK-based participatory policymaking workshops to examine how emotions both informed and were informed by citizens’ sensemaking schemata – or “frames”. They discuss how framing and emotions were mutually reinforcing in some instances, but also identify where this interconnected amplification did not arise. In this paper, the authors reflect on observations of three UK-based participatory policymaking workshops to examine how emotions both informed and were informed by citizens’ sensemaking schemata – or “frames”. They discuss how framing and emotions were mutually reinforcing in some instances, but also identify where this interconnected amplification did not arise.

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:39:08 +0000 Alison Dyke https://www.sei.org/publications/emotions-participatory-policymaking/ Publication Supply-chain risk: tools webinar https://www.sei.org/events/supply-chain-risk-tools-webinar/ Join this online webinar, organized by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and co-hosted by SEI York’s Sustainable Consumption and Production team. Explore how the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption (GEIC) indicator and ENCORE can help you understand and manage risks in global supply chains. Join this online webinar, organized by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and co-hosted by SEI York’s Sustainable Consumption and Production team. Explore how the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption (GEIC) indicator and ENCORE can help you understand and manage risks in global supply chains.

]]> Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:05:43 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/supply-chain-risk-tools-webinar/ Event Uniting citizen science and plural valuation: potential for leveraging transformative change https://www.sei.org/publications/citizen-science-plural-valuation-decisions-policy/ The current ecological crisis demands transformative change. Recognition of the plural ways people value nature and integrating these plural values into decision-making is vital for the creation of legitimate, just and robust valuations to drive the transformation needed. The benefits of citizen science for plural valuation have, however, been overlooked. In this paper, the authors reveal that, in fact, the processes of citizen science and plural valuation are mutually beneficial. The current ecological crisis demands transformative change. Recognition of the plural ways people value nature and integrating these plural values into decision-making is vital for the creation of legitimate, just and robust valuations to drive the transformation needed. The benefits of citizen science for plural valuation have, however, been overlooked. In this paper, the authors reveal that, in fact, the processes of citizen science and plural valuation are mutually beneficial. 

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:00:48 +0000 Alison Dyke https://www.sei.org/publications/citizen-science-plural-valuation-decisions-policy/ Publication Building a community to shape research, policy and practice in the Mekong Region with SUMERNET https://www.sei.org/features/sumernet-community-mekong-research-policy-practice/ The Sustainable Mekong Research Network, SUMERNET, was founded in 2005 by SEI and 13 other organizations, with long-term funding from Sida, to strengthen the Mekong Region’s evidence-based policy for sustainable development. The Sustainable Mekong Research Network, SUMERNET, was founded in 2005 by SEI and 13 other organizations, with long-term funding from Sida, to strengthen the Mekong Region’s evidence-based policy for sustainable development.

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:45:26 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/sumernet-community-mekong-research-policy-practice/ Feature Media briefing 13 October: SEI experts highlight the key topics to watch at biodiversity COP17 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/media-briefing-biodiversity-cop17/ On 13 October, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) invites you to a media briefing where SEI experts will share their perspectives on the connections between science, biodiversity, trade and consumption, and opportunities linked to the bioeconomy and new business models – all key topics for the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia (19–30 October). On 13 October, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) invites you to a media briefing where SEI experts will share their perspectives on the connections between science, biodiversity, trade and consumption, and opportunities linked to the bioeconomy and new business models – all key topics for the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia (19–30 October).

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:04:01 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/media-briefing-biodiversity-cop17/ Press Matsvinn: goda intentioner möter verkligheten https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/matsvinn-goda-intentioner-moter-verkligheten/ Mellan drömmen om en perfekt matlåda och verklighetens glömda salsaburk i kylskåpsdjupet finns en hel djungel av vardagsutmaningar som skapar svinn om och om igen. För att bättre förstå var matsvinn uppstår, och hur olika val kopplas till att maten slängs, har forskare skapat en ”matsvinnsmodell”. Mellan drömmen om en perfekt matlåda och verklighetens glömda salsaburk i kylskåpsdjupet finns en hel djungel av vardagsutmaningar som skapar svinn om och om igen. För att bättre förstå var matsvinn uppstår, och hur olika val kopplas till att maten slängs, har forskare skapat en ”matsvinnsmodell”.

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/matsvinn-goda-intentioner-moter-verkligheten/ Press Bases técnicas para la evaluación del retiro gradual de las centrales termoeléctricas a carbón en Colombia https://www.sei.org/publications/tecnicas-evaluacion-retiro-termoelectricas-carbon-colombia/ En un contexto de transformación tecnológica, descarbonización y creciente variabilidad climática, las decisiones sobre el retiro o la reconversión de estos activos no deberían responder únicamente a situaciones de urgencia de manera reactiva, sino a una visión de largo plazo que permita gestionar los cambios del sistema eléctrico y anticipar sus posibles efectos sobre los actores. En un contexto de transformación tecnológica, descarbonización y creciente variabilidad climática, las decisiones sobre el retiro o la reconversión de estos activos no deberían responder únicamente a situaciones de urgencia de manera reactiva, sino a una visión de largo plazo que permita gestionar los cambios del sistema eléctrico y anticipar sus  posibles efectos sobre los actores.

]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:18:09 +0000 Sofía Delgado; Juan Sebastián Roncancio; Néstor Rodríguez; José Gil; Jessica Arias; Laura Flechas Mejía; Diana Carolina Murillo https://www.sei.org/publications/tecnicas-evaluacion-retiro-termoelectricas-carbon-colombia/ Publication Estrategia para la transición planificada y justa de las centrales termoeléctricas a carbón en Colombia https://www.sei.org/publications/estrategia-transicion-planificada-justa-termoelectricas-colombia/ Colombia enfrenta el desafío de planificar el futuro de sus centrales termoeléctricas a carbón, considerando las necesidades del sistema eléctrico y los impactos económicos, sociales y ambientales de su transformación. Esta estrategia propone un marco integral para orientar su retiro o reconversión gradual, fortalecer la seguridad energética y promover una transición justa, mediante la coordinación entre el Gobierno, las empresas, las personas trabajadoras y los territorios. Colombia enfrenta el desafío de planificar el futuro de sus centrales termoeléctricas a carbón, considerando las necesidades del sistema eléctrico y los impactos económicos, sociales y ambientales de su transformación. Esta estrategia propone un marco integral para orientar su retiro o reconversión gradual, fortalecer la seguridad energética y promover una transición justa, mediante la coordinación entre el Gobierno, las empresas, las personas trabajadoras y los territorios.

]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:48:18 +0000 Jessica Arias; Laura Flechas; Diana Murillo; Sofía Delgado; Juan Sebastián Roncancio https://www.sei.org/publications/estrategia-transicion-planificada-justa-termoelectricas-colombia/ Publication Partnership in practice for people: SEI and ONWR co-design actionable solutions for water and climate resilience in Thailand https://www.sei.org/features/partnership-in-practice-for-people-sei-onwr/ SEI and ONWR are collaborating to identify priorities, share expertise, co-design solutions, and mobilize partnerships that are needed to implement effective solutions for water and climate resilience in Thailand and throughout the region. SEI and ONWR are collaborating to identify priorities, share expertise, co-design solutions, and mobilize partnerships that are needed to implement effective solutions for water and climate resilience in Thailand and throughout the region.

]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:17:57 +0000 Ridhi Saluja; Thanapon Piman https://www.sei.org/features/partnership-in-practice-for-people-sei-onwr/ Feature SEI at Climate Week NYC 2026 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-climate-week-nyc-2026/ Climate Week NYC aims to address the biggest global challenges, helping shape decision-making in business and government. Experts from SEI will participate as speakers, panelists, and delegates at over 10 partner events across Climate Week NYC. Climate Week NYC aims to address the biggest global challenges, helping shape decision-making in business and government. Experts from SEI will participate as speakers, panelists, and delegates at over 10 partner events across Climate Week NYC.

]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-climate-week-nyc-2026/ Event Innovar desde el territorio: lecciones para construir un turismo más inteligente y sostenible en Colombia https://www.sei.org/perspectives/innovar-desde-el-territorio-turismo-colombia/ Cada 27 de septiembre, el Día Mundial del Turismo invita a reflexionar sobre el papel del sector en el desarrollo sostenible. En 2026, ONU Turismo propone el lema “Agenda digital e inteligencia artificial para rediseñar el turismo”. Más allá de adoptar nuevas tecnologías, el desafío es aprovecharlas para tomar mejores decisiones, ampliar la inclusión y mejorar la experiencia de quienes viajan y la gestión sostenible de los destinos. Cada 27 de septiembre, el Día Mundial del Turismo invita a reflexionar sobre el papel del sector en el desarrollo sostenible. En 2026, ONU Turismo propone el lema “Agenda digital e inteligencia artificial para rediseñar el turismo”. Más allá de adoptar nuevas tecnologías, el desafío es aprovecharlas para tomar mejores decisiones, ampliar la inclusión y mejorar la experiencia de quienes viajan y la gestión sostenible de los destinos.

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:38:31 +0000 Mónica Trujillo; Camilo Garzón https://www.sei.org/perspectives/innovar-desde-el-territorio-turismo-colombia/ Perspective Environmental citizen science in schools: impacts on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour https://www.sei.org/publications/impacts-of-environmental-citizen-science-education/ Research involving nearly 200 Hong Kong students aged 11-19 indicates that participation in environmental citizen science activities can positively impact the range and frequency of an individual’s pro-environmental behaviours. The authors explored the influence of different environmental behaviour psychology factors and share practical implications for those seeking to adopt citizen science approaches in environmental education programs. Research involving nearly 200 Hong Kong students aged 11-19 indicates that participation in environmental citizen science activities can positively impact the range and frequency of an individual’s pro-environmental behaviours. The authors explored the influence of different environmental behaviour psychology factors and share practical implications for those seeking to adopt citizen science approaches in environmental education programs.

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:00:35 +0000 Smriti Safaya; Sarah West https://www.sei.org/publications/impacts-of-environmental-citizen-science-education/ Publication Eesti elektrifitseerimise potentsiaal on suur, kuid praegune tempo ei ole piisav https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/eesti-elektrifitseerimise-potentsiaal/ Euroopa Komisjon seadis 2026. aasta kevadel eesmärgi kahekordistada elektri osakaal Euroopa lõpptarbimises 2040. aastaks ehk tõsta see praeguselt 23%-lt 46%-le. Stockholmi Keskkonnainstituudi Tallinna keskuse uus analüüs näitab, et Balti riikidel on potentsiaal selle eesmärgiga sammu pidada, kuid hetkel oleme sihist veel kaugel. Euroopa Komisjon seadis 2026. aasta kevadel eesmärgi kahekordistada elektri osakaal Euroopa lõpptarbimises 2040. aastaks ehk tõsta see praeguselt 23%-lt 46%-le. Stockholmi Keskkonnainstituudi Tallinna keskuse uus analüüs näitab, et Balti riikidel on potentsiaal selle eesmärgiga sammu pidada, kuid hetkel oleme sihist veel kaugel. 

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:16:06 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/eesti-elektrifitseerimise-potentsiaal/ Press Beyond the “supply chain” framing: cattle ranching as a vanishing mediator of deforestation and dispossession in the Brazilian and Colombian Amazon https://www.sei.org/publications/beyond-the-supply-chain-framing/ Cattle ranching spearheads Amazon deforestation and dispossession, but context is key.Ranching reveals to be a “vanishing mediator” in Brazilian and Colombian frontiers.Cattle ranching smoothens and makes possible a transition to intensive monocultures.Such big-picture thinking is required for more effective sustainability interventions.The “supply chain” framing occludes broader and stronger drivers beyond market demand. Cattle ranching spearheads Amazon deforestation and dispossession, but context is key.

Ranching reveals to be a “vanishing mediator” in Brazilian and Colombian frontiers.

Cattle ranching smoothens and makes possible a transition to intensive monocultures.

Such big-picture thinking is required for more effective sustainability interventions.

The “supply chain” framing occludes broader and stronger drivers beyond market demand.

]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:21:06 +0000 Mairon G. Bastos Lima; Jesica López https://www.sei.org/publications/beyond-the-supply-chain-framing/ Publication Pooled funds catalyse funding https://www.sei.org/publications/pooled-funds-catalyse-funding/ New research on the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) finds that bilateral donors often allocate more humanitarian funding to countries after CERF support. New research on the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) finds that bilateral donors often allocate more humanitarian funding to countries after CERF support.

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:26:34 +0000 Lisa Dellmuth; Nicolas Rost https://www.sei.org/publications/pooled-funds-catalyse-funding/ Publication From footnote to main course: why mussels, oysters and clams belong in One Health food systems https://www.sei.org/perspectives/mussels-oysters-clams-one-health-food-systems/ The UN Food and Agriculture Organization convenes policymakers and leaders this week to catalyse the implementation of One Health principles into agrifood systems across the globe. SEI experts argue that one class of species warrants greater attention for its nutritional and environmental benefits: bivalves. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization convenes policymakers and leaders this week to catalyse the implementation of One Health principles into agrifood systems across the globe.

SEI experts argue that one class of species warrants greater attention for its nutritional and environmental benefits: bivalves.

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:15:27 +0000 Charlotte Wagner; Cleo Verkuijl; Julia Weppler https://www.sei.org/perspectives/mussels-oysters-clams-one-health-food-systems/ Perspective Existing evidence on the impact of climate risk on real estate valuations: a systematic map https://www.sei.org/publications/evidence-impact-climate-risk-real-estate/ As climate change increases physical risks to real estate and the transition to a low-carbon economy reshapes asset values, this systematic map examines how physical and transition climate risks have been assessed in academic and grey literature on real estate valuation. As climate change increases physical risks to real estate and the transition to a low-carbon economy reshapes asset values, this systematic map examines how physical and transition climate risks have been assessed in academic and grey literature on real estate valuation.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:01:28 +0000 Tommaso Piseddu; Fedra Vanhuyse https://www.sei.org/publications/evidence-impact-climate-risk-real-estate/ Publication Leveraging financial guarantees for refugees and humanitarian organizations https://www.sei.org/publications/leveraging-financial-guarantees-for-refugees-and-humanitarian-organizations/ Access to and provision of energy in humanitarian settings requires complete transformation. Access is severely inadequate, and the limited sources available are carbon intensive. Most forcibly displaced people lack access to modern and clean energy sources. Humanitarian operations rely heavily on diesel, creating high costs, emissions and operational inefficiencies.Private-sector financiers have been put off by high perceived risks in humanitarian settings. Refugee contexts are seen as imper... Access to and provision of energy in humanitarian settings requires complete transformation. Access is severely inadequate, and the limited sources available are carbon intensive. Most forcibly displaced people lack access to modern and clean energy sources. Humanitarian operations rely heavily on diesel, creating high costs, emissions and operational inefficiencies.

Private-sector financiers have been put off by high perceived risks in humanitarian settings. Refugee contexts are seen as impermanent, and refugees are viewed as having low-credit worthiness – despite the long-term nature of many refugee communities, clear and growing demand, and strong evidence of very high repayment rates.

Some evidence suggests that financial guarantees can work effectively for humanitarian organizations. However, the viability for refugee households and businesses remains a question because of a lack of studies. Financial sustainability is a challenge, and the full economy of guaranteed investments is still unclear.

Enhancing understanding the potential impacts of financial guarantees for humanitarian energy requires targeted research. Analysis should examine the commercial viability of such mechanisms and how the finance system for refugee energy may become self-sustaining. Most mechanisms remain donor dependent. Guarantees are typically packaged with subsidized fees and grant-financed technical assistance, so the full cost of market-building must be accounted for alongside the guarantee itself.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:17:36 +0000 Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen; Maximilian Bruder; Fiona Lambe; Maja Otterstedt https://www.sei.org/publications/leveraging-financial-guarantees-for-refugees-and-humanitarian-organizations/ Publication Financial guarantees for humanitarian energy: examples, incentives and disincentives https://www.sei.org/publications/financial-guarantees-for-humanitarian-energy/ Access to and provision of energy in humanitarian settings requires complete transformation. Access is severely inadequate, and the limited sources available are carbon intensive. Most forcibly displaced people lack access to modern and clean energy sources. Humanitarian operations rely heavily on diesel, creating high costs, emissions, and operational inefficiencies.Though private-sector finance is essential for such transformation, investors are put off by high perceived risks in humanitari... Access to and provision of energy in humanitarian settings requires complete transformation. Access is severely inadequate, and the limited sources available are carbon intensive. Most forcibly displaced people lack access to modern and clean energy sources. Humanitarian operations rely heavily on diesel, creating high costs, emissions, and operational inefficiencies.

Though private-sector finance is essential for such transformation, investors are put off by high perceived risks in humanitarian settings. Refugee contexts are seen as impermanent, and refugees are viewed as having low-credit worthiness – despite the long-term nature of many refugee communities, their clear and growing demand for energy, and the strong evidence of very high repayment rates.

Some evidence suggests that financial guarantees can work effectively for humanitarian organizations. However, the viability for refugee households and businesses remains a question because of a lack of studies. Financial sustainability is a challenge, and the full economy of guaranteed investments is still unclear.

Enhancing understanding the potential impacts of financial guarantees for humanitarian energy requires targeted research. Analysis should examine the commercial viability of such mechanisms and how the finance system for refugee energy may become self-sustaining. Most mechanisms remain donor dependent. Guarantees are typically packaged with subsidized fees and grant-financed technical assistance, so the full cost of market-building must be accounted for alongside the guarantee itself.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:17:05 +0000 Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen; Maximilian Bruder; Fiona Lambe; Maja Otterstedt https://www.sei.org/publications/financial-guarantees-for-humanitarian-energy/ Publication Critical minerals in Africa: local value creation and trade integration https://www.sei.org/publications/critical-minerals-africa-local-value-creation-trade-integration/ African countries possess some of the world’s most significant mineral deposits for renewable energy technologies, yet many of these nations still face persistent challenges in energy access, climate vulnerability and sustainable development. This report details the extent to which existing policy frameworks, infrastructure and practices across the continent enable Africa’s sustainable development goals and the objectives of its energy transition. African countries possess some of the world’s most significant mineral deposits for renewable energy technologies, yet many of these nations still face persistent challenges in energy access, climate vulnerability and sustainable development. This report details the extent to which existing policy frameworks, infrastructure and practices across the continent enable Africa’s sustainable development goals and the objectives of its energy transition.

]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:41:48 +0000 Sara K. Phillips; Miquel Muñoz Cabré; Patricia Wild; Diala Hawila; Gondia Sokhna Seck; Abdullah Fahad https://www.sei.org/publications/critical-minerals-africa-local-value-creation-trade-integration/ Publication