SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:28:54 +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 Evolution of Climate Policy in India: Poverty and Global Ambition in Tension https://www.sei.org/publications/the-evolution-of-climate-policy-in-india-poverty-and-global-ambition-in-tension/ This book chapter describes the evolution of India’s climate policies over the last decade and how domestic factors have shaped India’s international stance. This book chapter describes the evolution of India’s climate policies over the last decade and how domestic factors have shaped India’s international stance.

]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000 Aaron Atteridge https://www.sei.org/publications/the-evolution-of-climate-policy-in-india-poverty-and-global-ambition-in-tension/ Publication Human Societies: Understanding Observed Social Phenomena https://www.sei.org/publications/human-societies-understanding-observed-social-phenomena/ This book chapter provides an overview of the different ways in which simulation can be used to gain understanding of human societies and to gain insight into issues that may impinge upon such simulations and the difficulties these cause. This book chapter provides an overview of the different ways in which simulation can be used to gain understanding of human societies and to gain insight into issues that may impinge upon such simulations and the difficulties these cause.

]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 12:53:50 +0000 Richard Taylor https://www.sei.org/publications/human-societies-understanding-observed-social-phenomena/ Publication Building climate adaptation capacity in water resources planning: ‘Ríos del páramo al valle, por urbes y campiñas’ https://www.sei.org/publications/building-climate-adaptation-capacity-in-water-resources-planning-rios-del-paramo-al-valle-por-urbes-y-campinas/ This fact sheet describes a project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that aims to strengthen the capacity for climate change adaptation in water resources management in Colombia’s coffee-growing region. This fact sheet describes a project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that aims to strengthen the capacity for climate change adaptation in water resources management in Colombia’s coffee-growing region.

]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 19:25:14 +0000 Marisa Escobar https://www.sei.org/publications/building-climate-adaptation-capacity-in-water-resources-planning-rios-del-paramo-al-valle-por-urbes-y-campinas/ Publication Can 400ppm spark us into climate action? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/400ppm-spark-climate-action/ Within the next few days, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is likely to hit 400 parts per million – a record high since the evolution of modern humans. As far as we know, CO2 concentrations have not been at such levels since the Pliocene some 3-5 million years ago – a period that was considerably warmer than today. We have been in the 390s for a while, and although 400ppm is certainly worse, the world won’t plunge into chaos in May because we crossed that threshold. But that do... Within the next few days, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is likely to hit 400 parts per million – a record high since the evolution of modern humans. As far as we know, CO2 concentrations have not been at such levels since the Pliocene some 3-5 million years ago – a period that was considerably warmer than today.

We have been in the 390s for a while, and although 400ppm is certainly worse, the world won’t plunge into chaos in May because we crossed that threshold. But that doesn’t make 400ppm just a symbolic level, argues SEI Executive Director Johan L. Kuylenstierna.

]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 14:39:55 +0000 https://www.sei.org/perspectives/400ppm-spark-climate-action/ Perspective Can 400ppm spark us into climate action? https://www.sei.org/features/can-400ppm-spark-us-climate-action/ As atmospheric carbon levels reach a new record, SEI’s executive director expresses hope that hitting 400ppm will help raise awareness of climate change and stimulate constructive discussions, focusing on solutions that will benefit the climate, the environment and people. As atmospheric carbon levels reach a new record, SEI’s executive director expresses hope that hitting 400ppm will help raise awareness of climate change and stimulate constructive discussions, focusing on solutions that will benefit the climate, the environment and people.]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 14:54:03 +0000 Marion Davis https://www.sei.org/features/can-400ppm-spark-us-climate-action/ Feature Factors Affecting Phosphorus in Groundwater in an Alluvial Valley Aquifer: Implications for Best Management Practices https://www.sei.org/publications/factors-affecting-phosphorus-in-groundwater-in-an-alluvial-valley-aquifer-implications-for-best-management-practices/ This paper examines how soil temperature and water table depth influence groundwater phosphorus concentrations due to manure produced by a dairy farm, aiming to inform the design of effective management practices. This paper examines how soil temperature and water table depth influence groundwater phosphorus concentrations due to manure produced by a dairy farm, aiming to inform the design of effective management practices.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2013 20:07:17 +0000 Francisco Flores https://www.sei.org/publications/factors-affecting-phosphorus-in-groundwater-in-an-alluvial-valley-aquifer-implications-for-best-management-practices/ Publication Water Governance in Europe: Insights from Spain, the UK, Finland and Estonia https://www.sei.org/publications/water-governance-in-europe-insights-from-spain-the-uk-finland-and-estonia/ This study examines management practices linked to water governance of limnic, groundwater and marine systems in Europe, drawing lessons from four case studies. This study examines management practices linked to water governance of limnic, groundwater and marine systems in Europe, drawing lessons from four case studies.

]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 02:06:23 +0000 Piret Kuldna; Maria Osbeck; Kim Andersson; Jakob Granit; Nina Weitz https://www.sei.org/publications/water-governance-in-europe-insights-from-spain-the-uk-finland-and-estonia/ Publication A targeted social marketing approach for community pro-environmental behavioural change https://www.sei.org/publications/a-targeted-social-marketing-approach-for-community-pro-environmental-behavioural-change/ This article proposes a cost-effective model of community engagement, based on the authors’ experience working with community members in York, UK. This article proposes a cost-effective model of community engagement, based on the authors’ experience working with community members in York, UK.

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:30:20 +0000 Howard Cambridge; Gary Haq; Anne Owen https://www.sei.org/publications/a-targeted-social-marketing-approach-for-community-pro-environmental-behavioural-change/ Publication What role should environmental policy play in warming Arctic? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/environmental-policy-role-warming-arctic/ Reflections on how discussions about the Arctic have changed since 20 years ago, and what place environmental policy has in these new priorities. Reflections on how discussions about the Arctic have changed since 20 years ago, and what place environmental policy has in these new priorities.

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:09 +0000 https://www.sei.org/perspectives/environmental-policy-role-warming-arctic/ Perspective The promises for job creation of road infrastructure are exaggerated https://www.sei.org/perspectives/road-infrastructure-jobs-exaggerated/ Claims for infrastructure projects are a lot like alchemy and divert attention away from other, more sustainable, options for job creation. Claims for infrastructure projects are a lot like alchemy and divert attention away from other, more sustainable, options for job creation.

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:11:58 +0000 https://www.sei.org/perspectives/road-infrastructure-jobs-exaggerated/ Perspective Top tips: how we can make cycling more of a priority in the UK https://www.sei.org/perspectives/make-cycling-priority-uk/ Despite a surge in media and political interest in the socio-economic and environmental values of cycling, not much is being done practically to make UK road systems more bike-friendly – particularly in towns. The transport system instead encourages us to stay in cars, creating greater levels of obesity. In this post on the Guardian Local Government Network blog, John Whitelegg, an associate of SEI’s York Centre, asks why Britain has achieved so little in encouraging cyclists, and suggests po... Despite a surge in media and political interest in the socio-economic and environmental values of cycling, not much is being done practically to make UK road systems more bike-friendly – particularly in towns. The transport system instead encourages us to stay in cars, creating greater levels of obesity.

In this post on the Guardian Local Government Network blog, John Whitelegg, an associate of SEI’s York Centre, asks why Britain has achieved so little in encouraging cyclists, and suggests policy measures to increase cycling levels.

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:11:58 +0000 https://www.sei.org/perspectives/make-cycling-priority-uk/ Perspective Joining the dots: learning to work collaboratively to address climate change https://www.sei.org/publications/joining-the-dots-learning-to-work-collaboratively-to-address-climate-change/ This paper reflects on lessons from a study undertaken by SEI and WWF that focused on adaptation needs in Belize, Nepal and Tanzania, with an emphasis on the value of participatory and collaborative processes. This paper reflects on lessons from a study undertaken by SEI and WWF that focused on adaptation needs in Belize, Nepal and Tanzania, with an emphasis on the value of participatory and collaborative processes.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:15:47 +0000 Anna Taylor; Tahia Devisscher https://www.sei.org/publications/joining-the-dots-learning-to-work-collaboratively-to-address-climate-change/ Publication Simulating High Elevation Hydropower with Regional Climate Warming in the West Slope Sierra Nevada https://www.sei.org/publications/simulating-high-elevation-hydropower-with-regional-climate-warming-in-the-west-slope-sierra-nevada/ This article describes the development of a water resources management model for the upper west slope Sierra Nevada to understand the potential effects of regional climate warming on hydropower at the watershed scale, and the results of that model. This article describes the development of a water resources management model for the upper west slope Sierra Nevada to understand the potential effects of regional climate warming on hydropower at the watershed scale, and the results of that model.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:13:14 +0000 Jack Sieber; Vishal Mehta https://www.sei.org/publications/simulating-high-elevation-hydropower-with-regional-climate-warming-in-the-west-slope-sierra-nevada/ Publication Current vulnerability in the Tri-National de la Sangha landscape, Cameroon (briefing note) https://www.sei.org/publications/current-vulnerability-in-the-tri-national-de-la-sangha-landscape-cameroon-briefing-note/ This briefing note summarizes the results for the Tri-National de la Sangha (TNS) landscape of a regional baseline assessment to analyze vulnerability. This briefing note summarizes the results for the Tri-National de la Sangha (TNS) landscape of a regional baseline assessment to analyze vulnerability.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:44:40 +0000 Sukaina Bharwani; Tahia Devisscher https://www.sei.org/publications/current-vulnerability-in-the-tri-national-de-la-sangha-landscape-cameroon-briefing-note/ Publication Emerging innovation niches: An agent based model https://www.sei.org/publications/emerging-innovation-niches-an-agent-based-model/ This paper describes a model of the emergence of an innovation niche, considering three niche mechanisms – expectations, networking and learning – and confirms the importance of policy intervention. This paper describes a model of the emergence of an innovation niche, considering three niche mechanisms – expectations, networking and learning – and confirms the importance of policy intervention.

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000 Richard Taylor https://www.sei.org/publications/emerging-innovation-niches-an-agent-based-model/ Publication Sweden’s Evolving Hydropower Sector: Renovation, Restoration and Concession Change https://www.sei.org/publications/swedens-evolving-hydropower-sector-renovation-restoration-and-concession-change/ This report reviews how the Swedish hydropower sector evolved between 1990 and 2012. It focuses specifically on the measures taken to restore rivers affected by hydropower production, as well as on the process for renovating and repowering existing large-scale hydropower stations. The report makes its core focus changes to existing hydropower installations. The type, extent and speed of these changes are central to understanding whether and how EU and national goals on the environment and ene... This report reviews how the Swedish hydropower sector evolved between 1990 and 2012. It focuses specifically on the measures taken to restore rivers affected by hydropower production, as well as on the process for renovating and repowering existing large-scale hydropower stations. The report makes its core focus changes to existing hydropower installations. The type, extent and speed of these changes are central to understanding whether and how EU and national goals on the environment and energy are being implemented in Sweden, both at individual hydropower stations and in the sector more generally.

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:43:39 +0000 Peter M. Rudberg https://www.sei.org/publications/swedens-evolving-hydropower-sector-renovation-restoration-and-concession-change/ Publication International Trade and Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Could Shifting the Location of Production Bring GHG benefits? https://www.sei.org/publications/international-trade-and-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-could-shifting-the-location-of-production-bring-ghg-benefits/ This report examines the potential for trade to shift production to the lowest-emission locations and thus reduce overall emissions, and explores the viability of policy approaches to spur such a shift. This report examines the potential for trade to shift production to the lowest-emission locations and thus reduce overall emissions, and explores the viability of policy approaches to spur such a shift.

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:39:37 +0000 Michael Lazarus; Eric Kemp-Benedict; Peter Erickson; Harro van Asselt https://www.sei.org/publications/international-trade-and-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-could-shifting-the-location-of-production-bring-ghg-benefits/ Publication The path not yet taken: Bilateral agreements to promote sustainable biofuels under the EU Renewable Energy Directive – working paper https://www.sei.org/publications/the-path-not-yet-taken-bilateral-agreements-to-promote-sustainable-biofuels-under-the-eu-renewable-energy-directive-working-paper/ This paper examines the potential for bilateral agreements to offer a more strategic approach to securing sustainable biofuels for Europe than the voluntary schemes that are currently being used. This paper examines the potential for bilateral agreements to offer a more strategic approach to securing sustainable biofuels for Europe than the voluntary schemes that are currently being used.

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:14:57 +0000 Francis X. Johnson; Johan Westberg https://www.sei.org/publications/the-path-not-yet-taken-bilateral-agreements-to-promote-sustainable-biofuels-under-the-eu-renewable-energy-directive-working-paper/ Publication Building Shared Understanding and Capacity for Action: Insights on Climate Risk Communication from India, Ghana, Malawi, and Mongolia https://www.sei.org/publications/building-shared-understanding-and-capacity-for-action-insights-on-climate-risk-communication-from-india-ghana-malawi-and-mongolia/ This article describes efforts to develop and implement climate risk communication strategies that emphasize collective knowledge generation between researchers and stakeholders. This article describes efforts to develop and implement climate risk communication strategies that emphasize collective knowledge generation between researchers and stakeholders.

]]> Sun, 21 Apr 2013 02:21:57 +0000 Tahia Devisscher https://www.sei.org/publications/building-shared-understanding-and-capacity-for-action-insights-on-climate-risk-communication-from-india-ghana-malawi-and-mongolia/ Publication Assessing the Climate Impacts of Cookstove Projects: Issues in Emissions Accounting (policy brief) https://www.sei.org/publications/assessing-the-climate-impacts-of-cookstove-projects-issues-in-emissions-accounting-policy-brief/ This policy brief, based on an SEI working paper, focuses on a key precondition for cookstove projects to obtain carbon finance and to ensure environmental integrity: credible, scientifically robust methodologies to measure and verify emission reductions. This policy brief, based on an SEI working paper, focuses on a key precondition for cookstove projects to obtain carbon finance and to ensure environmental integrity: credible, scientifically robust methodologies to measure and verify emission reductions.

]]> Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:22:49 +0000 Michael Lazarus; Carrie M. Lee https://www.sei.org/publications/assessing-the-climate-impacts-of-cookstove-projects-issues-in-emissions-accounting-policy-brief/ Publication