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 Making the business case for better air quality https://www.sei.org/features/making-the-business-case-for-better-air-quality/ SEI and partners created a guide that gives businesses a practical way to measure both the air pollution and climate-changing emissions they generate. The guide makes it possible for businesses to assess their environmental impacts – and uncover efficiencies to help reduce their emissions. SEI and partners created a guide that gives businesses a practical way to measure both the air pollution and climate-changing emissions they generate. The guide makes it possible for businesses to assess their environmental impacts – and uncover efficiencies to help reduce their emissions.

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:51:36 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/making-the-business-case-for-better-air-quality/ Feature Colombia ya regula el riesgo climático. El reto ahora es saber cómo se convierte en riesgo financiero y cuál es su costo. https://www.sei.org/perspectives/colombia-ya-regula-el-riesgo-climatico-el-reto-ahora-es-saber-como-se-convierte-en-riesgo-financiero-y-cual-es-su-costo/ Colombia ya tiene una regulación que obliga al sistema financiero a gestionar el riesgo climático. Pero todavía no sabemos con suficiente precisión cómo un desastre climático se convierte en una pérdida financiera. Colombia ya tiene una regulación que obliga al sistema financiero a gestionar el riesgo climático. Pero todavía no sabemos con suficiente precisión cómo un desastre climático se convierte en una pérdida financiera. 

]]> Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:48:30 +0000 Juan Sebastián Herrera https://www.sei.org/perspectives/colombia-ya-regula-el-riesgo-climatico-el-reto-ahora-es-saber-como-se-convierte-en-riesgo-financiero-y-cual-es-su-costo/ Perspective The future is care: visioning inclusive and resilient care systems in Asia and the Pacific https://www.sei.org/events/the-future-is-care/ SEI Asia’s Cynthia McDougall, PhD, Senior Research Fellow and Research Director at SEI Asia, will be a panellist at the ESCAP-related session, speaking on the interconnections between climate change, care work and futures. SEI Asia’s Cynthia McDougall, PhD, Senior Research Fellow and Research Director at SEI Asia, will be a panellist at the ESCAP-related session, speaking on the interconnections between climate change, care work and futures.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:40:09 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/the-future-is-care/ Event Digitalization in Swedish agroecological contexts: understanding technology adoption using social practice theory https://www.sei.org/publications/digitalization-swedish-agroecological-contexts/ The study explores how digital technologies fit within agroecological farming practices in Sweden and what shapes their adoption. The study explores how digital technologies fit within agroecological farming practices in Sweden and what shapes their adoption.

]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:50:56 +0000 Fedra Vanhuyse; Aziliz Le Rouzo https://www.sei.org/publications/digitalization-swedish-agroecological-contexts/ Publication Evolving pathways of departure and return in rural Thailand https://www.sei.org/publications/evolving-pathways-of-departure-and-return-in-rural-thailand/ A 40-year study of rural Thailand shows that as education, jobs and livelihoods changed, more people left their villages for work, but many also returned. The paper explores how this continuing movement between villages and elsewhere is intertwined with Thailand’s changing rural economy and agrarian transition. A 40-year study of rural Thailand shows that as education, jobs and livelihoods changed, more people left their villages for work, but many also returned. The paper explores how this continuing movement between villages and elsewhere is intertwined with Thailand’s changing rural economy and agrarian transition.

]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2026 03:56:06 +0000 Jonathan Rigg; Wasana La-orngplew; Monchai Phongsiri; Albert Salamanca; Mattara Sripun https://www.sei.org/publications/evolving-pathways-of-departure-and-return-in-rural-thailand/ Publication The Implementation Gap: anticipating missed renewable energy targets through media-sentiment and social resistance index https://www.sei.org/publications/implementation-gap-renewable-energy-media-sentiment-social-resistance/ This report explores how media sentiment and social resistance influence delays in renewable energy projects in Global South countries. This report explores how media sentiment and social resistance influence delays in renewable energy projects in Global South countries.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:15:52 +0000 Germán Sáenz; Caroline Sawe; Stefan Bößner; José Vega Araújo https://www.sei.org/publications/implementation-gap-renewable-energy-media-sentiment-social-resistance/ Publication 30 years of advancing green agendas in the Baltic and Eastern Europe https://www.sei.org/features/supporting-green-agendas-in-the-baltic-and-eastern-europe/ For more than three decades, SEI Tallinn has helped inform and shape climate, environment and sustainability agendas of Estonia and beyond – in neighbouring Baltic Sea states and in Eastern European countries. For more than three decades, SEI Tallinn has helped inform and shape climate, environment and sustainability agendas of Estonia and beyond – in neighbouring Baltic Sea states and in Eastern European countries.

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:52:51 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/supporting-green-agendas-in-the-baltic-and-eastern-europe/ Feature The climate potential of clay in the cement industry https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/the-climate-potential-of-clay-in-the-cement-industry/ A new analysis based on data from the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) shows that commercial-scale calcined clay kiln projects have been announced across every continent, with the largest operations currently concentrated in emerging markets and developing economies. Clay has been used for centuries to make cementitious materials, long before the invention of modern Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). A new analysis based on data from the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) shows that commercial-scale calcined clay kiln projects have been announced across every continent, with the largest operations currently concentrated in emerging markets and developing economies. Clay has been used for centuries to make cementitious materials, long before the invention of modern Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:15:00 +0000 Jane Birch https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/the-climate-potential-of-clay-in-the-cement-industry/ Press National policy coherence counts for reducing inequality in global climate and development agendas https://www.sei.org/publications/national-policy-coherence-reducing-inequality/ How can governments align climate and development policies while reducing inequality? This study examines how national efforts to promote policy coherence affect different groups in society across eight countries. How can governments align climate and development policies while reducing inequality? This study examines how national efforts to promote policy coherence affect different groups in society across eight countries.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:48:17 +0000 Katherine Browne; Adis Dzebo; Zoha Shawoo; Mario Cárdenas; Cassilde Muhoza https://www.sei.org/publications/national-policy-coherence-reducing-inequality/ Publication No need to wait for reporting − examining learning from results-based management practices in development cooperation https://www.sei.org/publications/management-practices-development-cooperation/ Learning from results does happen in IDOs that have established processes for results to inform decision-making.Learning happens primarily during planning and forecasting activities in the first step of the RBM loop rather than after reporting of results.Interactive and dynamic RBM processes that use diverse information sources and create artifacts enable learning from results.A theory of change is more likely to enable learning than results reports as it visualizes problems and solutions and... Learning from results does happen in IDOs that have established processes for results to inform decision-making.

Learning happens primarily during planning and forecasting activities in the first step of the RBM loop rather than after reporting of results.

Interactive and dynamic RBM processes that use diverse information sources and create artifacts enable learning from results.

A theory of change is more likely to enable learning than results reports as it visualizes problems and solutions and mobilizes staff.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:38:12 +0000 Janet Vähämäki; Annika Hilgert https://www.sei.org/publications/management-practices-development-cooperation/ Publication Åsa Persson appointed UNEP Chief Scientist https://www.sei.org/features/asa-persson-appointed-unep-chief-scientist/ Åsa Persson, SEI’s Research Director and Deputy Director from 2018 to 2025, takes up the role of Chief Scientist and Director of the Office of Science at the UN Environment Programme in October. Åsa Persson, SEI’s Research Director and Deputy Director from 2018 to 2025, takes up the role of Chief Scientist and Director of the Office of Science at the UN Environment Programme in October.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:17:18 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/asa-persson-appointed-unep-chief-scientist/ Feature Lost in translation: visual metaphors for better climate communication https://www.sei.org/features/lost-in-translation-visual-metaphors-for-better-climate-communication/ Visual metaphors can help overcome challenges that arise from different interpretations of terms used in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Visual metaphors can help overcome challenges that arise from different interpretations of terms used in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:17:49 +0000 Natascha Ng; Kate Williamson; Zixuan Hong; Zhe Wang https://www.sei.org/features/lost-in-translation-visual-metaphors-for-better-climate-communication/ Feature Trase brings greater transparency to global coffee supply chains https://www.sei.org/features/trase-brings-transparency-to-global-coffee-supply-chains/ A new Trase dataset on global coffee supply chains provides our most detailed view yet of global coffee sourcing, linking countries of production with the export markets they supply. We identify the leading coffee trading companies and estimate where particular traders and markets source coffee from within key coffee-producing countries. The publicly accessible dataset supports government, business and civil society efforts to address the environmental and social impacts of the sector, such a... A new Trase dataset on global coffee supply chains provides our most detailed view yet of global coffee sourcing, linking countries of production with the export markets they supply. We identify the leading coffee trading companies and estimate where particular traders and markets source coffee from within key coffee-producing countries. The publicly accessible dataset supports government, business and civil society efforts to address the environmental and social impacts of the sector, such as deforestation and child labour.

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Mark Titley; Jo Cook; Simon Croft; Michael Lathuillière; Nicolás Martín; Harry Biddle https://www.sei.org/features/trase-brings-transparency-to-global-coffee-supply-chains/ Feature Addressing charging poverty as a barrier to equitable transport decarbonization https://www.sei.org/publications/addressing-charging-poverty/ In a perspective in the journal npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport, SEI researchers define the concept of charging poverty and suggest research areas to fill knowledge gaps, to avoid a barrier to electrified mobility. In a perspective in the journal npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport, SEI researchers define the concept of charging poverty and suggest research areas to fill knowledge gaps, to avoid a barrier to electrified mobility.

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:44:37 +0000 Maria Xylia; Claudia Strambo; Björn Nykvist; Jenny von Platten https://www.sei.org/publications/addressing-charging-poverty/ Publication Just 10 traders control 35% of global coffee exports https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/just-10-traders-control-35-of-global-coffee-exports/ A new dataset mapping global coffee supply chains reveals significant market concentration, with the top ten trading companies handling 35% of global exports from 10 key coffee-producing countries. The top 30 companies account for 55% according to the new dataset analysed by Trase. The data also highlight the potential for EU deforestation rules to influence coffee sourcing practices globally. A new dataset mapping global coffee supply chains reveals significant market concentration, with the top ten trading companies handling 35% of global exports from 10 key coffee-producing countries. The top 30 companies account for 55% according to the new dataset analysed by Trase. The data also highlight the potential for EU deforestation rules to influence coffee sourcing practices globally.

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/just-10-traders-control-35-of-global-coffee-exports/ Press Neglected SDGs as gaps in sustainability policy? The case of bioeconomy agendas in South America https://www.sei.org/publications/neglected-sdgs-gaps/ An assessment of bioeconomy policies in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay demonstrate neglected SDGs and identify sources such as interactions of power relations, interests and policy processes, as well as other limitations. An assessment of bioeconomy policies in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay demonstrate neglected SDGs and identify sources such as interactions of power relations, interests and policy processes, as well as other limitations.

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:02:08 +0000 Mairon G. Bastos Lima https://www.sei.org/publications/neglected-sdgs-gaps/ Publication La transición que no siempre se ve: energía y género en el Cesar, Colombia https://www.sei.org/features/la-transicion-que-no-siempre-se-ve-energia-y-genero-en-el-cesar-colombia/ El cierre de la minería de carbón en el Cesar está transformando mucho más que los empleos directos del sector. A medida que cambia una actividad que durante décadas sostuvo parte de las economías locales, también cambian los ingresos, los servicios y las oportunidades de quienes dependen de ellas. Estos impactos no se distribuyen de la misma manera: mujeres y personas LGBTIQ+ enfrentan barreras y vulnerabilidades específicas que pueden quedar fuera de las narrativas habituales sobre la trans... El cierre de la minería de carbón en el Cesar está transformando mucho más que los empleos directos del sector. A medida que cambia una actividad que durante décadas sostuvo parte de las economías locales, también cambian los ingresos, los servicios y las oportunidades de quienes dependen de ellas. Estos impactos no se distribuyen de la misma manera: mujeres y personas LGBTIQ+ enfrentan barreras y vulnerabilidades específicas que pueden quedar fuera de las narrativas habituales sobre la transición energética. 

]]> Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:19:23 +0000 Camilo Martelo Llerena; Juan Camilo Betancur Jaramillo; Daniela Maestre; Elisa Arond https://www.sei.org/features/la-transicion-que-no-siempre-se-ve-energia-y-genero-en-el-cesar-colombia/ Feature Five trends from World Water Week 2026 https://www.sei.org/features/five-trends-from-world-water-week-2026/ Record droughts and floods have hit many parts of the world in recent months, in line with UN warnings that we may be heading towards “water bankruptcy”. Managing water better is fast becoming one of the world’s most critical challenges. Here are five trends from World Water Week that will shape how it is done. Record droughts and floods have hit many parts of the world in recent months, in line with UN warnings that we may be heading towards “water bankruptcy”. Managing water better is fast becoming one of the world’s most critical challenges. Here are five trends from World Water Week that will shape how it is done.

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:34:08 +0000 Maria Sköld https://www.sei.org/features/five-trends-from-world-water-week-2026/ Feature Innovating water management: testing decisions before implementing them on the ground https://www.sei.org/features/innovating-water-management-testing-decisions/ Faced with an uncertain future, serious games and tools for tracking participation make it possible to explore scenarios, compare consequences and develop alternatives with those who live in and manage water systems. This innovation, developed through TRANSCEND, was recently recognized by the European Union. Faced with an uncertain future, serious games and tools for tracking participation make it possible to explore scenarios, compare consequences and develop alternatives with those who live in and manage water systems. This innovation, developed through TRANSCEND, was recently recognized by the European Union.

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:18:12 +0000 Camilo Martelo Llerena; Tania Santos; Camilo González https://www.sei.org/features/innovating-water-management-testing-decisions/ Feature DI Debatt: Sveriges AI-strategi missar en avgörande resurs – vatten https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sveriges-ai-strategi-missar-en-avgrande-resurs/ “Artificiell intelligens är beroende av vatten genom hela sin värdekedja. När Sveriges digitala infrastruktur byggs ut behöver därför tillgång till och användning av vatten vägas in från början,” skriver representanter från SEI och SIWI på Dagens Industri debatt. “Artificiell intelligens är beroende av vatten genom hela sin värdekedja. När Sveriges digitala infrastruktur byggs ut behöver därför tillgång till och användning av vatten vägas in från början,” skriver representanter från SEI och SIWI på Dagens Industri debatt. 

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:13:00 +0000 Somya Joshi; Biljana Macura; Helena Thybell; Martina Klimes https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sveriges-ai-strategi-missar-en-avgrande-resurs/ Press