SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:27:28 +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 Grid expectations: How service design and business model innovation can support mini-grid development in Kenya https://www.sei.org/publications/mini-grid-development-in-kenya/ This study aims to provide evidence about how external risks affect mini-grid business models and the strategies that developers apply to manage challenges. This study aims to provide evidence about how external risks affect mini-grid business models and the strategies that developers apply to manage challenges.

]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:32:42 +0000 Fiona Lambe; Carol Mungo; Mbeo Ogeya https://www.sei.org/publications/mini-grid-development-in-kenya/ Publication Making homes breathe better improves climate and human health https://www.sei.org/perspectives/making-homes-breathe-better-improves-climate-and-human-health/ On World Ventilate Day 2024, SEI researcher Luke Gooding emphasizes the importance of ventilation during retrofitting, through his work with Retrofit One-Stop-Shop York (ROSSY). Not only can optimized ventilation enhance a home’s energy efficiency and lower costs – it should be a top priority in any retrofit initiative, for human health and lower carbon emissions for a city and beyond. On World Ventilate Day 2024, SEI researcher Luke Gooding emphasizes the importance of ventilation during retrofitting, through his work with Retrofit One-Stop-Shop York (ROSSY). Not only can optimized ventilation enhance a home’s energy efficiency and lower costs – it should be a top priority in any retrofit initiative, for human health and lower carbon emissions for a city and beyond.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:54:58 +0000 Luke Gooding https://www.sei.org/perspectives/making-homes-breathe-better-improves-climate-and-human-health/ Perspective Guest article in SDG Knowledge Hub: harnessing a One Health approach to food systems transformation https://www.sei.org/perspectives/one-health-food-systems-transformation/ More countries recognize the need to reform their food systems to align with the global heating limits of the Paris Agreement. But doing so could lead to trade-offs that harm public health, animal welfare and ecosystems. SEI Scientist Cleo Verkuijl calls for an integrated approach through the One Health lens, along with Marcel Beukeboom, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the FAO, and Floor de Bont, One Health Advisor at the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the FAO. More countries recognize the need to reform their food systems to align with the global heating limits of the Paris Agreement.

But doing so could lead to trade-offs that harm public health, animal welfare and ecosystems. SEI Scientist Cleo Verkuijl calls for an integrated approach through the One Health lens, along with Marcel Beukeboom, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the FAO, and Floor de Bont, One Health Advisor at the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the FAO.

]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:34:58 +0000 Cleo Verkuijl; Marcel Beukeboom; Floor de Bont https://www.sei.org/perspectives/one-health-food-systems-transformation/ Perspective Amplifying Stories of Agroecology Practices and Principles (ASAPP) – Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm https://www.sei.org/publications/amplifying-stories-of-asapp-alnarps-agroecology-farm/ This leaflet highlights the 13 agroecological principles as applied at Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm. By showcasing practical examples, it demonstrates how these principles can be effectively integrated into various agricultural settings. The aim is to inspire farmers and policymakers to adopt agroecological practices for a sustainable future. This leaflet highlights the 13 agroecological principles as applied at Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm. By showcasing practical examples, it demonstrates how these principles can be effectively integrated into various agricultural settings. The aim is to inspire farmers and policymakers to adopt agroecological practices for a sustainable future.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:28:21 +0000 Aziliz Le Rouzo; Mariana Forero; Niall O’Brien-Gregg; Ebba Ragnartz; Marta Anguera https://www.sei.org/publications/amplifying-stories-of-asapp-alnarps-agroecology-farm/ Publication A framework for distributive equity of adaptation finance: how funders and implementers of adaptation finance can support the most vulnerable populations https://www.sei.org/publications/framework-distributive-equity-adaptation-finance/ Distributive equity of adaptation finance must consider not only whether finance is reaching the most vulnerable countries, but also the most vulnerable and marginalized groups within those countries.Achieving equitable adaptation requires international funders and implementers to account for the root causes of climate vulnerability and redress underlying conditions of inequity.Our framework helps funders and implementers to transparently define equity and the principles they are using to gui... Distributive equity of adaptation finance must consider not only whether finance is reaching the most vulnerable countries, but also the most vulnerable and marginalized groups within those countries.

Achieving equitable adaptation requires international funders and implementers to account for the root causes of climate vulnerability and redress underlying conditions of inequity.

Our framework helps funders and implementers to transparently define equity and the principles they are using to guide allocation of finance, and encourages them to strive for achieving not only equitable outputs of adaptation but also equitable outcomes and structural change.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:10:38 +0000 Zoha Shawoo; Katherine Browne; Nella Canales; Anisha Nazareth https://www.sei.org/publications/framework-distributive-equity-adaptation-finance/ Publication SEI voices: how updated NDCs can accelerate climate action https://www.sei.org/perspectives/sei-voices-next-round-ndcs/ COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan may be billed as the “finance COP”, but it is also the last COP to occur before the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are due in 2025. These ‘climate plans’ will ultimately determine how much closer the world may come to achieving the Paris Agreement. SEI experts share recommendations for how countries can collectively produce more comprehensive and effective NDCs which tackle the climate crisis and reap broader benefits for people and ecosystems. COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan may be billed as the “finance COP”, but it is also the last COP to occur before the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are due in 2025. These ‘climate plans’ will ultimately determine how much closer the world may come to achieving the Paris Agreement.

SEI experts share recommendations for how countries can collectively produce more comprehensive and effective NDCs which tackle the climate crisis and reap broader benefits for people and ecosystems.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:42:54 +0000 Daniel Ddiba; Cleo Verkuijl; Adis Dzebo; Emily Ghosh https://www.sei.org/perspectives/sei-voices-next-round-ndcs/ Perspective New climate finance goal and ambitious NDC’s top agenda items for SEI’s experts at COP29 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/climate-finance-goal-and-ambitious-ndcs-top-items-for-seis-experts-cop29/ The upcoming COP29 in Baku from 11-22 November presents a key opportunity to securing a new climate finance goal and encouraging strong Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from all participating countries. SEI researchers will be on-site, offering expert commentary and analysis on central topics, including climate finance, adaptation, NDCs and industry transition. The upcoming COP29 in Baku from 11-22 November presents a key opportunity to securing a new climate finance goal and encouraging strong Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from all participating countries. SEI researchers will be on-site, offering expert commentary and analysis on central topics, including climate finance, adaptation, NDCs and industry transition.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:55:55 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/climate-finance-goal-and-ambitious-ndcs-top-items-for-seis-experts-cop29/ Press The silent crisis of Asia-Pacific’s sinking cities https://www.sei.org/events/the-silent-crisis-of-asia-pacifics-sinking-cities/ Many of Asia-Pacific region’s growing cities face escalating climate-related risks, compounded by rapid urbanization, unplanned development, over-extraction of groundwater and degradation of ecosystems. Many of Asia-Pacific region’s growing cities face escalating climate-related risks, compounded by rapid urbanization, unplanned development, over-extraction of groundwater and degradation of ecosystems.

]]> Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:32:44 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/the-silent-crisis-of-asia-pacifics-sinking-cities/ Event Transboundary climate risks and adaptation in mountain areas: a brief for Parties and Observers to the UNFCCC https://www.sei.org/publications/tcr-and-adaptation-in-mountain-areas/ This policy brief, developed in collaboration with Adaptation without Borders and Adaptation at Altitude, highlights engagement opportunities for UNFCCC Parties and Observers to bring in transboundary climate impacts and climate change adaptation in mountain areas across relevant negotiation tracks: Global Stocktake, Global Goal on Adaptation, Finance, Planning and reporting, and Loss and Damage. This policy brief, developed in collaboration with Adaptation without Borders and Adaptation at Altitude, highlights engagement opportunities for UNFCCC Parties and Observers to bring in transboundary climate impacts and climate change adaptation in mountain areas across relevant negotiation tracks: Global Stocktake, Global Goal on Adaptation, Finance, Planning and reporting, and Loss and Damage.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:48:25 +0000 Katy Harris; Kate Williamson; Richard J.T. Klein; Zoha Shawoo; Katherine Browne; Alex Mackey; Johanna Zwahlen https://www.sei.org/publications/tcr-and-adaptation-in-mountain-areas/ Publication Masterclass: Empowering communities participatory approaches for inclusive and climate-resilient urban transportation https://www.sei.org/events/masterclass-participatory-approaches-inclusive-urban-transport/ Active mobility, vital for 78% of Africa’s population, faces challenges from climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather affecting millions. To combat greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience, African cities must shift from motorized transport to active mobility. SEI, UNEP and HVT, with support from FCDO, will host a masterclass at the 2024 World Urban Forum to strengthen the capacity of urban planners in Africa to create sustainable, equitable transport systems. Active mobility, vital for 78% of Africa’s population, faces challenges from climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather affecting millions. To combat greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience, African cities must shift from motorized transport to active mobility.

SEI, UNEP and HVT, with support from FCDO, will host a masterclass at the 2024 World Urban Forum to strengthen the capacity of urban planners in Africa to create sustainable, equitable transport systems.

]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:31:57 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/masterclass-participatory-approaches-inclusive-urban-transport/ Event Ny studie – osäkert om EU:s nya regler för tillbörlig aktsamhet kan skydda samebyar i Sverige från negativ påverkan av gruvdrift https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/osakert-om-eus-nya-regler-kan-skydda-samebyar-i-sverige-fran-paverkan-av-gruvdrift/ Kritiska mineraler är avgörande komponenter i förnybar energiteknik som behövs för att uppnå Sveriges nettonollmål till 2045. Samtidigt kommer nya gruvor på samernas marker att öka de negativa effekterna på traditionella näringar som renskötsel, fiske och jakt, vilket leder till ekonomiska, sociala och kulturella konsekvenser. Kritiska mineraler är avgörande komponenter i förnybar energiteknik som behövs för att uppnå Sveriges nettonollmål till 2045. Samtidigt kommer nya gruvor på samernas marker att öka de negativa effekterna på traditionella näringar som renskötsel, fiske och jakt, vilket leder till ekonomiska, sociala och kulturella konsekvenser.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:30:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/osakert-om-eus-nya-regler-kan-skydda-samebyar-i-sverige-fran-paverkan-av-gruvdrift/ Press New analysis: uncertain if the EU’s new due diligence rules help protect Sámi herding communities in Sweden from negative impacts of mining https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/uncertain-if-eus-due-diligence-rules-will-help-protect-sami-herding-communities/ Critical minerals are crucial components in renewable energy technologies and key to achieving Sweden’s 2045 net-zero goal. At the same time, new mining activities on Sámi lands are set to increase adverse impacts on traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding, fishing and hunting, leading to economic, social and cultural disruption. Critical minerals are crucial components in renewable energy technologies and key to achieving Sweden’s 2045 net-zero goal. At the same time, new mining activities on Sámi lands are set to increase adverse impacts on traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding, fishing and hunting, leading to economic, social and cultural disruption.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:30:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/uncertain-if-eus-due-diligence-rules-will-help-protect-sami-herding-communities/ Press De la COP16 a la COP30: 5 temas que conectan la agenda climática y la de biodiversidad https://www.sei.org/perspectives/de-la-cop16-a-la-cop30-5-temas-que-conectan-la-agenda-climatica-y-la-de-biodiversidad/ Las Conferencias de las Partes (COP) no son meros eventos diplomáticos; son espacios decisivos donde se puede moldear un futuro sostenible o, de no tomarse medidas concretas, conducirnos a un punto de no retorno. Las Conferencias de las Partes (COP) no son meros eventos diplomáticos; son espacios decisivos donde se puede moldear un futuro sostenible o, de no tomarse medidas concretas, conducirnos a un punto de no retorno.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 23:42:04 +0000 Natalia Ortiz https://www.sei.org/perspectives/de-la-cop16-a-la-cop30-5-temas-que-conectan-la-agenda-climatica-y-la-de-biodiversidad/ Perspective What do the EU’s new rules on corporate due diligence mean for Sámi rights and mining in Sweden? https://www.sei.org/publications/eu-corporate-due-diligence-sami-mining-sweden/ The new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive introduces new human rights obligations for large businesses. This concise analysis evaluates how the new rules will affect mining projects in Sweden and the livelihoods of Indigenous Sámi reindeer herding communities. As an illustrative case, it considers the plans of Swedish mining company LKAB to mine Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earth elements near Giron/Kiruna. The new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive introduces new human rights obligations for large businesses. This concise analysis evaluates how the new rules will affect mining projects in Sweden and the livelihoods of Indigenous Sámi reindeer herding communities. As an illustrative case, it considers the plans of Swedish mining company LKAB to mine Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earth elements near Giron/Kiruna.

]]> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:42:07 +0000 Carlo Mazzoleni; Rasmus Kløcker Larsen https://www.sei.org/publications/eu-corporate-due-diligence-sami-mining-sweden/ Publication SEI at CBD COP16 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-at-cbd-cop16/ The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), part of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024, will be held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November. Discover more about this significant event and how SEI is contributing. The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), part of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024, will be held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November.

Discover more about this significant event and how SEI is contributing.

]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:49:43 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/sei-at-cbd-cop16/ Event Speaking truth to power: the journey of youth in bolstering environmental rights in Southeast Asia https://www.sei.org/perspectives/speaking-truth-to-power-youth-bolstering-environmental-rights-southeast-asia/ Youth play a vital role in addressing environmental crises, yet they face major barriers in policymaking arenas. This piece follows three young advocates and activists as they work towards a regional policy for environmental rights with the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group – highlighting both their potential and the challenges they face in driving meaningful change. Youth play a vital role in addressing environmental crises, yet they face major barriers in policymaking arenas. 

This piece follows three young advocates and activists as they work towards a regional policy for environmental rights with the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group – highlighting both their potential and the challenges they face in driving meaningful change.

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:24:51 +0000 Minh Tran; Fithriyyah; Kyn Mallorca; Max Han https://www.sei.org/perspectives/speaking-truth-to-power-youth-bolstering-environmental-rights-southeast-asia/ Perspective Principles for a biodiversity-driven bioeconomy https://www.sei.org/events/cop16-principles-biodiversity-driven-bioeconomy/ The world has struggled to define and adopt a common approach to the bioeconomy. Evidence has demonstrated that having guidelines or guiding principles is crucial for promoting sustainable, inclusive, and representative bioeconomies. SEI and IICA are hosting an event in the Blue Zone of COP16, where the guiding principles for the bioeconomy developed by the Latin American Bioeconomy Network members will be launched. The world has struggled to define and adopt a common approach to the bioeconomy. Evidence has demonstrated that having guidelines or guiding principles is crucial for promoting sustainable, inclusive, and representative bioeconomies.

SEI and IICA are hosting an event in the Blue Zone of COP16, where the guiding principles for the bioeconomy developed by the Latin American Bioeconomy Network members will be launched.

]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:03:18 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/cop16-principles-biodiversity-driven-bioeconomy/ Event Principios para una bioeconomía impulsada por la biodiversidad https://www.sei.org/events/cop16-principios-bioeconomia-impulsada-biodiversidad/ El mundo tiene dificultades para definir y adoptar un enfoque común de la bioeconomía. La evidencia ha demostrado que contar con directrices o principios rectores es crucial para promover bioeconomías sostenibles, inclusivas y representativas. SEI e IICA están organizando un evento en la Zona Azul de la COP16, donde se lanzarán los principios rectores para la bioeconomía desarrollados por los miembros de la Red Latinoamericana de Bioeconomía. El mundo tiene dificultades para definir y adoptar un enfoque común de la bioeconomía. La evidencia ha demostrado que contar con directrices o principios rectores es crucial para promover bioeconomías sostenibles, inclusivas y representativas.

SEI e IICA están organizando un evento en la Zona Azul de la COP16, donde se lanzarán los principios rectores para la bioeconomía desarrollados por los miembros de la Red Latinoamericana de Bioeconomía.

]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:59:38 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/cop16-principios-bioeconomia-impulsada-biodiversidad/ Event Capacidades institucionales para una transición justa en regiones carboníferas: el caso de La Jagua de Ibirico, Colombia https://www.sei.org/publications/capacidades-institucionales-transicion-justa-regiones-carboniferas-jagua-colombia/ Este caso describe algunas de estas brechas institucionales y financieras, señalando la urgencia y la complejidad de planificar transiciones justas del carbón. Además, destaca la necesidad de diversos tipos de apoyo a las autoridades locales, quienes tienen un rol crucial en liderar transiciones justas en colaboración con un más amplio grupo de actores afectados. Este caso describe algunas de estas brechas institucionales y financieras, señalando la urgencia y la complejidad de planificar transiciones justas del carbón. Además, destaca la necesidad de diversos tipos de apoyo a las autoridades locales, quienes tienen un rol crucial en liderar transiciones justas en colaboración con un más amplio grupo de actores afectados.

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:17:52 +0000 José Vega Araújo; Elisa Arond; Juliana Peña Niño; Fernando Patzy; Daniela Maestre https://www.sei.org/publications/capacidades-institucionales-transicion-justa-regiones-carboniferas-jagua-colombia/ Publication Ecosystem-based approaches for integrating disaster risk reduction, climate, land and biodiversity goals https://www.sei.org/publications/ecosystem-based-approaches/ This brief aims to inform national and international actors about the ecosystem-based approaches for integrating disaster risk reduction, climate, land and biodiversity goals. This brief aims to inform national and international actors about the ecosystem-based approaches for integrating disaster risk reduction, climate, land and biodiversity goals.

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:57:23 +0000 Yvonne Walz; Lisa Hartmann; Sally Janzen; Jack O‘Connor; Fabian Rackelmann; Marisol Estrella; Chawanangwa Nyirenda; Sandra Amlang; Kristin Meyer; Iria Touzon Calle; Veronica Ruiz Garcia; Dorsa Sheikholeslami; Jeroen Jurriens; Heidi Tuhkanen; Irfan Maqbool; Nidhi Nagabhatla; Johann Georg Goldammer; Nathalie Doswald; Karen Sudmeier-Rieux https://www.sei.org/publications/ecosystem-based-approaches/ Publication