SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:25:12 +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 Clean air benefits for Africa https://www.sei.org/perspectives/air-quality-benefits-for-africa/ In this op-ed originally published by the Clean Air Journal, researchers from SEI York and SEI Africa highlight a significant boost to air quality and sustainable development in Africa from the 2024 UNEA 6 Resolution on Air Quality. The resolution acknowledges the Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa with specific actions. In this op-ed originally published by the Clean Air Journal, researchers from SEI York and SEI Africa highlight a significant boost to air quality and sustainable development in Africa from the  2024 UNEA 6 Resolution on Air Quality. The resolution acknowledges the Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa with specific actions.

]]> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:32:08 +0000 Kevin Hicks; Philip Osano; Lawrence Nzuve; Andriannah Mbandi; Alice Akinyi Kaudia https://www.sei.org/perspectives/air-quality-benefits-for-africa/ Perspective Lower Snake River Dams Study https://www.sei.org/projects/lower-snake-river-dams/ SEI is studying the evaporation from the Lower Snake River reservoirs in the northwest United States, as authorities explore removing four dams. SEI is studying the evaporation from the Lower Snake River reservoirs in the northwest United States, as authorities explore removing four dams.

]]> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:32:23 +0000 https://www.sei.org/projects/lower-snake-river-dams/ Project Webinar: Indoor air quality in UK schools – findings from the SAMHE project https://www.sei.org/events/samhe-webinar/ The SAMHE (Schools’ Air quality Monitoring for Health and Education) project aims to help researchers better understand indoor air quality in UK schools. Over 1300 schools have received air quality monitors which measure carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), temperature and relative humidity. To date, 584 schools have submitted data to a national database. In this webinar we shared what we have learnt from analyzing data from the 2023-24 school year. The SAMHE (Schools’ Air quality Monitoring for Health and Education) project aims to help researchers better understand indoor air quality in UK schools. Over 1300 schools have received air quality monitors which measure carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), temperature and relative humidity. To date, 584 schools have submitted data to a national database. In this webinar we shared what we have learnt from analyzing data from the 2023-24 school year.

]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:45:23 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/samhe-webinar/ Event Webinar: global ageing and climate change – regional dialogue Africa https://www.sei.org/events/webinar-global-ageing-climate-change-africa/ The challenges of climate change are profound, especially for older persons in Africa, who are at high risks of related vulnerabilities. SEI and HelpAge International hosted a regional consultation webinar on 17 July 2024 to explore these challenges. The challenges of climate change are profound, especially for older persons in Africa, who are at high risks of related vulnerabilities. SEI and HelpAge International hosted a regional consultation webinar on 17 July 2024 to explore these challenges.

]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:21:46 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/webinar-global-ageing-climate-change-africa/ Event Building climate-resilient value chains in arid and semi-arid regions: a VC-ARID approach for rangeland adaptation in Kenya https://www.sei.org/publications/building-climate-resilient-value-chains-in-arid-and-semi-arid-regions-a-vc-arid-approach-for-rangeland-adaptation-in-kenya/ Climate change is a major threat to arid and semi-arid regions. It disrupts rain patterns, raises temperatures, and reduces water availability. This affects agriculture and livestock rearing, both crucial for food security in these areas. As climate change intensifies, building adaptable food production systems (value chains) is essential to keep people fed. Climate change is a major threat to arid and semi-arid regions. It disrupts rain patterns, raises temperatures, and reduces water availability. This affects agriculture and livestock rearing, both crucial for food security in these areas. As climate change intensifies, building adaptable food production systems (value chains) is essential to keep people fed.

]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:27:27 +0000 Alphayo Lutta; Anderson Kehbila; Carol Mungo; Philip Osano; Elizabeth Sunguti; Obadiah Kisang https://www.sei.org/publications/building-climate-resilient-value-chains-in-arid-and-semi-arid-regions-a-vc-arid-approach-for-rangeland-adaptation-in-kenya/ Publication Guest article in SDG Knowledge Hub: Cleaning small fisheries of pollution key to world free of hunger https://www.sei.org/perspectives/small-fisheries-pollution-hunger/ SEI researchers Charlotte Wagner and Jonathan Green write that the 2024 High-Level Political Forum, taking place July 2024 with the mission of reviewing select Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), overlooks a key barrier to eradicating hunger: the pollution that plagues small-scale fisheries and harms human health and livelihoods. SEI researchers Charlotte Wagner and Jonathan Green write that the 2024 High-Level Political Forum, taking place July 2024 with the mission of reviewing select Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), overlooks a key barrier to eradicating hunger: the pollution that plagues small-scale fisheries and harms human health and livelihoods.

]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2024 21:04:54 +0000 Charlotte Wagner; Jonathan Green https://www.sei.org/perspectives/small-fisheries-pollution-hunger/ Perspective El informe de la Brecha de Producción 2023: ¿Una reducción o una intensificación? A pesar de las promesas climáticas, los principales productores de combustibles fósiles planean aumentar las extracciones. https://www.sei.org/publications/informe-brecha-produccion-2023/ La cuarta edición del Informe sobre la Brecha de Producción muestra que, a pesar de que 151 gobiernos nacionales han prometido alcanzar cero emisiones netas y las proyecciones sugieren que la demanda de combustibles fósiles alcanzará su punto máximo en esta década, los países, en conjunto, producirán más del doble de la cantidad de combustibles fósiles en 2030 de lo que sería consistente con limitar el calentamiento a 1.5°C. La cuarta edición del Informe sobre la Brecha de Producción muestra que, a pesar de que 151 gobiernos nacionales han prometido alcanzar cero emisiones netas y las proyecciones sugieren que la demanda de combustibles fósiles alcanzará su punto máximo en esta década, los países, en conjunto, producirán más del doble de la cantidad de combustibles fósiles en 2030 de lo que sería consistente con limitar el calentamiento a 1.5°C.

]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:15:34 +0000 Ploy Achakulwisut; Michael Lazarus; Raja Asvanon; Patricio Calles Almeida; Dimas Fauzi; Emily Ghosh; Anisha Nazareth; José Vega Araújo https://www.sei.org/publications/informe-brecha-produccion-2023/ Publication Bridging the ambition gap for the future we want through climate and SDG synergy https://www.sei.org/events/bridging-the-ambition-gap-through-climate-sdgs-synergy/ SEI Executive Director, Måns Nilsson is the thematic co-lead author for one of the reports recently launched at the Bonn Climate Change Conference by the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergy, alongside SEI Senior Research Fellow, Adis Dzebo as a thematic co-author. Policymakers will gather at HLPF 2024, for the launch of the synthesis global report that will catalyze the development of concrete action plans and initiatives that leverage synergies between climate action and the SDGs. SEI Executive Director, Måns Nilsson is the thematic co-lead author for one of the reports recently launched at the Bonn Climate Change Conference by the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergy, alongside SEI Senior Research Fellow, Adis Dzebo as a thematic co-author. Policymakers will gather at HLPF 2024, for the launch of the synthesis global report that will catalyze the development of concrete action plans and initiatives that leverage synergies between climate action and the SDGs.

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2024 20:31:22 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/bridging-the-ambition-gap-through-climate-sdgs-synergy/ Event Q&A: Looking ahead with foresight with Henrik Carlsen https://www.sei.org/features/looking-ahead-henrik-carlsen/ In this Q&A, Henrik Carlsen, a senior research fellow at SEI, discusses his role as a member of the UNEP foresight expert panel and the results of their most recent foresight report, Navigating New Horizons, to be presented to the High-Level Political Forum on 15 July in New York City. In this Q&A, Henrik Carlsen, a senior research fellow at SEI, discusses his role as a member of the UNEP foresight expert panel and the results of their most recent foresight report, Navigating New Horizons, to be presented to the High-Level Political Forum on 15 July in New York City.

]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:15 +0000 Henrik Carlsen; Maria Cole https://www.sei.org/features/looking-ahead-henrik-carlsen/ Feature Q&A: Irina Punga on aligning with EU environmental standards in Moldova https://www.sei.org/features/moldova-sustainability-irina-punga/ In this Q&A, Irina Punga, Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Environment in Moldova, discusses the challenges faced by the country in meeting EU environmental standards and reaching climate neutrality by 2050, as well as the social and environmental benefits of aligning with the European Green Deal. In this Q&A, Irina Punga, Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Environment in Moldova, discusses the challenges faced by the country in meeting EU environmental standards and reaching climate neutrality by 2050, as well as the social and environmental benefits of aligning with the European Green Deal.

]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:20:33 +0000 https://www.sei.org/features/moldova-sustainability-irina-punga/ Feature Navigating new horizons https://www.sei.org/publications/navigating-new-horizons-2024/ This Navigating New Horizons report outlines a process focussed on planetary health and human well-being — an intentional framing to expand the range of issues and informed views that typically shape UNEP’s work, to ensure the organization is looking in places not normally considered but which can be addressed, or where advice can be provided for others with relevant portfolios. This Navigating New Horizons report outlines a process focussed on planetary health and human well-being — an intentional framing to expand the range of issues and informed views that typically shape UNEP’s work, to ensure the organization is looking in places not normally considered but which can be addressed, or where advice can be provided for others with relevant portfolios.

]]> Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:15:06 +0000 Henrik Carlsen https://www.sei.org/publications/navigating-new-horizons-2024/ Publication How the new UK government should begin working towards a just fossil fuel transition in the North Sea https://www.sei.org/perspectives/uk-government-north-sea-fossil-fuel-transition/ The new government in the UK must now decide what policies can achieve its promise for a "phased and responsible" transition in the North Sea. Here are some places for inspiration. The new government in the UK must now decide what policies can achieve its promise for a "phased and responsible" transition in the North Sea. Here are some places for inspiration.

]]> Mon, 15 Jul 2024 13:51:10 +0000 Felipe Sanchez https://www.sei.org/perspectives/uk-government-north-sea-fossil-fuel-transition/ Perspective Youth action for climate and clean air webinar https://www.sei.org/events/youth-action-for-climate-and-clean-air-webinar-register-today/ This event aimed to empower and inspire youth to act on improving air quality. A panel of experts, including SEI’s Sarah West, explored air pollutants impact on climate change, air quality, specific health risks to young people, and the role of youth leadership in addressing cleaner air. This event aimed to empower and inspire youth to act on improving air quality. A panel of experts, including SEI’s Sarah West, explored air pollutants impact on climate change, air quality, specific health risks to young people, and the role of youth leadership in addressing cleaner air.

]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:48:27 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/youth-action-for-climate-and-clean-air-webinar-register-today/ Event Sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions on water and energy: Reducing poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture and combating climate change https://www.sei.org/events/innovative-solutions-on-water-and-energy-reducing-poverty-promoting-sustainable-agriculture-and-combating-climate-change/ UN DESA is convening a side event at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in cooperation with the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network. This event will provide an opportunity for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and experiences on integrated water and energy solutions supporting poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. UN DESA is convening a side event at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in cooperation with the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network. This event will provide an opportunity for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and experiences on integrated water and energy solutions supporting poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

]]> Sat, 06 Jul 2024 23:31:23 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/innovative-solutions-on-water-and-energy-reducing-poverty-promoting-sustainable-agriculture-and-combating-climate-change/ Event Harnessing the power of forests for resilient agriculture https://www.sei.org/perspectives/harnessing-the-power-of-forests-for-resilient-agriculture/ Science is revealing the many benefits that forests and trees bring to the agricultural sector. It is time for policymakers to take steps to catalyse these benefits. The upcoming meeting of the Committee on Forestry (COFO27) offers an opportunity to begin. Science is revealing the many benefits that forests and trees bring to the agricultural sector. It is time for policymakers to take steps to catalyse these benefits. The upcoming meeting of the Committee on Forestry (COFO27) offers an opportunity to begin.

]]> Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:59:52 +0000 Rafaela Flach; Selorm Kugbega https://www.sei.org/perspectives/harnessing-the-power-of-forests-for-resilient-agriculture/ Perspective Extreme heat is worse for low-income communities: a visit to Klong Toey in Bangkok https://www.sei.org/perspectives/heat-low-income-communities-klongtoey/ Some of Bangkok’s low-income communities suffer the impacts of extreme heat due to inadequate housing or lack of cooling measures, and internal room temperatures are often 10 degrees hotter than their surroundings. This poses health risks and economic costs. Analyzing the land surface temperature (LST) and identifying urban localities suffering high heat effects can help with urban planning and social support to counter the risks of heat for many vulnerable communities. Some of Bangkok’s low-income communities suffer the impacts of extreme heat due to inadequate housing or lack of cooling measures, and internal room temperatures are often 10 degrees hotter than their surroundings. This poses health risks and economic costs.  Analyzing the land surface temperature (LST) and identifying urban localities suffering high heat effects can help with urban planning and social support to counter the risks of heat for many vulnerable communities. 

]]> Thu, 11 Jul 2024 10:14:04 +0000 Raja Asvanon; Satish Prasad https://www.sei.org/perspectives/heat-low-income-communities-klongtoey/ Perspective How data is helping elite athletes beat the smog https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/how-data-is-helping-elite-athletes-beat-the-smog/ SEI Africa, in collaboration with UNEP and Athletics Kenya have been at the forefront of air quality monitoring, as the issue of air pollution continues to grow. Air quality sensors have been installed in sports facilities in six countries across Africa, with the data being used by coaches drawing up training schedules and event organizers looking to keep competitors safe. SEI Africa, in collaboration with UNEP and Athletics Kenya have been at the forefront of air quality monitoring, as the issue of air pollution continues to grow. Air quality sensors have been installed in sports facilities in six countries across Africa, with the data being used by coaches drawing up training schedules and event organizers looking to keep competitors safe.

]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:04:10 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/how-data-is-helping-elite-athletes-beat-the-smog/ Press Fostering diversity and inclusivity in citizen science: a collective exploration https://www.sei.org/events/diversity-and-inclusivity-in-citizen-science/ SEI York’s Citizen Science Research Group ran a panel session on “Fostering diversity and inclusivity in citizen science: a collective exploration” at the Science in Public 2024 conference in Birmingham, UK. They explored the breadth of research in citizen science, emphasizing the need for a more diverse and inclusive participation in scientific endeavors, using four narratives arising from their own research portfolio. SEI York’s Citizen Science Research Group ran a panel session on “Fostering diversity and inclusivity in citizen science: a collective exploration” at the Science in Public 2024 conference in Birmingham, UK. They explored the breadth of research in citizen science, emphasizing the need for a more diverse and inclusive participation in scientific endeavors, using four narratives arising from their own research portfolio.

]]> Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:04:06 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/diversity-and-inclusivity-in-citizen-science/ Event Exploring synergies and trade-offs for transformations to the SDGs and beyond https://www.sei.org/events/exploring-synergies-and-trade-offs-sdgs-and-beyond/ Understanding trade-offs and synergies is key for SDG implementation. On the sidelines of the HLPF 2024, policymakers and researchers convened to explore systematic case studies and collection of empirical data on context-specific synergies and trade-offs from Japan, Finland, and Sweden and their role in Voluntary National Reviews (VNR). This event is hosted by Keio University, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. Understanding trade-offs and synergies is key for SDG implementation. On the sidelines of the HLPF 2024, policymakers and researchers convened to explore systematic case studies and collection of empirical data on context-specific synergies and trade-offs from Japan, Finland, and Sweden and their role in Voluntary National Reviews (VNR).

This event is hosted by Keio University, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

 

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:43:37 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/exploring-synergies-and-trade-offs-sdgs-and-beyond/ Event SDG 13 and interlinkages with other SDGs – Climate action https://www.sei.org/events/sdg-13-interlinkages/ Building on this year’s revision of SDG 13 on Climate Change at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), Member States and other key stakeholders meet to discuss progress on SDG 13 and evidence-based approaches available to leverage synergies with other SDGs. SEI’s Miquel Muñoz joins this session to share insights from SEI’s work on climate change and renewable energy. Building on this year’s revision of SDG 13 on Climate Change at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), Member States and other key stakeholders meet to discuss progress on SDG 13 and evidence-based approaches available to leverage synergies with other SDGs. SEI’s Miquel Muñoz joins this session to share insights from SEI’s work on climate change and renewable energy.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 01:57:18 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/sdg-13-interlinkages/ Event