SEI https://www.sei.org/ Bridging science and policy since 1989 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:42:26 +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 SEI Africa expert: Water scarcity is directly linked to economic instability https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sei-africa-expert-water-scarcity-is-directly-linked-to-economic-instability/ Harriette Adhiambo Okal, an Associate Scientist specializing in Water Systems at SEI – Africa, spoke to CGTN Africa, shedding light on the dire situation, particularly in Africa, where communities are engaged in devastating water conflicts resulting in loss of life. While government policies exist to better manage this precious resource, Okal emphasizes the critical need for effective implementation. Harriette Adhiambo Okal, an Associate Scientist specializing in Water Systems at SEI – Africa, spoke to CGTN Africa, shedding light on the dire situation, particularly in Africa, where communities are engaged in devastating water conflicts resulting in loss of life. While government policies exist to better manage this precious resource, Okal emphasizes the critical need for effective implementation.

]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:44:22 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/sei-africa-expert-water-scarcity-is-directly-linked-to-economic-instability/ Press New partnership between SEI and Mekong River Commission (MRC) https://www.sei.org/events/partnership-sei-mekong-river-commission/ Stockholm Environment Institute and Mekong River Commission (MRC) will sign an agreement to foster cooperation in addressing water and natural resource challenges in the Mekong Region. Stockholm Environment Institute and Mekong River Commission (MRC) will sign an agreement to foster cooperation in addressing water and natural resource challenges in the Mekong Region.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:15 +0000 https://www.sei.org/events/partnership-sei-mekong-river-commission/ Event ‘Water for Peace’ means water for all: for people and planet https://www.sei.org/perspectives/un-water-for-peace/ 22 March is the UN’s World Water Day, this year with the theme of “Water for Peace”. SEI Scientist Doug Chalmers, who specializes in water conflict resolution, reflects on how settling differences in water disputes can promote lasting understanding in addition to well-being for humans and ecosystems alike. And this can be accomplished in part by deploying the tools and methods SEI has developed and refined for decades. 22 March is the UN’s World Water Day, this year with the theme of “Water for Peace”.

SEI Scientist Doug Chalmers, who specializes in water conflict resolution, reflects on how settling differences in water disputes can promote lasting understanding in addition to well-being for humans and ecosystems alike. And this can be accomplished in part by deploying the tools and methods SEI has developed and refined for decades.

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:25:57 +0000 Doug Chalmers https://www.sei.org/perspectives/un-water-for-peace/ Perspective Coastal communities need resilient ecosystems and infrastructure https://www.sei.org/features/coastal-communities-need-resilient-ecosystems-and-infrastructure/ Small island developing states (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Enhancing their resilience is crucial and can inspire innovative approaches that benefit coastal communities globally. Here we explore solutions that mitigate storm impacts, preserve freshwater resources and protect infrastructure. Small island developing states (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Enhancing their resilience is crucial and can inspire innovative approaches that benefit coastal communities globally. Here we explore solutions that mitigate storm impacts, preserve freshwater resources and protect infrastructure.

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:14:46 +0000 Maria Sköld; Karina Barquet https://www.sei.org/features/coastal-communities-need-resilient-ecosystems-and-infrastructure/ Feature Q&A: Harriette Okal on water’s role in fostering peace https://www.sei.org/features/qa-harriette-okal-on-waters-role-in-fostering-peace/ In this exclusive Q&A for World Water Day, Harriette Okal, SEI Africa Research Fellow speaking to the communication team of Lawrence Nzuve and Pauline Macharia discusses the critical issues of water scarcity, the prevention of resource-related conflicts, and the advancement of gender equality in water management. In this exclusive Q&A for World Water Day, Harriette Okal, SEI Africa Research Fellow speaking to the communication team of Lawrence Nzuve and Pauline Macharia discusses the critical issues of water scarcity, the prevention of resource-related conflicts, and the advancement of gender equality in water management.

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:04:27 +0000 Harriette Okal; Lawrence Nzuve https://www.sei.org/features/qa-harriette-okal-on-waters-role-in-fostering-peace/ Feature Analyzing modal choice drivers and transport infrastructure impacts on living environment: insights from a Swedish survey study https://www.sei.org/publications/transport-choice-infrastructure-impact/ This paper presents results from a survey of 1020 Swedish residents exploring driving factors behind modal choice, as well as perceptions about the impact of transport systems the respondent’s living environment and associated quality of life. Furthermore, the authors explore how responses may vary for different sociodemographic groups and whether such differences are statistically significant. This paper presents results from a survey of 1020 Swedish residents exploring driving factors behind modal choice, as well as perceptions about the impact of transport systems the respondent’s living environment and associated quality of life. Furthermore, the authors explore how responses may vary for different sociodemographic groups and whether such differences are statistically significant.

]]> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:28:55 +0000 Maria Xylia; Claudia Strambo; Jindan Gong https://www.sei.org/publications/transport-choice-infrastructure-impact/ Publication 2024 International Day of Forests https://www.sei.org/features/2024-international-day-of-forests/ The 12th International Day of Forests underscores the pivotal role of forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 13 and 15. Discover how SEI’s research, tools and initiatives are driving this mission forward. The 12th International Day of Forests underscores the pivotal role of forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 13 and 15. Discover how SEI’s research, tools and initiatives are driving this mission forward.

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:45:29 +0000 Jennifer Aghaji; Jana Busch https://www.sei.org/features/2024-international-day-of-forests/ Feature Research on empirical distributions of index returns: evidence from international markets https://www.sei.org/publications/empirical-distributions-index-returns/ This paper reviews the currently held and quite persistent assumptions about the statistical distributions behind financial market returns used to make inferences for the purposes of risk management. This paper reviews the currently held and quite persistent assumptions about the statistical distributions behind financial market returns used to make inferences for the purposes of risk management.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:36:22 +0000 Anastasia Maga https://www.sei.org/publications/empirical-distributions-index-returns/ Publication FAO’s 1.5°C roadmap for food systems falls short https://www.sei.org/publications/faos-1-5c-roadmap-food-falls-short/ The first installment of the FAO food systems roadmap is a key step in identifying pathways to eliminate hunger without breaching the 1.5°C climate change threshold. But, as SEI co-authors say in a Nature Food Comment, future installments should be more methodologically transparent, emphasize the need to reduce animal-sourced food consumption, and align with a holistic One Health approach. The first installment of the FAO food systems roadmap is a key step in identifying pathways to eliminate hunger without breaching the 1.5°C climate change threshold. But, as SEI co-authors say in a Nature Food Comment, future installments should be more methodologically transparent, emphasize the need to reduce animal-sourced food consumption, and align with a holistic One Health approach.

]]> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:05:12 +0000 Cleo Verkuijl; Michael Lazarus https://www.sei.org/publications/faos-1-5c-roadmap-food-falls-short/ Publication SEI Urban Toolbox for Liveable Cities https://www.sei.org/tools/urban-toolbox-sustainable-inclusive-city-planning/ The SEI Urban Toolbox for Liveable Cities is a collection of different SEI tools, methods, approaches relevant for urban planning and development activities. The Urban Toolbox originates from SEI’s City Health and Well-being (CHeW) Initiative and aims to enable more inclusive urban planning practices. The SEI Urban Toolbox for Liveable Cities is a collection of different SEI tools, methods, approaches relevant for urban planning and development activities. The Urban Toolbox originates from SEI’s City Health and Well-being (CHeW) Initiative and aims to enable more inclusive urban planning practices.

]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:30:01 +0000 https://www.sei.org/tools/urban-toolbox-sustainable-inclusive-city-planning/ Tool Navigating the challenge of super pollutants: solutions and strategies https://www.sei.org/features/challenge-of-super-pollutants-solutions-and-strategies/ The 2024 Climate and Clean Air Conference, convened at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, served as a critical platform for stakeholders to collaborate and implement a shared agenda on mitigating key carbon-emitting sectors, including fossil fuels, waste, transport and agriculture. SEI York researchers at the University of York, Caroline Sawe and Jenniffer Pedraza provide insights on the pivotal discussions and outcomes of the conference, focusing on the mitigation of super pollutants, or Shor... The 2024 Climate and Clean Air Conference, convened at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, served as a critical platform for stakeholders to collaborate and implement a shared agenda on mitigating key carbon-emitting sectors, including fossil fuels, waste, transport and agriculture.

SEI York researchers at the University of York, Caroline Sawe and Jenniffer Pedraza provide insights on the pivotal discussions and outcomes of the conference, focusing on the mitigation of super pollutants, or Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs).

]]> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:02:03 +0000 Caroline Sawe; Jenniffer Pedraza https://www.sei.org/features/challenge-of-super-pollutants-solutions-and-strategies/ Feature ¿Cómo desarrollar un enfoque integral para la gestión hídrica en Risaralda, Colombia? https://www.sei.org/perspectives/como-desarrollar-un-enfoque-integral-para-la-gestion-hidrica-en-risaralda-colombia/ Risaralda, Colombia Risaralda, Colombia

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:54:14 +0000 Cristo Pérez; Camilo González; Angie Tatiana Forero Hernández; Sebastián Aedo; Camilo Sanabria; Tania Santos https://www.sei.org/perspectives/como-desarrollar-un-enfoque-integral-para-la-gestion-hidrica-en-risaralda-colombia/ Perspective Why sanitation is critical for action towards the Global Methane Pledge https://www.sei.org/perspectives/why-sanitation-is-critical-for-action-towards-the-global-methane-pledge/ As the Global Methane Pledge gains momentum, the often-overlooked role of sanitation in methane emissions demands attention. This article delves into why effective sanitation management is crucial for achieving the pledge’s ambitious targets. As the Global Methane Pledge gains momentum, the often-overlooked role of sanitation in methane emissions demands attention. This article delves into why effective sanitation management is crucial for achieving the pledge’s ambitious targets.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:09:31 +0000 Daniel Ddiba https://www.sei.org/perspectives/why-sanitation-is-critical-for-action-towards-the-global-methane-pledge/ Perspective UN omits potential of meat reduction in its roadmap for climate-compatible food system, raises health concerns, experts say https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/un-omits-potential-of-meat-reduction-in-its-roadmap-for-climate-compatible-food-system-raises-health-concerns-experts-say/ International team of researchers highlights missed opportunities for climate, health and other benefits from reducing consumption of animal-sourced foods. International team of researchers highlights missed opportunities for climate, health and other benefits from reducing consumption of animal-sourced foods.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:58:00 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/un-omits-potential-of-meat-reduction-in-its-roadmap-for-climate-compatible-food-system-raises-health-concerns-experts-say/ Press DN Debatt: “Riktade bidrag krävs för att göra klimatpolitik populär” https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/detta-kravs-i-sveriges-klimatpolitik/ ”För att Sverige ska klara klimatmålen måste fossila drivmedel bli dyrare. Om det tillåts drabba ekonomiskt utsatta grupper blir det dock svårt att få acceptans för politiken,” skriver Katarina Axelsson, Jindan Gong, Aaron Maltais, Björn Nykvist, Claudia Strambo och Maria Xylia vid SEI, i en debattartikel i Dagens Nyheter. ”För att Sverige ska klara klimatmålen måste fossila drivmedel bli dyrare. Om det tillåts drabba ekonomiskt utsatta grupper blir det dock svårt att få acceptans för politiken,” skriver Katarina Axelsson, Jindan Gong, Aaron Maltais, Björn Nykvist, Claudia Strambo och Maria Xylia vid SEI, i en debattartikel i Dagens Nyheter.

]]> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:26:42 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/detta-kravs-i-sveriges-klimatpolitik/ Press Digital Mapping Toolkit https://www.sei.org/tools/digital-mapping-toolkit/ Addressing the critical need for equitable mobility and transport decarbonization, the Digital Mapping Toolkit facilitates inclusive urban transport planning. This dynamic toolkit leverages participatory digital mapping and other innovative methods to gather crucial data, enabling evidence-based advocacy and the creation of inclusive, accessible transport solutions. Addressing the critical need for equitable mobility and transport decarbonization, the Digital Mapping Toolkit facilitates inclusive urban transport planning. This dynamic toolkit leverages participatory digital mapping and other innovative methods to gather crucial data, enabling evidence-based advocacy and the creation of inclusive, accessible transport solutions.

]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:29:28 +0000 https://www.sei.org/tools/digital-mapping-toolkit/ Tool The future in Asia and the Pacific https://www.sei.org/publications/future-asia-pacific-insights/ The interplay between human activities and the environment will be central to developments in Asia and the Pacific in the coming decades. How will this play out? A UNEP foresight workshop held in Bangkok in December 2023 gathered academics and practitioners from the region to discuss and develop plausible scenarios as a tool for navigating change. This brief summarizes the discussions. The interplay between human activities and the environment will be central to developments in Asia and the Pacific in the coming decades. How will this play out? A UNEP foresight workshop held in Bangkok in December 2023 gathered academics and practitioners from the region to discuss and develop plausible scenarios as a tool for navigating change. This brief summarizes the discussions.

 

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:49:36 +0000 Minh Tran; Haeun Lee https://www.sei.org/publications/future-asia-pacific-insights/ Publication Timeseries partitioning of ecosystem respiration components in seasonal, non-tropical forests; comparing literature derived coefficients with evaluation at two contrasting UK forest sites https://www.sei.org/publications/ecosystem-respiration-components-forests-uk/ By reviewing current literature and working with two new datasets, the authors of this paper developed metrics which better reflect the impact of land cover on soil heterotrophic respiration in seasonal forests. By reviewing current literature and working with two new datasets, the authors of this paper developed metrics which better reflect the impact of land cover on soil heterotrophic respiration in seasonal forests.

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:14:36 +0000 Andreas Heinemeyer https://www.sei.org/publications/ecosystem-respiration-components-forests-uk/ Publication E-Sak Ka Ou Declaration underscores Indigenous People’s rights for climate action https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/e-sak-ka-ou-indigenous-rights/ SEI’s Minh Tran discusses the E-Sak Ka Ou Declaration, emphasizing Indigenous People’s rights as a key component of climate action and conservation efforts. SEI’s Minh Tran discusses the E-Sak Ka Ou Declaration, emphasizing Indigenous People’s rights as a key component of climate action and conservation efforts.

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:20:28 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/e-sak-ka-ou-indigenous-rights/ Press SEI’s Kløcker Larsen in The Guardian: developer contracts with Sámi reindeer herders “harmful” https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/seis-klocker-larsen-in-the-guardian/ For the first time, an analysis of 15 agreements from five communities involving Sami reindeer herders in Sweden, has been performed by SEI’s Rasmus Kløcker Larsen and co-authors, with the results cited by the Guardian. For the first time, an analysis of 15 agreements from five communities involving Sami reindeer herders in Sweden, has been performed by SEI’s Rasmus Kløcker Larsen and co-authors, with the results cited by the Guardian.

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:17:39 +0000 https://www.sei.org/about-sei/press-room/seis-klocker-larsen-in-the-guardian/ Press