News
IGSD and Collaborators Recognized for Climate Work in Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People
May 3, 2022
IGSD President Durwood Zaelke and IGSD media strategist Paul Bledsoe were recognized among Washington DC’s 500 most influential people shaping policy. Durwood and Paul were recognized for their efforts in climate and environment alongside 14 others. read more
Ozone Community Recognized as Critical to Making ‘Great Things Happen’
March 8, 2022
The success of the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has hinged on a combination of factors, among them the purposeful and effective collaboration within the Ozone community, recognized in a new book out today, Partnering: Forge the Deep Connections That Make Great Things Happen by Jean Oelwang. read more
Burning trees for energy is not a climate solution
February 7, 2022
Burning trees and other forest biomass for energy is contrary to climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, and environmental justice goals. Governments must stop promoting climate-damaging forest bioenergy and instead invest in strategies to decrease energy demand, deploy low-emissions energy like solar and wind, and protect forests. These are the conclusions of a new article published in the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. read more
Max Planck Encyclopedias of International Law – Ozone Layer, International Protection
December 20, 2021
The Max Planck Encyclopedias of International Law’s updated Ozone Layer, International Protection (2021) entry, by IGSD’s Dr. Stephen O. Andersen, Durwood Zaelke, Kristen N Taddonio, Richard Ferris, and Dr. Nancy J. Sherman, details the ins and outs of what is widely considered the world’s most successful environmental treaty, the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The entry provides detailed analysis of the Protocol’s objectives, chemicals covered, adjustments and amendments, assessment panels, and many other aspects. The entry is available for open access. read more
Linking extreme weather and a warming world (interview)
December 15, 2021
IGSD President Durwood Zaelke comments on climate attribution science and the cost of extreme weather events. He answers the question, “do you believe the US has the President that it needs to fight and take the actions necessary to mitigate the very worst effects of the climate crisis?” read more
NGO Statement in Response to Draft COP26 Agreement
November 10, 2021
Alongside 11 NGOs, we call on negotiators to elevate methane mitigation in in the final CMA decision. See our statement. read more
China’s Policy Opportunity to Avoid Dumping of Obsolete Cooling Equipment and Support Development and Climate Goals
November 9, 2021
An Opportunity That Should Not Be Missed: Applying Chinese Policy That Promotes Efficient Air Conditioning to Countries That Need It (Sustainable Development Law & Policy, Spring 2021) illustrates a new climate strategy of applying China’s Same-Line Policy to exported ACs. The article is co-authored by IGSD attorneys Xiaopu Sun and Richard Ferris, in collaboration with Professor Houfu Yan from Beijing Normal University and Professor Shekun Wang from China Northwest University. read more
Meltdown: The Earth Without Glaciers
September 30, 2021
New book, Meltdown: The Earth Without Glaciers, out now. “Taillant masterfully takes us on a journey through the profound changes our cryosphere is suffering from climate change and how melting glaciers that are vanishing around the world will not only destroy delicate ecosystems…but how they will radically change how we live on Earth in ways not yet imagined. His unique capacity to bring together media, science, politics, and society in understandable prose offers a powerful wake-up call to our deepening climate crisis.” read more
R&D Needed for Removing Methane from the Atmosphere
September 30, 2021
Learning how to remove methane from the atmosphere would complement strategies to mitigate methane emissions from anthropogenic sources. Methane removal technologies would be especially important because around 40% of atmospheric methane originates from natural sources, and because some anthropogenic emissions are difficult to reduce. read more
Are you ready to take action on climate friendly refrigerants?
September 27, 2021
Download our guide to learn how to purchase the best products and avoid obsolete HFC refrigerants that are being phased down under the American Innovation & Manufacturing Act in the U.S. and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol internationally. Developed by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, in partnership with IGSD, the Guide to Climate Friendly Refrigerant Management and Procurement, 2021 edition, can help select affordable, energy-efficient refrigeration and cooling equipment that uses next-generation refrigerants that are more climate-friendly. read more
