SEI-US

Welcome to the web site of the U.S. Center of the Stockholm Environment Institute, an international research organization working on sustainable development. SEI-US is a research affiliate of Tufts University in Massachusetts. Our main offices are on the Tufts campus in Somerville, MA and we also have offices in Davis, California and Seattle, Washington. more...

SEI Report: Europe's Share of the Climate Challenge: Domestic Actions and International Obligations to Protect the Planet

12/1/2009
C. Heaps, P. Erickson, S. Kartha, E. Kemp-Benedict
This report examines how Europe can show leadership: firstly, by undertaking domestic actions to rapidly reduce emissions of GHGs, and secondly, by fulfilling its international obligations to help other countries address the twin crises of climate change and development.

More information and download report

SEI Job opening: Climate Change Research Associate

at SEI Seattle office
More information

SEI's work is interdisciplinary in nature: drawing upon engineering, economics, ecology, ethics, operations research, international relations and software design. We conduct applied scientific research: bringing the best available science to policy makers.

In addition to providing policy-relevant analyses, we build capacity in the developing world for integrated sustainability planning through training and collaboration on projects. Our decision support tools such as LEAP for energy and climate mitigation and WEAP for water resources are widely used.

Our activities are organized into three programs:

	The Climate and Energy Program conducts energy system analyses, examines environmental consequences of energy use such as global warming, and develops policies for a transition to efficient and renewable energy technology.
	The Water Resources Program brings an integrated framework to freshwater assessment, one that seeks sustainable water solutions by balancing the need for basic water services, development and the environment.
	The Future Sustainability Program takes a holistic perspective in assessing sustainability at global, regional, and national levels.

The Stockholm Environment Institute US Center (SEI-US) is a non-profit research organization with 501c(3) status.

To learn more about our center and about our current projects, read our 2008 Center Report.

News

The Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) to use LEAP

January 2010
SEI’s LEAP modeling system will be used to develop a new energy and climate mitigation model for the State that will examine how the 2020 and 2050 GWSA goals can best be met. More information

Nepal's experience with multiple use water services

January 2010, by Monique Mikhal
Drawing on 8 years experience, this paper describes the critical components of multiple-use water services projects
in Nepal and the outcomes seen at the community level and explores opportunities for future global MUS implementation. Download the paper

Daydreams of Disaster:
Report to the California Attorney General 2009

January 2010, by Frank Ackerman
This report is an evaluation of the Varshney-Tootelian critiques of AB 32 and other CA regulations. It shows that both studies are unsound and unreliable economic analysis. Download the report

A Copenhagen Prognosis: towards a safe climate future

December 2009
Sivan Kartha et al
A concise diagnosis of the state of the bioshpere and observed emissions trends.
More information and download report

A 350 ppm Emergency Pathway

November 2009
Paul Baer and Tom Athanasiou (EcoEquity), Sivan Kartha (SEI)
This memo provides a quick, up-to-date overview and specifies a representative emissions pathway consistent with a 350 ppm concentration target.
Download a PDF of this paper.

Governor Schwarzenegger unveils two new applications developed by SEI

12/2/2009
The new Google Earth-based tools help to visualize climate change impacts in California. Funded by the California Energy Commission and Google.org, SEI has developed a web site using the Google Earth platform to display an interactive tour on climate change in the State. More Information

The Economics of 350: The Benefits and Costs of Climate Stabilization

October 2009
Frank Ackerman and Elizabeth A. Stanton, co-authored the report with researchers from universities and think-tanks across the US. The report argues that a worldwide effort to lower atmospheric carbon concentrations to 350ppm is affordable; it can create more new jobs, spur more innovation and protect businesses, governments and households from the damages caused by the rapid heating of the earth.
More information, download press release and full report.