New Websites!June 2009: www.co2offsetresearch.orgThe website provides an up-to-date analysis and synthesis of the most influential offset programs and activities. It reflects on lessons learned, and aims to inform consumers as well as participants and designers of current and future offset programs. Policy Information - provides in-depth analysis and information about offset design and policies. April 2009: www.RealClimateEconomics.orgSEI senior researcher Frank Ackerman played a leading role in developing a new website launched by Economics for Equity and the Environment Network (E3, www.RealClimateEconomics.org, to demonstrate the weight of economic analysis in the peer reviewed literature that supports immediate, large-scale policy responses to the climate crisis. |
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.
Our 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:
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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. |
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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. |
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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
Road-testing of Selected
Offset Protocols and Standards; A Comparison of Offset Protocols:
Landfills, Manure, and Afforestation/Reforestation
June 2009, SEI Working Paper US09-04
Michael Lazarus, Carrie Lee, Gordon Smith
Kimberly Todd, Melissa Weitz,
U.S. EPA
Download paper here.
Carbon Offsetting & Air Travel
Part 2: Non-CO2 Emissions Calculations
June 2009, SEI Discussion Paper
Anja Kollmuss and Allison Myers Crimmins
The second of two papers that examine the key factors that have to be taken into account when calculating air travel emissions for the purpose of climate footprint and offset calculations. The paper is written for a non-technical audience and explains how to account for non-CO2 impacts of air travel emissions.
Download paper here.
Climate and Development Economics: Balancing Science, Politics, and Equity
June 2009, SEI Working Paper US09-08
Elizabeth A. Stanton, Frank Ackerman
Download paper here.
Greenhouse Gases and Human Well-Being: China in a Global Perspective
March 2009, SEI Working Paper US09-07
Elizabeth A. Stanton
Download paper here.
Carbon Embedded in China’s Trade
March 2009, SEI Working Paper US09-06
Frank Ackerman, June 16, 2009
Download paper here.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Developing Countries - Promising Options in China, Mexico, India, Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea
June 2009, SEI Working Paper US09-03
Peter Erickson, Charles Heaps, and Michael Lazarus. Download paper here.
First Regional Conference on Applying WEAP as a Decision
Support System
25. – 27.5.2009 in Syria
Download conference report (pdf)
Greenhouse Gases and the American Lifestyle: Understanding Interstate Differences in Emissions
May 2009
Liz Stanton and Frank Ackerman are co-authors, along with Kristen Sheeran, Director of Economics for Equity and the Environment (E3 Network), of a report on interstate differences in per capita GHGs.
It explains why some states have much lower emissions than others and helps clarify the potential regional impacts of policies, such as cap-and-trade, which will impose a price on energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. More...
SEI Co-Sponsor of Biological Sequestration Workshop:
April 28 & 29, 2009
SEI co-sponsored the Biological Sequestration through GHG Offsets: Identifying the Challenges and Evaluating Potential Solutions workshop organized by the World Resource Institute. The workshop convened technical representatives of key U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, RGG), WCI, MGGRA, and the Province of Alberta together. Michael Lazarus presented on Offset Supply Potential: Uncertainties and Implications
SEI Annual Report 2008
The annual report is now available here.