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OUR MISSION 
We provide policymakers, public and private sector stakeholders, and the general public with data-driven and high-quality analysis on sustainability issues in islands. We also provide a shared, open knowledge sharing and transfer platform to strengthen island research and training capacity, and island government policy interventions. Our aim is to bring the power of academic rigor to generating innovative, evidence-based policy solutions to islands’ challenges. 
IN THIS ISSUE
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
 Original Research Article 
Is there a case for a coal moratorium in Indonesia? Power sector optimization modeling of low-carbon strategies by Kalim Shah, Pravesh Raghoo & Philipp Blechinger (Renier Lemoine Institute, Germany)

In this study in the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia, researchers at the IPL and RLI in Germany utilized energy modeling tools to assess different possibilities and adjustments within the Indonesian power sector to eliminate coal consumption and accelerate renewable energy uptake, taking advantage of the declining costs of technologies and mechanisms like carbon taxes.  Continue Reading ...
 Original Research Article 
National environmental regulatory systems for the management of environmental impacts in small islands jurisdictions  by Kalim Shah

Examining regulation processes as a facet of governance in this study, Dr. Shah underscored the existing research gap in the implementation of regulations within the environmental domains of renewable energy utilization and hazardous waste transport. He also highlighted that comprehension of formulating and executing formal regulatory frameworks in small islands remains limited, as it is often subsumed within more extensive structures of governance and institutions.  Continue Reading ...
NEW RESEARCH COLLECTION ON ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY
The Island Policy Lab has launched a Special Issue with the leading environment journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability.  

Read the Editorial: On the environmental sustainability of Islands by Dr. Shah, Special Issue Editor.

The Special Issues reviews and synthesizes research along five fronts: 
- Assessments of Pressures on the Environment
- Science-based Management and Responses
- Policy, Planning, Governance and Institutions
- Critical Sector and Case Country Reviews
- Science, Technology and Innovation Solutions

Leading scholars and experts have contributed articles to the Special Issue on various topics regarding the island's energy sector, tourism sector, blue carbon, fisheries, and climate change.

All articles can be accessed here.
BLOGS AND COMMENTARIES
Our insights on key topics

Island Policy Lab has launched a series of insightful blogs featuring contributions from our lab members, covering a diverse array of topics. From exploring the intricacies of climate finance to delving into the challenges and opportunities of electric vehicle adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), each blog offers valuable insights and perspectives.  These experts blogs are designed to assist our island communities in understanding critical issues, solutions and best practices of interest. Check out the articles and their links below,

1. Advancing Climate Finance Access at the 4th SIDS International Conference by Atoofa Zainab

2. Navigating the Unknown: Five Unanswered Questions About the Global Energy Transition by Idowu Kunlere

3. Do Electric Vehicles Allow Small Island Nations the Ability to Succeed in the Clean Energy Transition? by Walker Schwartz

4. Biofuels Policies and the Energy Transition by Isaiah N. Gangadeen

5. Carbon Capture and Sequestration technology- does the piece fit the Net Zero Emissions puzzle? by Aditi Chaturvedi
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENTS
Participation in the 2nd Authors meeting for UNEP Geo-7 Assessment
 
The authors of the seventh edition of the Global Environmental Outlook met in Vienna, Austria from 15- 19 January 2024 to focus on finishing the first draft of the report.  Dr. Shah is coauthoring the Environmental Management Systems chapter dealing with systems thinking about ecology and circularity in human-ecological systems. The meeting also raised awareness about GEO-7 through a science policy dialogue on financing the Transition to a Circular Economy - including global and regional discussions.
COP28 Engagement
 
IPL Director Dr. Shah participated in two sessions at COP28.  First was the launch of the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Dr. Shah was the lead author of the NAP, which was reported in the global news as one of the most well-designed adaptation strategies put forth to date. Dr. Shah also participated in panel discussions organized by the Pacific Development Forum on energy transition and sustainable development. 
Climate Gen Z Conference 
 
IPL team participated in the first Climate Gen Z conference from September 8-10, 2023, dedicated to enhancing and broadening activism on climate change issues in the Caribbean.  The event featured engaging practical and skills-based sessions with Director Dr. Shah spearheaded a "bootcamp discussion" centered on climate science tailored to the Caribbean region.  Doctoral Candidate Isaiah Gangadeen participated in a panel focusing on "international climate policy with a Caribbean lens".  This conference provided a platform for Gen Z individuals to express their views and gain insight into the necessary actions within their country's context. 
RESEARCH AND GRANT ACTIVITIES
Field Research Expedition to Eastern Caribbean Countries
 
Dr. Shah and representatives of Caribbean Development Bank and the UK Commonwealth Office recently embarked on a review expedition of large-scale infrastructure projects being undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Montserrat. These projects included a solar hybrid facility, road and highway development and the deep water port development. "It is really important for us to understand if these large investments are making a transformational difference in the lives of local communities and how they align with broader long term sustainability development goals" said Dr. Shah about his research work there.
Mauritius cyclone Belal and Candice

Pravesh Raghoo, Doctoral Candidate, was in Mauritius in the Winter of 2024 where he experienced the flash floods in the capital, two cyclones Belal and Candice, and a mudslide just in front of his home in the south of the island and flooding - all in January.  "The events were unfortunate but it really opened my eyes to the damage that these climate-induced weather events can have on real people and places that I know", he says.  Pravesh has some pictures of the devastation in his hometown. 
Island Policy Lab Proposal qualifies for UD Provost's Seed Funding
 
Hosted by the Office of the Provost, the One IDea, One Slide Summit, featured faculty and staff presenting their ideas to address challenges and identify opportunities for change.  The submission by the IPL Team consisting of Dr. Shah with doctoral students Idowu Kunlere and Pravesh Raghoo made it through to receive Internal Seed Funding for Projects at a point where resources could make them even more transformative, and help them develop and execute pilot projects.  IPL will use part of this grant to develop a strategic partnership plan with UD's existing Coastal Research programs. 
PARTNER & ALUMNI NEWS


Congratulatory Note to Etchu Tabenyang

Warm congratulations to IPL member Etchu Tabenyang for the successful completion of his Masters in Energy and Environmental Policy from the Biden School. His research on "Institutional Analysis of Regional Energy Governance: Applying the Combined IAD-SES (CIS) Framework: A Case Study of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)" showcases his dedication and expertise in the field. As he navigates his current status of being self-employed and weighs his options for his professional journey, IPL is confident that he will thrive in any path he chooses. We extend our best wishes to him for all his future endeavors.


Congratulatory Note to Walker Schwartz
 
Heartfelt Congratulations to IPL member Walker Schwartz who successfully completed his Masters in Energy and Environmental Policy from the Biden School.  Walker has embarked on an exciting new chapter by joining the Ramble Offshore Wind Advisory Team as an Associate Consultant. This role allows him to further explore his passion for offshore wind energy and contribute his skills to sustainable energy initiatives.  IPL wishes him every success as he begins this exciting new adventure.
SOLUTIONS NOT SLOGANS

The Lab is actively engaged on grants, education and research project with businesses, universities, NGOs and governmental agencies, interested in island sustainable development.  Contact us by email on islandpolicylab@udel.edu to discuss how we can work with you and your organization.  Do share our newsletter with your peers.

We are ramping up on our Twitter and LinkedIn Communications, if you have not already, please follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates on our activities.
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