European Report on Development 2011/2012 (Source: The European Commission)

Confront scarcity now or pay later

Confronting scarcity in natural resources requires careful management of the water, energy and land policies (the WEL nexus), according to the latest European Report on Development (ERD). The report explores the roles of the public and private sector in managing natural resources for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the ERD's findings, ODI’s Dr Dirk Willem te Velde, team leader of the 2011/2012 ERD, argues that we 'need to avoid policy making in silos and stimulate integrated thinking'.

Understanding poverty and wellbeing

Post2015.org – what comes after the Millennium Development Goals?

An article by ODI Director of Research, Andrew Norton, introduces a paper developed by a group of senior academics on the meaning and measurement of poverty.

Tracking the post-2015 agenda is becoming increasingly difficult. The new post-2015.org website and @post2015 Twitter account bring together key news, events and research on the emerging agenda.

ODI on... 2012 climate change conferences in Bonn

‘Change Readiness Index’ provides new insight into countries’ ability to respond to change

Researchers for ODI will be focusing on climate finance and drivers of deforestation at this year's UNFCCC climate change conference.

This forward looking index captures government capability and the capability of a country to manage and respond to change. See also The Guardian and Simon Maxwell's analysis.

Separated at birth, reunited in Rio?

Tackling exposure to disaster

Despite significant overlaps between climate change and development they are rarely linked through policy. This Background Note suggests how Rio+20 could start to bridge this gap.

As disasters increase in frequency, CDKN releases a paper for decision-makers on the role of economic and fiscal policy and development planning in disaster risk management.

Inequality won't take care of itself

Justice in Sierra Leone: delivering on different levels

Inequality in middle-income Latin America is highlighted in a new Christian Aid report. Lessons must be learned, says Alina Rocha Menocal, in particular by countries in the Arab Spring.

Following the Charles Taylor verdict, Lisa Denney argues that the influence of this case will be outlived by informal security and justice providers, as outlined in a related Briefing Paper.

Size matters: Africa’s water resources

Humanitarian space: a review of trends and issues

What’s behind the story that Africa sits on vast groundwater reserves? What will it mean for Africa’s population, and the poor? Roger Calow presents the research responsible for the trending story.

Is humanitarian space shrinking? Samir Elhawary and Sarah Collinson question this dominant narrative in a HPG report and policy brief.

Progress in child well-being: building on what works

North Korea: what kind of food aid was that?

This report explores the impact of aid in improving child rights and well-being in developing countries, showcasing where and how aid has worked and why it is important to invest in the well-being of children.

Following USAID's withdrawal of food aid to North Korea Ed Clay asks, 'is this kind of food aid – with strings attached and questionable trade implications – just too problematic a way to do this?'

How democracy won in Malawi

How to lead billions: leadership and transition in China

As Joyce Banda takes up the presidency of Malawi, Diana Cammack reflects on the democratic process that got her there, and Fletcher Tembo looks at what it all means for Malawi's MPs.

Reflecting on the rise and fall of Bo Xilai and China's transition to a new leadership, Daniel Harris warns against conflating leadership with individual leaders.

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