The world of open data welcomed a new platform this summer—WRI’s Climate Analysis Indicators Tool, or CAIT 2.0. The platform offers free online access to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other climate data, enabling researchers, policymakers, media, and others to download, visualize, and share data for analysis and communications on climate change.

Today we’re pleased to roll out the next iteration of CAIT 2.0, featuring improved functionality and other upgrades. Check out a screencast of how CAIT 2.0 works, or read on to learn about some of the benefits visitors can expect to find.

1) A Streamlined Interface:

Visitors can easily select and sort data by country, sector, type of gas, etc. Plus, CAIT 2.0 is more readily usable on a range of mobile devices such as iPads and other large tablets.

2) A New Data Set:

We added the latest data on developed countries’ GHG emissions, as reported by these countries to the UNFCCC. This collection features emissions totals by gas and by economic sector for 42 Annex I countries, and is currently available for the period 1990-2011. (This complements our existing Country GHG Emissions data collection, which compiles data from a variety of government and non-government sources.)

3) Ability to Create Map Visualizations:

As visitors view CAIT’s data, the tool can create accompanying bar, line, and/or pie chart visualizations. We’ve now added a mapping feature, allowing visitors to create easy-to-read and compelling graphical comparisons of country or U.S. state emissions data.

4) Ability to Download and Share Visualizations:

Visitors can create and download their own data visualizations and infographics. These can also be embedded in online documents or shared on social media right from the CAIT 2.0 platform.

5) Regional Groupings of Countries and U.S. States:

CAIT 2.0 now enables visitors to view data for groups of countries—such as developing vs. developed nations—and regions of the United States. These groupings allow for a new dimension of comparative analysis.

6) Easy Access to Location-Specific Data:

CAIT 2.0 provides GHG emissions data for 186 countries and 50 U.S. states. With a single click, users can now see a complete list of available data for a particular country, region, or U.S. state.

What’s Next?

While CAIT 2.0 is already a valuable tool for anyone working in the field of climate change research and communications, it is still a work in progress. In the months ahead we will be working on additional platform upgrades, expanding and updating our data collections, and publishing our own research, analysis, and insights. In the meantime, we continue to welcome user feedback via this online form.

Happy data hunting!