The threat of global climate change is a paramount challenge. If greenhouse gas emissions are not brought under control, the resulting rise in temperatures will adversely affect human communities and natural systems around the world.

By conducting independent research and developing innovative policy and business options, WRI is promoting an effective US response to climate change. In particular, WRI aims to:

• Develop robust US policies to protect the climate system.
• Foster widespread investment in climate-friendly energy and transportation technologies.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through clean alternatives supported by businesses, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the public.

The Latest from WRI

• WRI Applauds Historic Step by the U.S. House of Representatives: Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute congratulates Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA), and members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on their historic vote to approve The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA).
• Emission Reductions Under The American Clean Energy and Security Act: This analysis provides an assessment of reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that could be achieved by Title III of the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACESA) sponsored by Chairmen Waxman and Markey released on May 19, 2009.
• Emissions Reductions Under The Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft: This analysis provides an assessment of reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that could be achieved by the measures contained in the Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft (WM-DD) released on March 31, 2009.
• A Green Global Recovery?: Well-tailored “green” components of a recovery effort can create jobs and stimulate the economy while achieving significant energy cost savings for businesses, consumers and the government.
• Cap or Tax? Key Questions and Answers: Debate is raging about the relative merits of a carbon tax or a cap and trade system as the centerpiece of federal legislation to reduce emissions that fuel global warming. Here is why cap and trade must be the U.S. policy instrument of choice.
• The Importance of the USCAP Blueprint: Why WRI supports the USCAP Blueprint, which provides a framework to shift the U.S. to a low carbon economy, and a more secure energy future.
• Biofuels from Corn Residue Need Updated Environmental Protections: Building an ethanol industry that relies on corn stover - the leaves and stalks that remain behind when corn grain has been harvested - will require increased investments in research of a variety of farming practices.

WRI’s US Climate Policy Experts

Jennifer Layke Acting Director, Climate, Energy and Pollution Program	Debbie Boger Director of U.S. Climate Policy
Christina DeConcini Director of Legislative Affairs	Lydia Weiss Legislative Affairs Associate
Find more climate policy staff here.