Our Mission & Values
WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. As a world-class research organization, we are driven by our values of integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.
Our Strategic Approach
WRI applies a formula to achieve our bold vision. We call it “Count It. Change It. Scale It.”:
- Count It: Our work is guided by timely, independent research. WRI experts use cutting-edge methods to collect and analyze data, pinpoint problems, assess potential solutions and evaluate real-world outcomes. Our research is subject to rigorous peer reviews to ensure it is both credible and actionable.
- Change It: We then use our research to inform action on the ground. We start locally, partnering with communities, companies and government agencies to pilot innovative solutions with widespread potential. We help clear barriers to implementation and then monitor progress to learn what works — and what doesn’t.
- Scale It: Once tested, we strive to expand our successes nationally, regionally and globally. We work with stakeholders ranging from community members to national governments to adapt leading approaches to their needs and mobilize resources. And we make our learnings accessible through partnerships, publications and tools so others can follow suit.
Our History
WRI was founded by Gus Speth in 1982 in Washington, D.C. with a founding grant of $15 million from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Over time, WRI evolved into a global organization focused on turning research into results. The organization now boasts more than 2,000 staff around the world. Learn more about our history of results over the last 40+ years.
Our Advantage
WRI brings more than four decades of experience turning evidence into action. Our researchers are trusted experts in their fields. And our commitment to locally led action helps cultivate change that is not only beneficial, but lasting.
Our unique approach is built on:
- World-class research: Timely, independent analysis is WRI’s cornerstone. All our research is peer reviewed and guided by a strategic plan for achieving positive impact. This ensures we assess every potential solution — and choose the right ones for the right places. For example, the State of Climate Action report we publish with partners is the world’s most comprehensive roadmap to close the emissions gap and hold temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C.
- Impact-driven data: WRI is at the forefront of using data, technology and AI to drive change. Our Global Forest Watch platform, launched in 2014, was the first open-access portal to track deforestation in near-real time using satellite data. It’s allowed governments, Indigenous groups and others halt illegal deforesters in their tracks. As technology trends shift, we will redouble our use of AI and digital products to accelerate research and enable timely action.
- Implementation support: We work with stakeholders at all levels to understand and overcome local implementation challenges. Together, we develop tailored solutions that benefit people, nature and the climate simultaneously. In Africa, our Restore Local initiative is providing funding and technical assistance to thousands of landscape restoration projects that will improve livelihoods, boost biodiversity, build climate resilience and reduce emissions.
- Mighty partnerships: WRI’s independent initiatives bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, civil society and more, forging lasting relationships that can help elevate solutions and raise global ambition. As secretariat of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, WRI helped secure commitments from 19 heads of state to sustainably manage 100% of their national waters, collectively covering half the world’s coastlines.
- Empowering others: We offer individuals, organizations and communities the resources and training needed to scale their impact. Our Partnering for Green Growth (P4G) initiative helps early-stage climate businesses become investment-ready — while also working with national governments and the private sector to develop a stronger market for climate innovation.
We measure success by demonstrable change in the world, aligned with international accords like the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. And we ensure all projects are guided by clear theories of change, designed to be equitable and inclusive, and include methods for tracking progress and learning from results — the key ingredients for maximum impact.
A Commitment to Diversity
To achieve our global goals, WRI brings together a workforce from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. As the challenges of racial injustice, inequity, poverty, ecosystem degradation and climate change are inseparable, so, too, are the solutions. We recognize that diversity in all its forms is pivotal to our success. We aspire to foster an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Learn more about our DEI work.
The path to prosperity is long and narrow, but WRI has the expertise to help decision-makers navigate it. We hope you’ll join us in creating a better world for people, nature and the climate by supporting our work.
