Blog Posts: greenhouse gases

More and more countries are setting goals to reach net-zero emissions. Here we unpack what "net-zero emissions" really means, and why these goals are important.

Corporations increasingly claim that their products reduce emissions. But these claims are often unverifiable or inaccurate, according to WRI's investigation of more than 300 companies.

In his first Insights post as Director, WRI United States, Dan Lashof focuses on some good news from California: a comprehensive suite of climate policies helped the Golden State meet its 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions four years early, while California's economy grew.

Parts of the United States are experiencing blizzard and frigid temperatures, possibly spurred by climatic changes. It's reminiscent of the types of extreme conditions we witnessed over and over last year.

As Indonesia implements new policies and plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, a WRI working paper lays out steps it can take to meet its highest targets.

In 2013, only 33 of the top 100 highest-paid government contractors reported their emissions to CDP, a global emissions reporting platform. A new proposal from the White House could change that.

As the world's largest greenhouse gas emitting nation, China needs to show climate leadership to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Beyond cutting carbon dioxide emissions, China can make great strides by curbing emissions of non-CO₂ gases, which constitute nearly one-fifth of its total greenhouse gas inventory.

New WRI analysis shows that Wisconsin can reduce its power sector emissions 21 percent below 2012 levels by 2030 just by following through on existing clean energy policies and making more efficient use of power plants. With a few additional steps, the state can far exceed the emissions reductions required by the Clean Power Plan.

The Paris Agreement won't take effect until 55 countries representing at least 55 percent of global emissions officially join. Countries representing more than 49 percent of emissions have already committed to join early. Here's how we could bridge the gap.

A new U.S.-Canada joint will cut methane emissions from oil and gas systems by 40-45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025. It's a big step toward meeting both countries' climate goals—methane is a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide.