Rising to the Climate Change Challenge
WRI works with governments, businesses and civil society to stabilize the climate so that people and nature can thrive.
Our Challenge
The planet is already experiencing unprecedented fires, droughts, floods and other extreme weather. People living in poverty —those who had little role in creating the climate crisis — are least able to respond, but most likely to bear the brunt of its effects. At the same time, the world continues to destroy natural ecosystems and consume fossil fuels at unsustainable rates, further fueling climate change.
Research shows that the world needs to cut its emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by mid-century to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Yet despite this urgency and the massive economic and health benefits of taking climate action, most countries, businesses, states and cities have yet to make the economic and societal shifts required to secure a better future.
Global emissions must drop by half by 2030 to prevent the worst impacts of climate change
Climate impacts are projected to cost the world economy $7.9 trillion by 2050
Climate action can bring $26+ trillion in economic benefits by 2030
new low-carbon jobs could be created in 2030
Our Approach
WRI aims to stabilize the climate while meeting people’s needs and protecting nature. We work with policymakers, businesses, civil society and others to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support communities in building resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Our research evaluates the technical, economic and social benefits of climate action, as well as the costs of inaction. We work with national governments to design ambitious near-term climate plans that align with long-term temperature goals, and help integrate these into economic, sectoral and development plans. We help international policymakers advance climate solutions through negotiations and accords such as the Paris Agreement. We support businesses, civil society, local governments and other non-state actors as they pursue their emissions-reduction and adaptation goals. We build tools to track global progress on fighting the climate crisis, inform good decision-making and ensure accountability for existing commitments. And we work with thought leaders around the world to accelerate adaptation efforts that will help vulnerable communities build resilience against climate impacts.
The Climate Program at WRI focuses on four main areas: stepping up national climate action, advancing international climate action, tracking progress toward climate goals and supporting equity and development goals in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Explore all projects in depth.
International Climate Action
WRI works to advance international cooperation on climate change to implement the Paris Agreement and make ambitious, equitable climate action a reality.
Part of ClimateNational Climate Action
WRI works with countries to pursue ambitious climate action while building economies that are cleaner, more equitable and offer better quality jobs.
Part of ClimateTracking Climate Progress
WRI works to provide national governments, cities and companies with tools and resources to track progress toward their climate goals and strengthen accountability for existing climate commitments.
Part of ClimateClimate Equity
WRI works to help protect the world’s most vulnerable populations from climate impacts and ensure that the transition to a net-zero economy will bring about a more equitable society.
Part of Climate
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What Would Cities Look Like With 3 Degrees C of Warming vs. 1.5? Far More Hazardous and Vastly Unequal
Insights September 17, 2024