WRI Insights

Insights is WRI’s flagship publication dedicated to telling stories about the intersection of people, nature and the climate. Through analysis, commentary and data-driven articles, WRI's researchers share expertise and highlight solutions for securing a sustainable future.

Get our latest articles, upcoming events, research and more.

By sharing your information you agree to receive updates from WRI. You can change your email preferences at any time.

Explainers

Explore All Insights

All Topics
Subtype of Resource
Region
2884 Resources for
Members of WRI's COP21 team. Photo credit: WRI
Commentary

Success of Paris Agreement Was Built on Determination, Persistence and Science

What led to the successful adoption of the Paris Agreement at COP21? WRI's Michael Oko sees persistence, determination and the increasing clarity of climate science as key factors.

Commentary
COP21
Commentary

Not Just for Paris, but for the Future: How the Paris Agreement Will Keep Accelerating Climate Action

One of the new Agreement's core ingredients is known as the ambition mechanism, or cycles of action. This mechanism lays out a process to continue strengthening countries' climate action every five years, starting before 2020.

Commentary
Exterior view of the hall of COP21 negotiations on the Bourget exhibition center site.
Commentary

4 Signs the Paris Agreement Is the Start of a New Era in International Climate Action

The Agreement adopted at COP21 in Paris takes the world further than it has ever gone before on climate policy. WRI Climate Director Jennifer Morgan explains.

Commentary
Paris Agreement adopted. Photo credit WRI
Commentary

The Paris Agreement: Turning Point for a Climate Solution

The Paris Agreement is an historic turning point in global action on climate change. This universal pact sets the world on a course to a zero-carbon, resilient, prosperous and fair future. While the Agreement is not enough by itself to solve the problem. it places us clearly on the path to a truly global solution.

Commentary
Landfill
Commentary

What’s Food Loss and Waste Got to Do with Climate Change? A Lot, Actually.

While it may not be getting much attention at COP21, food loss and waste plays a huge role in the global climate change battle. Research shows that if food loss and waste were its own country, it would be world’s third-largest emitter!

Commentary
Wind turbines
Commentary

At Home and Abroad, US Climate Leadership Builds on Solid Foundation

"Under President Obama, the United States has sent a clear message at home and abroad that it's serious about climate action," write WRI Board member and former Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson. "We've vastly increased fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, set standards to limit carbon pollution under the Clean Power Plan, and brought China and other countries together around firm international commitments for action."

Commentary
COP21 Paris climate conference. Photo credit WRI
Commentary

COP21 Q&A: What Is GHG Emissions Neutrality in the Context of the Paris Agreement?

In the final days of the Paris climate conference, the idea of greenhouse gas emissions neutrality has emerged as a way to frame the long-term goal to limit the rise in world temperatures. Here are five key questions and answers about this critical concept.

Commentary
thin-film solar
Commentary

Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers Can Support National Climate Plans

Large, private sector energy customers wanting to buy more renewable energy are already driving change in electricity markets by scaling up clean power delivered through the grid. More renewables in countries’ power grids will accelerate progress toward emissions-reduction targets put forth in Paris.

Commentary
COP21 march in London
Commentary

3 Key Questions for the Energy Industry Around a Global Climate Agreement

If successful, the new international climate agreement forged in Paris will send strong signals to financial markets—and therefore to businesses and investors—about the direction of energy for the foreseeable future.

Commentary
COP21
Commentary

5 Numbers: What the Paris Climate Talks Have Already Delivered

Even before the new international climate agreement is finalized, COP21 has accomplished a lot when it comes to cities, clean energy, business and more.

Commentary

Most Read