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
Timber truck in Cameroon. Photo by: Ollivier Girard/CIFOR/Flickr.
Commentary

Satellites Uncover 5 Surprising Hotspots for Tree Cover Loss

The world lost 18 million hectares (45 million acres) of trees in 2014, more than half of it in the tropics.

Commentary
To  meet its emissions goals, China should begin to reevaluate building efficiency with new technology and better financing. Photo by shanidov/Flickr
Commentary

To Achieve its New Climate Goals, China Must Look to its Buildings

Energy use in China's buildings is projected to rise by 40 percent between 2009 and 2030. Reducing this sector's footprint is critical for achieving the country's target of peaking its emissions by 2030.

Commentary
Negotiators gather at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany. Photo by Shubert Ciencia/Flickr
Commentary

What’s On the Table at Bonn Climate Talks?

We’re now entering the final, significant stages of negotiations leading up to the major climate summit in Paris in December known as COP21, where countries will reach a new international climate agreement. There are now two week-long negotiating sessions remaining before Paris; the first takes place next week in Bonn, Germany. What issues will negotiators face and what needs to happen at the Bonn meeting?

Commentary
Photo by Michael Mazengarb/Flickr
Commentary

An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

The world is losing the window of opportunity to solve the climate crisis. To have a reasonable chance of limiting global warming to 2°C and avoid its most dramatic effects, we need to limit all carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) to one trillion metric tons.

Commentary
Physical risks like drought are only some of the climate-related risks investors face. Photo by Don DeBold/Flickr
Commentary

Dispelling 4 Myths about Climate Change and Investment Risk

Climate change is a risk that, while significant, is oftentimes misunderstood by the financial community. The new *Carbon Asset Risk Discussion Framework* aims to help financial institutions identify and understand climate-related risks to their portfolios.

Commentary
Para atingir a meta de 2ºC será necessária uma radical e urgente descarbonização da economia mundial. Fonte: Michael Mazengarb/Flickr
Commentary

Oportunidade Histórica

Commentary
14 of the 33 likely most water stressed countries in 2040 are in the Middle East. (Dubai, UAE) Photo by Jason Mrachina/Flickr.
Commentary

Ranking the World’s Most Water-Stressed Countries in 2040

Globally, changing water supply and demand is inevitable; what that change will look like is far from certain. A first-of-its-kind analysis sheds new light on the issue.

Commentary
President Obama’s recent announcement of new clean energy initiatives is a major opportunity for galvanizing climate action at a global level. Photo by United Nations/Flickr
Commentary

President Obama’s Challenge to Cities: An Opportunity for Global Climate Action

Thirty-four U.S. cities have now pledged to reduce their emissions through the Compact of Mayors, a global climate action coalition. President Obama challenged 100 U.S. cities to join the initiative before COP 21 in Paris later this year.

Commentary
Numerous small-scale adaptation projects are underway across India’s rainfed regions. (Madhya Pradesh, India) Photo by Rajarshi Mitra/Flickr.
Commentary

Thinking Big on Climate Change Adaptation: Scaling Rainfed Agriculture Projects in India

Rainfed agriculture sustains millions of farmers in India, meeting 40 percent of India’s food demand. But the impact of a changing climate, including increased droughts and rising temperatures, threatens food production and farming patterns.

Commentary
The electricity system will have to be decarbonized, probably more quickly than many in the sector are comfortable with. Working with large buyers that want to move quickly could lead to decarbonizing in an orderly way that drives down the cost for everyone. Photo by Windwärts Energie/Flickr
Commentary

Corporations Can Drive Down Renewable Energy’s Cost

At a time of record low renewable energy power purchase agreements in the U.S.—as projects compete for buyers before federal subsidies expire—corporate buyers could bring real benefits to other energy customers.

Commentary

Most Read