WRI Insights

As the world’s second largest emitter, an ambitious and comprehensive INDC from the US could help inspire greater climate action internationally. Here's a closer look at what the US is likely to propose.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF), expected to become the main vehicle for securing and distributing finance, moved one step closer to disbursing funds this week. Its resources will support a range of activities that reduce emissions or foster resilience—such as installing renewable energy, helping farmers grow drought-resistant crops and reducing deforestation.

Countries are starting to release details of their post-2020 climate action plans, which will form the basis of a new international climate agreement. We’re already seeing some important trends. Use our interactive map to compare the commitments.

Reducing traffic congestion is typically a responsibility that lies with local governments, transport agencies and other public sector actors. A pilot program in Sao Paulo, South America's most congested city, proves that it's also in companies' best interests to support carpools and public transit.

In the lead-up to this year’s climate summit in Paris, countries are proposing climate actions that will take effect after 2020. *But what about the pre-2020 pledges?* The new [CAIT Pre-2020 Pledges Map](http://cait.wri.org/pledges) showcases interactive data from 15 developed and 58 developing countries, providing an understanding of what countries have committed to in the short term, and what can be built upon in their post-2020 plans.

Rio de Janeiro has long been known for its traffic congestion and lack of affordable, accessible public transit. Now, in celebration of its 450th anniversary and as the host city of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, city leaders are beginning to transform Rio's image into one of a sustainable mobility leader.

India's railways are the country's largest consumer of electricity and diesel fuel. A plan to deploy one gigawatt of solar photovoltaic installations on railways could reduce the sector's environmental impact while generating economic opportunities.

If you had an initial $10 billion in capital to fight climate change and boost resilience, how would you decide how to spend it? This is one of the key questions facing the [Green Climate Fund](http://news.gcfund.org/) Board at its ninth meeting in Songdo, South Korea this week.

Many places around the world have no idea how much groundwater and surface water they have, let alone how much they can use sustainably. The United Nation's proposed Sustainable Development Goals, however, could transform the way governments understand and manage scarce water resources.

The Bonn Challenge, a global movement aimed at starting to restore 150 million hectares by 2020, is on track to meet or exceed this ambitious goal. International partners meet in Bonn this week to discuss progress already made and a vision for what should happen after 2020.