WRI Insights

To make informed choices on something as complex as climate change policy, it’s important to incorporate scientific evidence into the decision-making process. Yet oftentimes scientific assessments do not reach decision-makers, making it difficult to develop evidenced-based policies that lead to effective action.

New WRI analysis finds that Tennessee can reduce its CO2 emissions 22 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 just by taking advantage of existing infrastructure opportunities.

Andrew Steer's recent travels resonated a common narrative: our current, high-carbon path is not only bad for our planet—it’s bad economics, too. He also witnessed how, at three levels—political, analytical, and practical—global momentum is building for a low-carbon future.

The “resource curse" describes the paradox where countries rich in oil, gas, and minerals remain largely impoverished. Better transparency—both in how governments spend extractive revenues and how natural resource decisions are made—could help tackle this problem. While some new initiatives are making progress on this front, more needs to be done to ensure that drilling and mining doesn’t come at the expense of communities and the land, water, and wildlife they rely on.

*A new report from* [*Transparify*](http://www.transparify.org/) *awarded WRI the highest rating, “Five Stars,” for financial transparency. The report provides the first-ever global rating of financial transparency of 169 major think tanks. WRI was one of just two U.S. research organizations to earn a five-star rating. In this post, Steve Barker explains why WRI values transparency—in our financials as well as our work.* *This piece* [*originally appeared*](http://www.transparify.org/blog/2014/5/6/a-culture-of-transparency-at-the-world-resources-institute) *on Transparify’s website. Read the* [*full Transparify report*](http://static.squarespace.com/static/52e1f399e4b06a94c0cdaa41/t/536a108ee4b0e77a5729562c/1399459982820/How%20Transparent%20are%20Think%20Tanks%20(Transparify%2007May2014).pdf) *and get more information about the* [*rating system*](http://www.transparify.org/our-methodology/)*.*

In an article originally published in [Tampa Bay Times](http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/column-florida-already-feeling-effects-of-climate-change/2178532), Lee Thomas discusses the effects of climate change in Florida, and the need for state-level action.

Peta GIS adalah salah satu dari cara paling akurat untuk membagi informasi geografis. Untuk masyarakat desa di Indonesia, pemetaan GIS dapat menjadi alat penting untuk melihat batas wilayah adat dan juga untuk menyelesaikan konflik atas wilayah. Inisiatif Kehutanan dari WRI menunjukkan empat manfaat dari pemetaan GIS untuk masyarakat pedesaan di Indonesia.

The National Climate Assessment, released today, is the most comprehensive assessment of U.S. climate impacts to date. Here’s a look at how communities across the country are already being affected—as well as steps we can take at the local, state, and federal levels to rein in future warming.

The [meeting of climate change ministers in Abu Dhabi ](http://climate-l.iisd.org/events/abu-dhabi-ascent/) from 4 to 5 May 2014 represents an opportunity to [develop the Renewables Club,](http://www.wri.org/blog/4-things-germany-and-partners-can-do-strengthen-international-renewable-energy-club) established by Germany and nine other countries last year. The club could play a key role in overcoming the climate crisis—provided that it becomes more than just an informal discussion group.

Miami ranks as the most vulnerable city in the world to the risk of coastal flooding caused by sea level rise. Despite Miami’s vulnerability to sea level rise, there is reason to be hopeful: Many of the city’s local leaders and community residents are emerging as innovators in local climate action.