WRI Insights

The Science-Based Targets initiative to cut corporate greenhouse gas emissions has met and exceeded its first goal, with more than 165 companies committed to use the best climate science to inform their carbon reduction decisions. SBTs are succeeding because they take the guesswork out of the process of shrinking businesses' carbon footprints.

The new Fire Risk Map on Global Forest Watch shows where dry conditions increase fire risk in Indonesia and Malaysia. The tool can help decision-makers take action to prevent forest fires before they ignite.

Making our infrastructure cleaner and more sustainable could add as little as 5 percent to upfront costs, which could be fully offset by lower operating costs. WRI Board member and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderón reveals four ways to unlock capital for low-carbon infrastructure.

Natural infrastructure, strategically managed natural and open spaces like forests or wetlands, can direct more clean water to cities by controlling water flows, preventing sediment buildup and absorbing pollutants before they flow into waterways.

People watched closely when China launched the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) last year, with a mandate to be “lean, clean and green.” After its first annual general meeting and seminars this week, it appears that the AIIB is starting to move in a positive direction.

Leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada heralded a new phase in continent-wide collaboration on climate and energy at the June 29 North American Leadership Summit in Ottawa. For the first time, President Barack Obama, President Enrique Peña Nieto and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have put together an aligned and comprehensive set of climate and energy priorities.

At a time of climate disruption and rising inequality, it's essential for all countries to reconcile environmental, economic and social concerns to shift toward a shared and sustainable prosperity. One vital ingredient in making this transition is policy coherence.

New research from the International Energy Agency shows that cities represent 70 percent of the cost-effective emissions-reduction opportunities between now and 2050. Director for Sustainability Kamel Ben Naceur shared this and other findings at a recent WRI event.

New WRI research shows that Americans can cut their diets' environmental footprints in half just by eating less meat and dairy. Janet Ranganathan and Richard Waite explain this and other findings in a new podcast.