WRI Insights

*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.

GIS maps are one of the most accurate ways to share geographic data. For local communities in Indonesia, it can be an invaluable tool to stake out traditional boundaries and resolve land conflicts with governments. WRI's *Forest and Landscapes in Indonesia* project reveals four ways GIS mapping can empower forest communities in Indonesia.

As the struggle continues to protect forests around the world, REDD+ implementers should look to cultivate and strengthen institutions and mechanisms of accountability. Though REDD+ includes an international accountability mechanism, case studies in Brazil and Indonesia, where civil society participated in and challenged land-use decisions, demonstrate that this will probably be insufficient for achieving REDD+ goals.

How is the price of electricity set and what exactly are consumers paying for? Are today’s electricity tariffs too high or too low? WRI's [Electricity Governance Initiative](http://www.wri.org/our-work/project/electricity-governance-initiative) program explains the details behind electric tariffs in a new working paper, [*10 Questions to Ask about Electricity Tariffs*](http://www.wri.org/publication/10-questions-electricity-tariffs), which offers a tool that stakeholders involved in tariff-setting processes can use to increase their knowledge and capacity in decision-making processes.

Sarah Forbes testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, discussing U.S.-China cooperation on clean energy and its global impact on climate change.