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.

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Aerial view of a large data center campus near homes and a playfield.
Explainer

From Energy Use to Air Quality, the Many Ways Data Centers Affect US Communities

Energy prices and water use aren't the only ways data centers affect U.S. communities. We break down the impacts — and how some states are dealing with them.

Explainer
Five women farm lush green flooded rice patties.
Finding

What's the Climate Cost of Growing Crops?

New global maps show croplands produce nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Rice, corn, wheat and oil palm drive most of the impact.

Finding
Workers assemble electric cars in a factory
Finding

Climate Action Can Be One of the World’s Biggest Job Creators

Unlike geopolitical and technological shifts, which are likely to result in net job losses, the transition towards resilient, low-carbon economies could significantly expand the workforce.

Finding
A controlled burn
Vignette

Utah Pioneers a New Model for Wildfire Resilience

Utah's novel approach restores forest health to both prevent wildfires and improve water security. 

Vignette
Cleaning solar panels.
Explainer

Integrated Resource Planning Offers a Strategy to Accelerate Clean Energy

Integrated resource planning can shape how utilities choose energy —balancing cost, reliability, clean power, equity and long-term grid resilience.

Explainer
A forest in a fog.
Explainer

6 Ways to Remove Carbon Pollution from the Atmosphere

To prevent the worst impacts of climate change, we'll need to remove carbon dioxide from the sky in addition to reducing emissions.

Explainer
An instructor and student in an automotive garage working on a solar-powered golf cart.
Vignette

A New Generation of Auto Workers Takes Shape in US Schools

Some high schools are preparing students for jobs in a new, green economy. 

Vignette
A  woman walks alone along a snow-covered street in New York City as Winter Storm Fern intensifies
Expert Take

Expert Q&A: How Can the US Avoid Power Outages During Winter Storms?

How winter storms strain the U.S. power grid, what causes outages and how reliability, flexibility and clean energy can keep electricity affordable and reliable.

Expert Take
A group of people rollerblade on a pathway in Loja, Ecuador.
Vignette

This Hillside City in South America Rebuilt Itself Around Nature — and Got Healthier

In Loja, Ecuador, expanding green space was key to improving quality of life in the city. 

Vignette
Aerial view of a power plant on a river with piles of coal and smoke rising from smokestacks.
Commentary

More Coal Won't Solve US Energy Woes

The Trump administration is taking steps to keep aging coal plants online as energy demand rises. But this will lead to higher electricity bills for Americans.

Commentary

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