WASHINGTON (May 3, 2026) — World Resources Institute (WRI) today announced that Eric Garcetti, Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy at C40 Cities, former U.S. Ambassador to India and former Mayor of Los Angeles, has joined its Global Board of Directors. Garcetti has spent decades advancing climate action, urban resilience and international cooperation — from leading one of America’s largest cities to diplomatic missions and global climate negotiations. He joins WRI's Global Board as the organization deepens its work to support country and community transitions that advance people, nature and climate together. 

Currently serving as C40's Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy, Garcetti helped mobilize cities, states and regions to accelerate climate action and strengthen international cooperation ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Previously, as chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, he spearheaded the Cities Race to Zero initiative through which more than 1,000 cities committed to zero-carbon goals ahead of COP26 in Glasgow. 

Garcetti spent nearly a decade as Mayor of Los Angeles, where he led major efforts to expand infrastructure, raise wages, widen access to education and advance one of the country’s most ambitious urban sustainability agendas. He then represented the U.S. as Ambassador to India from 2023 to 2025, helping deepen cooperation on climate, energy, trade and other shared priorities between two of the world’s most important economies. 

Throughout his career, Garcetti has worked at the intersection of policy, implementation and partnership-building, building experience that aligns closely with WRI's mission to help governments, businesses and communities turn ambitious goals into real-world progress. 
 
“What sets Eric apart is that he has never treated climate as a standalone issue,” said Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO, WRI. “He has spent his career demonstrating that climate action isn't just good for the planet — it creates jobs, strengthens infrastructure, improves public health and makes economies more competitive. That is precisely WRI's message, and he brings the track record to match.” 

“As a mayor, a diplomat and a climate negotiator, I've learned that ambition alone doesn't move the needle — you need solid data, practical tools and the right people at the table,” said Eric Garcetti, Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy at C40 Cities. “I have long admired WRI for its unique ability to deliver all of those things, giving leaders what they need to act with confidence. I'm honored to help champion and amplify that work as a member of WRI's Global Board.” 

Garcetti was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and the London School of Economics. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and co-founded Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of more than 700 U.S. mayors committed to advancing local climate action. 

“During Eric's tenure as Mayor of Los Angeles, his climate commitments were visible on the ground — particularly his efforts to direct green economy investments towards communities that had long been left behind, said Gloria Walton, Member of WRI’s Global Board of Directors and President & CEO of The Solutions Project.” That track record of translating climate ambition into action is what WRI needs on its Board.” 

Find the full list of WRI's Global Board Directors here. 

About World Resources Institute:  
WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.