Our Work
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 Reach
Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.
While we support initiatives around the globe, many of our efforts are concentrated in countries with the most potential to unlock global transformation. These focus countries house many of the world’s most vulnerable people, contain vitally important natural landscapes and produce significant greenhouse gas emissions — or will in the coming years. We have country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda and the United States, as well as regional offices in Africa and Europe.
Our Topics
WRI aims to transform the human systems that profoundly impact people, nature and the climate. This includes how we manage food, land and water; produce and use energy; and design and manage cities. To enable change at the pace and scale needed, we also work to shift the economic, finance and governance structures that shape people’s decisions and behaviors. Learn more about our focus areas:
Energy
Learn moreThe WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition harnesses analytical power, convening ability and global expertise to help orchestrate a transition to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future by overcoming critical barriers.
Cities
Learn moreWRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is WRI’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Together with partners around the world, we help create resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places that are better for people and the planet.
Climate
Learn moreWRI works with governments, businesses and civil society to stabilize the climate so that people and nature can thrive.
Food
Learn moreWRI advances research-based solutions to ensure the world can feed a growing population while protecting nature and curbing climate change.
Forests
Learn moreWRI develops data-driven research, tools and global partnerships to safeguard, maintain and restore forests and other natural landscapes.
Freshwater
Learn moreWRI helps companies, communities and governments understand water risks and invest in solutions for a water-secure future.
Ocean
Learn moreWRI works to secure a future where ocean protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go together.
Equity
Learn moreWRI works to empower people and strengthen policies, institutions and governments to build an equitable, resilient and sustainable future for all.
Business
Learn moreWRI creates agenda-setting research, tools and partnerships for companies to define ambition, assess and reduce impacts, and integrate environmental and social sustainability with business strategy.
Finance
Learn moreWRI works to shift the world’s financial flows to support sustainable development and climate action.
Economics
Learn moreWRI identifies policies and transformative solutions to ensure economies are thriving, sustainable and equitable.