Publications
WRI is committed to producing high-quality research, including reports, issue briefs, working papers, and technical notes. Our publications are subject to peer review, and are held to traditional "academic" standards of excellence, such as objectivity and rigor. We also ensure that all of our publications are timely, fit for audience, and rooted in a strategic plan for achieving positive change in the world. If you notice an error in one of our publications or have concerns about the quality of our research, please contact the authors and copy Vice President for Science and Research Janet Ranganathan.
All of our publications are available to download.
The World Resources Report is the flagship publication of World Resources Institute. The inaugural edition, An Assessment of the Resource Base that Supports the Global Economy, was published in 1986. Subsequent editions have been published at regular intervals and have provided in-depth analyses of issues ranging from human health and the environment to climate change, ecosystem services and environmental governance. Every World Resources Report builds on a strong evidence base to develop fresh insights that can help decision-makers evaluate and implement the most effective solutions.
Creating a Sustainable Food Future
Sustainably feeding nearly 10 billion people by 2050 is possible – but it will require significant innovation and investment by the public and private sector.
Towards a More Equal City
The World Resources Report: Towards a More Equal City focuses on helping cities in rapidly urbanizing regions alter their development trajectories as demand for infrastructure and services grow.
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How Missouri Can Meet Its Clean Power Plan Targets
by , and -This fact sheet examines how Missouri can use its existing policies and infrastructure to meet its emission standards under the Clean Power Plan while minimizing compliance costs, ensuring reliability, and harnessing economic opportunities. Read about additional analyses in WRI's fact sheet...
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How Michigan Can Meet Its Clean Power Plan Targets
by , and -This fact sheet examines how Michigan can use its existing policies and infrastructure to meet its emission standards under the Clean Power Plan while minimizing compliance costs, ensuring reliability, and harnessing economic opportunities. Read about additional analyses in WRI's fact sheet...
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How to Strengthen the Institutional Architecture for Capacity Building to Support the Post-2020 Climate Regime
by , and -This paper focuses on how to improve the institutional architecture under the UNFCCC aimed at or involved in building the capacity of developing countries to address climate change.
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Carsharing
A Vehicle for Sustainable Mobility in Emerging Markets?
by , , and -A snapshot of carsharing in 2015: where it is, where it has come from, and where it's going
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Adapting from the Ground Up
Enabling Small Businesses in Developing Countries to Adapt to Climate Change
by , , and -Small businesses are critical yet often overlooked players in climate change adaptation. This report offers specific policy interventions for policymakers, climate finance providers, and large corporations to engage small businesses in adaptation efforts, enabling them to build their own...
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From Tracking to Action
Promoting Social Accountability in Adaptation Finance
by , and -Civil society has the power to make adaptation finance more transparent and accountable. The Adaptation Finance Accountability Initiative (AFAI) has developed a proven set of methods that civil society organizations can use to track the flow of adaptation funds and push their governments to...
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The Restoration Diagnostic
A Method for Developing Forest Landscape Restoration Strategies by Rapidly Assessing the status of Key Success Factors
by , , and -The Restoration Diagnostic is a structured method for determining the status of enabling conditions within a landscape being considered for restoration and for designing the requisite policies, practices, and measures needed for successful restoration. The Diagnostic was developed as part of the...
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Compact of Mayors Emissions Scenario Model
by and -The technical note describes the methodologies used in the model for estimating collective greenhouse gas impacts of Compact of Mayors cities.
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America’s Leadership Opportunity at the Paris Climate Conference
Testimony of Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO, World Resources Institute
by -On December 1st, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute Andrew Steer testified in front of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology for a hearing about the Paris climate negotiations. Drawing on the latest research, analysis, and market trends, Andrew focused on three...
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Interpreting INDCs: Assessing Transparency of Post-2020 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets for 8 Top-Emitting Economies
by , , , , and -This paper evaluates the transparency of the greenhouse gas emissions targets presented in the INDCs of eight major emitters —Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and the United States—which, together, contribute nearly two-thirds of annual global emissions. It...
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Walking the Talk
2013–14 Operational Sustainability Report
The World Resources Institute’s Sustainability Initiative seeks to align the Institute’s business practices with its mission. Using research and expertise from staff to guide us, WRI is committed to reducing the environmental and social impact of its operations. This report discloses WRI’s 2013...
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Executive Guide to Carbon Pricing Leadership
by , and -As the risks and impacts associated with climate change become more evident, there is increasing attention, discussion, and action related to carbon pricing. There are now more than 1,000 companies reporting that they price carbon internally or plan to do so in the next one to two years (up from...
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“Direct Access” to Climate Finance: Lessons Learned by National Institutions
by , , and -Developing countries need large amounts of finance to support ambitious climate actions. This paper highlights lessons for developing country institutions seeking access to funding from the multilateral climate funds.
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Examining the International Climate Negotiations
Testimony of David Waskow before the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
In a November 18, 2015 testimony, David Waskow addresses the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
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Assessing The Post-2020 Clean Energy Landscape
by and -This WRI analysis finds that renewable energy supplies are set to double collectively in eight major economies by 2030 spurred on by new national climate and energy plans. These renewable energy levels will be 18 percent higher in 2030 than previously projected growth rates.
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The Economic Costs and Benefits of Securing Community Forest Tenure
Evidence From Brazil and Guatemala
by , , , , , , , , , and -This Working Paper presents the economic costs and benefits of securing community forestland rights in Brazil and Guatemala.
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How Pennsylvania Can Meet Its Clean Power Plan Targets
by , and -This fact sheet examines how Pennsylvania can use its existing policies and infrastructure to meet its emission standards under the Clean Power Plan while minimizing compliance costs, ensuring reliability, and harnessing economic opportunities. Read about additional analyses in WRI's fact sheet...
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Private Investment in Public Transport
Success Stories for Brazilian Cities
by and -This paper explores strategies and approaches that effectively minimize risks for private investors in Brazil’s transport sector.
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Driving Transformative Change: The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Short-term and Long-term Signals in the Paris Climate Agreement
by , , and -The upcoming decisions at COP21 present an opportunity to put our global community on the right path, providing appropriate short-term signals for investors and innovators as well as a strong long-term signal that guides the phase out of greenhouse gas pollution. The private sector can play a...
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How Virginia Can Meet Its Clean Power Plan Targets
This fact sheet examines how Virginia can use its existing policies and infrastructure to meet its emission standards under the Clean Power Plan while minimizing compliance costs, ensuring reliability, and harnessing economic opportunities. Read about additional analyses in WRI's fact sheet...
