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The World Resources Institute proposes six domestic actions for the Obama administration in 2016: implementing the Clean Power Plan, reducing methane emissions from existing gas infrastructure, banning more potent hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), preparing industrial emission standards, finalizing fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks and aircraft, and increasing local climate resilience support. It also urges the U.S. to sign the Paris Agreement, meet Green Climate Fund commitments, and mobilize resources for Mission Innovation to sustain global momentum.

Missouri is required to reduce power sector emissions by 29 percent below 2012 levels by 2030 under the Clean Power Plan. WRI analysis indicates the state can achieve 90 percent of this target by implementing existing clean energy policies and improving the efficiency of existing natural gas and coal plants. By further expanding its renewable energy standard to 20 percent of electricity sales by 2030, Missouri could reduce emissions by 34 percent below 2012 levels, exceeding the target by 17 percent. These actions could provide economic benefits, including over $6 billion in energy bill savings and $20 million annually from selling surplus carbon credits between 2022 and 2030.

Michigan is required by the U.S. EPA to reduce power sector emissions by 33 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. The document argues that by adhering to its energy efficiency and renewable energy standards, and by optimizing the use of natural gas and coal plants, the state can reduce emissions by 36 percent below 2012 levels by 2030, exceeding its target by 9 percent.

The document assesses the financial impact on industrial subsectors under a cap-and-trade scenario with no rebates, noting that most would face compliance costs between 1% and 6% of shipment value, with specific high-risk sectors identified.

The document outlines the challenges of rapid urbanization in the Global South, where a growing proportion of the poor live in cities with limited financial resources. It proposes a framework to categorize cities by economic productivity and population growth, focusing on 'struggling' and 'emerging' cities. The authors argue that prioritizing equitable access to core services—housing, water, sanitation, energy, and transportation—is a critical entry point for transformative urban change, citing the examples of Medellín and Surat as cities that achieved broad transformation through targeted reforms and strong political coalitions.

The report examines 13 watershed investment programs in the U.S., focusing on how natural infrastructure—specifically forests—can be used to protect drinking water quality and quantity. It provides a framework for program development across three phases: building momentum, designing the program, and implementing the action plan. Key findings emphasize the importance of collaborative partnerships, scientifically informed planning, and diverse financing mechanisms, such as municipal bonds and water rate surcharges, to overcome barriers like insufficient funding and lack of outcome data.

The document analyzes how carbon taxes or cap-and-trade programs affect U.S. households through expenditures, income, and revenue allocation. While carbon pricing can be regressive in terms of energy expenditures—disproportionately affecting low-income households and coal-dependent regions—the authors argue that the overall impact is determined by how the government uses the revenue. By targeting a small portion of revenue (approximately 10-12%) toward low-income households and coal communities, policymakers can offset burdens and ensure these vulnerable groups are not driven deeper into poverty. The brief compares various revenue uses, such as lump-sum rebates, labor tax swaps, and capital tax swaps, concluding that the policy is not inherently regressive and can be designed to be progressive.

The report examines the 'water-energy nexus,' where water scarcity threatens energy production and energy costs impact water provision. It analyzes three case studies: the Middle East and North Africa's reliance on energy-intensive desalination, China's coal-fired power plants facing high water stress, and the United States' water-intensive hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. The document argues that companies can mitigate these risks by shifting from expanding supply to reducing demand, scaling alternative water sources like reclaimed wastewater and brackish water, and adopting clean energy resources such as solar and wind.

The document argues that the current trajectory of urbanization in the Global South—characterized by rapid population growth outpacing economic growth and the 'urbanization of poverty'—risks locking cities into unsustainable patterns. It proposes a new categorization of cities based on economic productivity and population growth, focusing on 'struggling' and 'emerging' cities. The authors contend that providing equitable access to core services (housing, water, sanitation, energy, and transport) is the essential entry point for broader transformative urban change. Using case studies from Medellín and Surat, the paper illustrates how solving a 'seminal problem' can trigger a virtuous cycle of improvement across governance, finance, and planning, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Paris Agreement formally recognizes "loss and damage" as a distinct issue from adaptation, acknowledging that some climate impacts are too severe to be adapted to. This includes extreme weather events and slow-onset events like desertification or the disappearance of island nations. The agreement makes the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage permanent and calls for international cooperation on early warning systems, risk management, and insurance, while explicitly stating that the provision does not establish a basis for legal liability or compensation.

The document defines GHG emissions neutrality as achieving net zero anthropogenic GHG emissions from all sectors, primarily through reductions and balancing remaining emissions with removals or negative emissions. It distinguishes this from carbon neutrality, which only addresses carbon dioxide. To limit warming to below 2 degrees C, CO2 emissions must reach net zero between 2060 and 2075, and total GHG emissions between 2080 and 2090. For a 1.5 degrees C limit, CO2 must reach net zero between 2045 and 2050, and total GHGs between 2060 and 2080. Achieving this requires a zero-carbon transformation, including increasing the low-carbon energy share in the electricity sector to over 80 percent by 2050 and phasing out unabated fossil-fuel use this century.

The document argues that the Paris Agreement should establish a long-term global goal for climate adaptation to complement mitigation efforts. It proposes a structured cycle of action consisting of regular national adaptation communications, a global stocktake every five years to assess progress and gaps, and high-level sessions to share best practices. The author emphasizes that this process must be streamlined to minimize the reporting burden on developing countries, leveraging existing tools like National Adaptation Plans.

The document outlines how climate finance is essential for enabling countries to increase their climate ambitions and build resilience. It identifies four 'crunch issues' for the Paris outcome: determining who provides finance and at what levels, encouraging domestic mobilization of investment, balancing funding between mitigation and adaptation, and ensuring transparent reporting of financial flows.

The document clarifies that the outcome of the Paris climate talks will likely be a 'package' of instruments with varying legal forms, including a core legal agreement, UNFCCC decisions, and potential political declarations. It emphasizes that the legal force of the agreement is determined by its specific content and prescriptive language rather than its name (e.g., treaty, protocol, or accord). The text further explains that the agreement can contain a mix of binding and non-binding provisions and that the domestic ratification processes of participating countries will vary according to their own legal systems.

The briefing advocates for the Paris agreement to establish a global goal for adaptation to strengthen international cooperation and resilience. It proposes an 'adaptation cycle' consisting of regular national adaptation communications and a global stock-take every five years to identify gaps and mobilize support. The author emphasizes that this process should minimize the burden on developing countries by utilizing existing planning frameworks like National Adaptation Plans.

The document defines key climate terminology used in COP21 negotiations, such as decarbonization, carbon neutrality, and carbon budgets, while explaining how these terms influence the global emissions trajectory. It argues that for long-term goals to be effective, they must be consistent with climate science, limit both long-term and cumulative emissions, and provide clear dates and plausible reduction pathways.

The document outlines critical areas for climate finance at COP 21, emphasizing the need for developed countries to meet the $100 billion annual goal by 2020, increasing funding for adaptation, and improving transparency in reporting finance flows. It highlights recent pledges from various nations and argues for a shift in trillions of dollars from high-emissions to low-emissions activities.

The paper evaluates whether Japan can exceed its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) and voluntary corporate targets for electricity sector CO2 intensity. It estimates that by utilizing nuclear power (108–130 TWh) and renewables, Japan could achieve an intensity of 0.34 to 0.36 kgCO2/kWh. However, the study highlights that significant renewable potential in regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku remains under-utilized due to limited grid interconnection capacity and a lack of storage technology.

WRI Climate Director Jennifer Morgan frames COP21 as a transformational moment to shift the world toward a sustainable economic model. While noting that over 160 countries have submitted climate action plans (INDCs) and major economies are increasing renewable energy supply, the document warns that current efforts are insufficient to meet the 2 degree C limit. It proposes three essential components for the Paris agreement: clear long-term and short-term signals to catalyze investment and decarbonization, a solidarity package providing finance and tools to developing countries, and a global system of transparency and accountability.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) stated on November 17, 2015, that it would proceed with its expert team's support for a climate agreement in Paris. President and CEO Dr. Andrew Steer emphasized that the organization refuses to let fear prevail and views the summit as an opportunity to show solidarity with France and demonstrate the global community's ability to find common solutions. The WRI aims for an agreement that protects the planet, increases global prosperity, and enhances safety for vulnerable communities.