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The World Resources Institute outlines five priority areas for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board's fifth meeting in Paris: defining funding focus, mobilizing predictable financial resources, ensuring equitable distribution between adaptation and mitigation, building diverse partnerships, and optimizing financial incentives for investors. The briefing emphasizes that current commitments, such as the US$100 billion annual pledge by developed countries, are insufficient compared to the estimated annual needs of developing countries, which could reach $565 billion for mitigation and $70-100 billion for adaptation by 2030.

The World Resources Institute supports the U.S. EPA's proposed emissions standards for new power plants as a key component of the President's Climate Action Plan. While the standards provide flexibility through carbon capture and storage (CCS) and reflect market shifts toward natural gas and renewables, the document emphasizes that addressing the existing power plant fleet is the most critical opportunity for emissions reductions, as electricity generation accounts for one-third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

The Declaration on Climate Justice argues that the global response to climate change must prioritize human rights, equity, and the needs of the most vulnerable. It outlines six priority pathways: empowering affected communities, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, reforming investment models, ensuring government accountability, and strengthening the rule of law. The declaration emphasizes that developed countries must lead in reducing emissions and providing climate finance to ensure a just transition and a sustainable global society.

North Carolina can reduce its power sector CO2 emissions by 29 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 using existing policies and infrastructure. Key strategies include meeting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) targets with in-state generation, increasing the utilization of combined cycle natural gas units, improving coal plant efficiency, and expanding combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Long-term reductions of 69 percent below 2011 levels by 2030 are possible through expanded legislation, including annual energy efficiency savings of 2 percent from 2015 to 2030.

The Shaheen-Portman Energy Efficiency Bill (S. 761) aims to reduce U.S. energy use and emissions through building codes, financing, and technical assistance. While it targets high-emission sectors like residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, its impact is uncertain due to the voluntary nature of key provisions. The document argues that while the bill is a positive step, more mandatory standards and the inclusion of transport and electric power sectors are needed to meet the U.S. 2020 emissions-reduction target.

In early 2011, the state of Mato Grosso passed a zoning law (ZSEE) that opened 50,000 km2 of forest for agriculture, leading to a documented 500 percent spike in deforestation within one month. A campaign led by the Instituto Centro de Vida (ICV), supported by WRI's governance assessment tools, utilized evidence-based advocacy to prompt a February 2012 injunction by the State Court and a March 2012 order from Brazil’s Federal Zoning Commission to redraft the legislation.

The Transoeste BRT system in Rio de Janeiro has reduced travel times for 65% of riders by at least half and is projected to save 300,000 tons of CO2 annually by 2016. Supported by EMBARQ, the system improves social inclusion for residents in west Rio and is part of a plan to expand the network to 153 km by 2016.

The government of St. Maarten established the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, protecting 1,500 hectares of coral reefs and sea grasses, after the St. Maarten Nature Foundation used a WRI tool to demonstrate that these ecosystems contribute US$58 million annually to the economy through tourism and fisheries.

The document asserts that the United States can save billions of dollars annually by implementing the National Climate Action Plan, noting that the costs of climate inaction—such as extreme weather damages—are already significant. It highlights four key areas for emissions reductions: power plants, energy efficiency, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane, arguing that the resulting public health and economic gains exceed regulatory costs. The text further claims that EPA regulations often cost less than projected and can stimulate industry investment by providing a clear regulatory framework.

Indonesia possesses the world's largest geothermal potential at 27 GW, yet less than 5 percent has been developed. Investment was historically hindered by regulatory frameworks favoring coal, high exploration risks, and pricing distortions. To counter this, the Indonesian government passed a law in 2003 targeting 6,000MW by 2020, established a geothermal exploration fund in 2011 to share risk, and implemented a regional feed-in-tariff. While the country is unlikely to meet its original targets, these 'readiness' activities, supported by international partners, are intended to create a stable environment for scaled-up investment.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) and CDP have aligned the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas with the CDP 2013 Water Disclosure Questionnaire to help companies identify and report water-related business risks. The Aqueduct tool provides granular data on water quantity, quality, regulatory, and reputational risks for global operations and supply chains, specifically assisting companies in answering questions regarding water-stressed regions and the potential for substantive changes in business operations or revenue. This initiative aims to standardize corporate water accounting and increase transparency to foster sustainable water resource management.

The Jakarta Declaration, issued by representatives from several Asian nations, argues that access to environmental information is critical for public health and pollution control. It calls for the operationalization of Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, the adoption of proactive disclosure requirements for air and water quality, and the creation of mandatory pollutant release and transfer registers. The document emphasizes that environmental data, including emissions from private and state-owned corporations, should not be restricted by claims of commercial confidentiality when it relates to public health.

The document argues that the United States must address market failures to reduce carbon pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, specifically focusing on reducing methane leakage from natural gas systems, to balance its energy boom with environmental protection.

The study concludes that nutrient trading in the MRB is economically feasible, as wastewater utilities could significantly reduce costs by purchasing credits from the agricultural sector. Using case studies of two utilities and six agricultural watersheds, the report finds that nitrogen (N) supply is sufficient to meet demand, while phosphorus (P) supply is more limited. It highlights that some conservation practices are profitable for farmers even without trading due to fertilizer savings and yield increases. However, the report notes that the lack of a strong policy driver, potential local water quality standards, and regulatory capacity are significant barriers to implementation.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) responds to President Obama's State of the Union address by identifying key policy levers to meet U.S. emissions targets. WRI argues that while executive action is necessary, market-based legislation to price carbon would maximize economic benefits. To reach the 2020 target, WRI recommends enacting standards for existing power plants, reducing hydrofluorocarbons, addressing methane leaks from natural gas systems, and improving energy efficiency.

Anglo American used the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) for its greenfield Jacaré nickel project in São Félix do Xingú, Pará. The process identified critical dependencies on the São Sebastião River for water and the potential for replacing coal with wood biomass for energy. Key risks include water scarcity driven by climate change and regional economic growth, as well as legal uncertainties regarding land tenure for reforestation. Opportunities include reducing operational costs and carbon footprints through biomass, and improving community relations by investing in local sanitation and reforestation.

Danone Brasil used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) methodology, in partnership with Instituto Ipê, to analyze its production plant in Poços de Caldas and its strawberry and milk supply chains. The process identified critical dependencies on freshwater, pollination, and soil quality, revealing risks such as declining pollinator populations and climate-driven crop losses. To mitigate these, Danone proposed strategies including improved water monitoring, sustainable pasture management, and reforestation to reduce heat stress in cattle and comply with the Brazilian Forest Code.

The Grupo André Maggi used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) to analyze energy supply risks at its Itacoatiara plant. The process identified critical dependencies on biomass, fresh water, local climate, soil erosion regulation, and habitat health. The company found that while biomass is a low-carbon energy source, its supply is threatened by illegal logging, climate-induced droughts affecting river transport, and regulatory hurdles for reforestation. To mitigate these risks, the company is exploring internal reforestation projects and evaluating alternative biomass sources, while preparing for a partial transition to grid electricity by 2015 for power generation, though biomass will remain essential for grain drying.

Walmart Brasil used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) to mitigate risks in its beef supply chain in the Amazon. The assessment identified critical dependencies on soil quality, water purification, climate stability, and freshwater provision. In São Félix do Xingu, the company found that deforestation—driven by poor pasture management and infrastructure-led demand—threatens these services. To meet its 2015 goal of zero-deforestation beef, Walmart Brasil is exploring strategies including a dedicated 'zero-deforestation' brand, investment in monitoring tools for land tenure and the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), and collaborations with partners like The Nature Conservancy to promote sustainable intensification of cattle ranching.

As of November 26, 2012, 23 developed countries and the European Commission pledged USD 33.92 billion in fast-start climate finance, exceeding the collective goal of 'approaching USD 30 billion'. However, the World Resources Institute finds that the alignment of these funds with Cancun Agreement principles—specifically regarding balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation, additionality, and prioritization of the most vulnerable—remains unclear due to inconsistent reporting and a lack of agreed-upon definitions.