Search Climate Insights Directory

This WRI working paper analyzes the 'triple dividend of resilience' (TDR) framework for climate change adaptation investments, arguing that benefits often exceed traditional 'avoided loss' calculations. The paper emphasizes that economic, social, and environmental benefits frequently accrue regardless of whether a disaster occurs, which can improve benefit-cost ratios and facilitate increased financing for adaptation in developing countries.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute (WRI) introduces an infographic based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) data that illustrates four different global emissions outcomes, known as Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The document outlines how these pathways, ranging from low-carbon to fossil fuel-intensive, lead to varying climate impacts including temperature increases, precipitation changes, and ecosystem degradation.

Testimony by Jonathan Pershing to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee regarding the necessity of technological shifts, a diversified portfolio of mitigation options, and government intervention to address global climate change.

This report advocates for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to systematically integrate multiple ecosystem services into their core operations—specifically strategic direction, advisory services, and investments—to better align economic development with climate and environmental goals.

This research paper compares the impacts of microgrids, solar home systems (SHS), and the national grid on households and small enterprises in rural India and Nepal, noting that while electricity access generally reduces kerosene use and increases appliance ownership, the specific benefits vary by system type.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute examines how varying international climate policies and the imposition of costs on greenhouse gas emissions affect trade competitiveness, specifically focusing on the risks of industry relocation and emissions leakage.

WRI analyzed the American Power Act's impact on GDP, energy prices, and GHG compliance costs. While most subsectors face modest direct costs, those dependent on natural gas-derived feedstocks face higher risks due to projected price increases, whereas those using coal, petroleum, or electricity-derived materials face limited risk due to projected price decreases.

This working paper by the World Resources Institute analyzes the methodological challenges and diverse approaches used to create citywide transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories, emphasizing their role in developing climate action plans and securing funding.

This report argues that delaying climate protection policies increases long-term costs by locking in carbon-intensive infrastructure and hindering the development of renewable energy technologies, while also discouraging action from other nations.

A guide by the World Resources Institute designed to help service-sector companies manage, track, and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate climate change.

This WRI policy brief advocates for the implementation of a national renewable electricity standard (RES) in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and position the U.S. as a global leader in renewable energy technologies.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute analyzes global trends in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions peaking, tracking the number of countries that have peaked or committed to peaking between 1990 and 2030.

This working paper by the Project for Advancing Climate Transparency (PACT) consortium analyzes the technical expert review and facilitative, multilateral consideration of progress within the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework. It evaluates 20 years of review processes to propose options for more sustainable, cost-effective, and clear procedures that support climate ambition and implementation while maintaining flexibility for developing countries.

This executive summary by the World Resources Institute evaluates the Indonesian forest moratorium, a policy designed to protect a land area comparable in size to Japan. While the moratorium has created a window for critical forest governance reforms and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, its effectiveness is currently limited by a lack of technical guidance and poor understanding among local officials who hold the decentralized authority for enforcement.

This briefing from the World Resources Institute outlines a project lifecycle approach to electrifying healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries, advocating for decentralized renewable energy (DRE) over costly and polluting diesel generators.

This guide from the World Resources Institute defines key climate policy terminology, explaining the differences between carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs, the mechanics of emissions allowances and offsets, and the distinction between climate mitigation and adaptation.

This report by the World Resources Institute examines food loss and waste (FLW) within the maize, potato, fresh fruits, and fish value chains in Kenya. It identifies the economic, social, and environmental impacts of FLW and advocates for a "Target-Measure-Act" approach to halve food loss and waste by 2030.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) report 'Breaking Ground' analyzes community engagement standards for extractive and infrastructure projects. It identifies gaps in the application of existing guidance and proposes seven Principles for Effective Community Engagement to improve project viability and mitigate social and environmental risks.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute India and the Food and Land Use (FOLU) Coalition’s India platform analyzes 106 publications and expert consultations to evaluate food loss and waste in India. It identifies significant data gaps, particularly regarding household-level waste and the social and environmental impacts of food loss, and advocates for the adoption of standardized measurement metrics and multi-stakeholder coalitions to address these challenges.

This research paper argues for the formalization of common accounting rules for Annex I Parties and a clarification process for non-Annex I Parties' nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs). It highlights that current pledges often lack essential details on sectors, gases, and methodologies, which prevents accurate tracking of global progress toward temperature limits. The author recommends that these processes be formalized during COP17 in Durban, South Africa.