Climate, Energy & Transport

Increasingly frequent extreme weather events, record annual global average temperatures and disruptive seasonal changes in vulnerable countries all point to increasing evidence of anthropogenic climate change. Continued reliance on outdated energy sources, coupled with a growing population and the emergence of a global middle class, put the world on a pathway to experience climate impacts of a dangerous and irreversible magnitude.

This fossil fuel-based growth trajectory of the last century is no longer sustainable or economically viable.

In order to achieve their economic and development aspirations while also responding to climate risks, the world’s nations, businesses and citizens need to fundamentally rethink current energy policies, practices and actions.

To this end, WRI conducts rigorous, independent research and develops innovative policy and business approaches to help countries build low-carbon economies and adapt to a changing climate. In particular, WRI aims to:

• Provide analysis and policy solutions that help governments at all levels meet economic and development goals while reducing their countries’ climate impact;
• Develop new business models that engage companies in achieving a zero-carbon economy;
• Build transparency and accountability around countries’ progress on low-carbon development and climate change;
• Develop strategies for adapting to a changed climate and building resilience;
• Accelerate the pace of innovation for low-carbon technologies.

Our Climate Program Objectives

Collective Climate Action

By 2015, global collective action on climate change accelerates significantly, committing countries to go beyond their current climate action pledges and toward a near-zero-carbon and climate-resilient global economy. A new basis for collective action, including an ambitious international agreement, is created internationally through greater trust, transparency and accountability among nations, and increased international incentives for governments and the private sector to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Major Emerging Economies

By 2015, four major emerging economies, including China and India, implementing development plans for key sectors that will advance national priorities while leading to a near-zero-carbon economy by 2050. Supportive policies and other incentives are in place, and greenhouse gas-intensive sectors have endorsed growth strategies consistent with a low-carbon future.

United States

By 2015, the United States is on target to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are in line with current science through the passage and implementation of strong climate and energy policies. These policies will be complemented by business and technology innovation and investments that drive the nation toward a near-zero-carbon economy by 2050.

Vulnerability & Adaptation

By 2016, national governments in several developing countries have integrated climate risk into laws, polices, and plans, leading to more climate-resilient development outcomes that reduce the vulnerability of poor and marginalized communities.