World Resources Institute (WRI) *

Website: http://www.wri.org

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Last Updated: February 08, 2011

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Recently Uploaded Resources

Online Power Almanac of the American Midwest

The Midwest is home to a wealth of fossil fuel and renewable resources, which vary considerably by state. How those resources are deployed will impact the region’s economy, landscape, environment, and public health. The Power Almanac is designed to allow the user to flexibly and dynamically explore the region’s electric resources, opportunities, and challenges.

Slicing the Pie: Sectoral-Based Approaches to International Climate Agreements

A WRI report that discusses the pros and cons sectoral-based approaches can have when working on international climate agreements.

Enhancing Today’s MRV Framework to Meet Tomorrow’s Needs: The Role of National Communications and Inventories

World Resources Institute Working Paper by Taryn Fransen: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change employs a system of national communications and greenhouse gas inventories to monitor implementation of the Convention. This analysis examines the strengths and weaknesses of that system in the context of a post-2012 international climate change agreement, considering the Bali Action Plan provisions on measurement, reporting, and verification.

Climate Science 2009-2010: Major New Discoveries

World Resource Institute (WRI) Issue Brief highlighting the latest major research in climate change science and technology.

Comparing Developing Country Actions

A WRI 2-page comparative analysis of 5 developing countries' national climate change strategies.

WRI Summary of UNFCCC Submissions

World Resources Institute working paper summarizing UNFCCC Party submissions from August 2008 through May 2009. Section I contains submissions as they relate to measurable, reportable and verifiable support and actions, Section II contains submissions related to shared vision, and Section III summarizes submissions on technology.

Keeping Track: National Positions and Design Elements of an MRV Framework

World Resource Institute Working Paper by Hilary McMahon, Remi Moncel aims to help policy-makers, UNFCCC negotiators and civil society groups navigate the complexity of the “MRV” challenge by focusing attention on central questions in advance of the December talks in Copenhagen and presenting country positions to date.

WRI Applauds Historic Step by the U.S. House of Representatives

World Resources Institute reacts of the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House Energy & Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009.

Energy and Climate Policy Action in China

A November 2008 WRI fact sheet that says an aggressive energy intensity target and a national renewable energy standard highlight a suite of Chinese policies that will slow greenhouse gas emissions growth.

Reefs at Risk

The February 23rd report “Reefs at Risk Revisited” is the most comprehensive study of its kind to date, released by the World Resources Institute and 23 other international government, nonprofit, and academic research institutions. According to the report, almost 40% of coral reefs have experienced thermal stress sufficient to induce severe bleaching over the past 10 years. Other key findings by the report indicate that the rapid increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases like CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and halocarbons present the greatest threat to the survival of coral reefs. More specifically, it notes that, if global warming continues unabated, 75% of the globe’s coral reefs will be at risk of death or extreme damage within 20 years, and 95% will be at risk by 2050.

WRI's Response to EEI’s Timeline ofEnvironmental Regulations

Detailed comments on the EPA's proposed timeline for reducing toxic pollution from electric power plants.

Tianjin Coal Flyer

 

Tianjin Coal Flyer

 

WRI Summary of the American Power Act (Kerry-Lieberman)

WRI's concise overview of the American Power Act (APA) released as a discussion draft by Senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman on May 12, 2010.

For U.S. Forests, REDD Begins at Home

The United States is losing significant forest cover to suburbanization, mining, and infrastructure development. This report describes the impact of deforestation on climate change and offers a few potential solutions.

WRI Statement on KGL

A statement from the President of the World Resources Institute on the announcement of the Kerry Graham Lieberman bill.

Southern Forests for the Future

Report released by WRI in March 2010. Provides data, maps, and other forms of information about southern forests, their condition, and trends.

Evaluating the Energy Security Implications of a Carbon-Constrained U.S. Economy

In this January 2009 paper, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) examine eight scenarios for technological development and energy use in the United States in 2035. All envision limiting the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) to 450 parts per million (ppm).

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Minnesota

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Minnesota. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Enabling Adaptation: Priorities for Supporting the Rural Poor in a Changing Climate

World Resources Institute brief formulated in response to an increasingly urgent need for articulating and agreeing upon a vision of effective adaptation—in part to inform the architecture for financing climate adaptation. The paper argues that the poor, and in particular the resource-dependent rural poor, must be a central concern in any effective adaptation funding effort, and that one of the major pillars of an effective adaptation strategy is support for an enabling environment that allows them to build their resilience through natural resource management

Leveling the Carbon Playing Field: International Competition and US Climate Policy Design

This May 2008 report examines US national climate policy and how certain international policies could help--or hinder--a broad international climate agreement.

WRI: Emission Reductions under Cap-and-Trade Analysis

An analysis from the World Resources Institute on the current legislative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report is an update to the previous report to include the Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal Act.

WRI's Summary of CLEAR

A detailed summary from WRI of emissions targets and projections under the Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal Act.

Counting the Cash: Elements of a Framework for the Measurement, Reporting and Verification of Climate Finance

Working paper from World Resources Institute released in December 2009. Summarizes the role of finance in the climate change negotiations and makes recommendations for COP15.

Emissions Reductions Under Cap-and-Trade Proposals in the 111th Congress

Updated version released December 17, 2009 to include S. 2877 Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal Act, finding the legislation to achieve a 1% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020. Analysis released by WRI on October 28, 2009 that provides an assessment of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that could be achieved under current congressional proposals. Finds CEJAP would achieve a 17% reduction from 2005 levels by 2020.

Comparability of Annex I Emission Reduction Pledges

Working paper from WRI released in February 2010 on commitments by Annex I countries since the Copenhagen Accord. Summarizes the countries' emissions targets and places them on a comparable baseline for absolute, per capita, and intensity reductions.

Mitigation Actions in China: Measurement, Reporting and Verification

This World Resource Institute Working Paper seeks to facilitate progress on the provisions in the Bali Action Plan by examining how Chinese climate change policy and the implementation of these policies is monitored at the domestic level and may offer insights to the international community as they consider an international structure for measuring, reporting and verifying developing country actions. June 2009

Weathering the Storm: Options for framing Adaptation and Development

Executive Summary of the World Resources Institute report, Weathering the Storm, an in depth analysis of adaptation projects and ways to clarify the relationship between adaptation and development.

Beyond Carbon Financing: The Role of Sustainable Development Policies and Measures in REDD

World Resources Institute report looks beyond quantifying emissions reductions at a more flexible approach for recognizing mitigation actions being taken by developing countries in the forest sector. This approach ensures that countries with high historical emissions are not necessarily favored for support, and it allows for a broader set of MRV criteria to capture country’s efforts to change the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.

Emission Reductions Under Cap-and-Trade Proposals in 111th Congress

A June 2009 WRI analysis of cap-and-trade proposals in Congress.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Iowa

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Iowa. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Missouri

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Missouri. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Emission Reductions Under the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

World Resources Institute's analysis and assessment of greenhouse gas emissions reductions that could be achieved under energy and climate legislation released by Chairmen Waxman and Markey in May 2009.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Illinios

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Illinios. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Financing Adaptation: Opportunities for Innovation and Experimentation

This November 2008 paper explores the opportunities and challenges involved in financing adaptation efforts in developing countries.

WRI Analysis of Waxman-Markey Draft

Analysis by WRI of the Waxman-Markey draft that estimates emissions reductions under various scenarios if the bill was implemented.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Michigan

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Michigan. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration, An FAQ

WRI answers FAQs in this November 2008 fact sheet.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Indiana

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Indiana. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

WRI Assessement of Allowance Distribution under HR 2454

A June 25 WRI analysis of the allowance distribution provisions in the ACES bill. Clarifies how allowances are distributed, who receives allowances and for what purpose that allowance value may be used.

WRI Summary of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733)

An 11-page summary by World Resources Institute on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Breaks down each section of the bill.

Climate Science 2008: Major New Discoveries

World Resource Institute's annual report review highlights the latest major research and innovations in climate change science and technology.

Charting the Midwest: Inventory of GHG in Wisconsin

This report presents a quantitative overview and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Wisconsin. This state profile is a portion of an in-depth study and data analysis of GHG emissions for 8 Midwest U.S. States by the World Resources Institute.

Jennifer Morgan: Copenhagen Briefing Slides

Three PPT slides used by Jennifer Morgan (WRI) during a Congressional briefing on Copenhagen, October 24. Slide topics include "Mapping the Key Players," "Current Pledges in the Copenhagen Process," and "Emission Reduction Pledges for 2020."

Midwest States Show Leadership in Addressing Climate Change

WRI fact sheet details the enaction of the Midwest Greeenhouse Gas Accord voluntary cap-and-trade system.

Obama’s Copenhagen Visit, Emission-Reduction Targets Are Good News For Climate, WRI Says

In response, Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute, said, “President Obama’s willingness to go to Copenhagen and put numbers on the table are two necessary pieces to make a binding global agreement possible."

National Climate Change Strategies: Comparative Analysis of Developing Country Plans

Fact sheet from the World Resources Institute in June 2009 that summarizes the climate change strategies of India, Brazil, China, Mexico, and South Africa.

Juice From Concentrate: Reducing Emissions with Concentrating Solar Thermal Power

This World Resources Institute report examines Concentrating Solar Thermal power (CST), a renewable energy resource that presents policy-makers and investors with a significant potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector.

International Negotiations on Climate Change: Key Questions & Answers

WRI fact sheet provides answers across the spectrum of U.S. involvement in a global climate deal.

WRI Reaction to Introduction of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from World Resources Institute with statements from Jonathan Lash, president of WRI applauding the introduction of energy and climate legislation in the Senate.

China, the United States, and the Climate Change Challenge

Policy briefing released by WRI in October 2009. The report touches on China's energy and climate policy, competitiveness concerns, and opportunities for cooperation between China and the U.S.

Rules for Fuels: Biofuels and Climate Change Impacts

A June 2009 two-page WRI fact sheet on why counting greenhouse gas impacts associated with producing biofuels is critical to good energy and climate policy.

Tick, Tech: Coming to Agreement on Technology in the Countdown to Copenhagen

World Resources Institute Working Paper reviews Party submissions to the UNFCCC on technology and identifies emerging areas of consensus and debate that may offer constructive grounds for negotiations going forward.

Paying the Premium: Insurance as a Risk Management Tool for Climate Change

World Resources Institute Working Paper by Aarjan Dixit and Heather McGray examines the role insurance can play in adapting to climate change, and suggests that if implemented well, insurance offers a real opportunity to help the poor and vulnerable become resilient to the impacts of climate change by allowing markets to bear some of the costs of adapting to these events.

Comparison of Legislative Climate Change Targets

The World Resources Institute’s analysis of emissions targets and cumulative emissions budgets attempts to objectively, fairly and accurately compare GHG reductions from explicit carbon caps and complementary policies contained in climate proposals submitted in the 110th Congress.

Creating Jobs with Climate Solutions: How Agriculture and Forestry Can Help Lower Costs in a Low-Carbon Economy

The May 21, 2008 testimony of Derik Broekhoff, Senior Associate, WRI, on how carbon offsets can be an effective tool for lower the costs of compliance with a cap-and-trade program.

The Bottom Line On International Trading

An FAQ sheet by WRI on how climate policy could impact the international trade for goods.

Cap or Tax? Key Questions and Answers with Jonathan Lash

Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute, explains why cap and trade must be the U.S. policy instrument of choice. February 2009

The Role of Adaptation in U.S. Climate Legislation and an International Climate Agreement

A fact sheet from World Resources Institute explaining the role of adaptation- learning and preparing to live with climate change impacts- in U.S. and international legislation.

Carbon Capture and Storage and The American Clean Energy and Security Act

The American Clean Energy and Security Act provides a number of important provisions that will facilitate the demonstration and deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This WRI page outlines the most important related-provisions of the bill.

A Closer Look at the American Clean Energy and Security Act

On July 2, WRI analyzes emissions caps, allowances, offsets, and other critical components of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.