One of the many takeaways from the recent IPCC report is that climate impacts are already here, and they are more far-reaching and extreme than anticipated. Reducing emissions will no longer be enough to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) — we will additionally need to physically remove carbon from the atmosphere. Over the past few years, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) has gained traction as an accepted component of climate action. But CDR is rapidly advancing, and new approaches vary widely in their stages of development, amount of carbon they sequester and potential co-benefits. WRI experts assess the latest developments in carbon removal. Read more.

The UN Water Conference — the first-such global freshwater conference in nearly 50 years — concluded on March 24, 2023. The event’s main output was the Water Action Agenda, featuring 719 voluntary water management commitments from governments, businesses, NGOs and others. WRI analyzed these commitments, finding that while a quarter of them are potential game-changers, the rest aren’t strong enough. Charles Iceland and Caroline Black outline the actions the world really needs to overcome floods, droughts, pollution and other growing water challenges. Read more.