The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in at least 40 years, which displaced over a million people and left even more suffering from hunger and food insecurity. Now, scientists have concluded: Human-caused climate change led to this devastating drought. While collective efforts to reduce emissions are one way to combat climate change, there are some impacts like a life-altering drought already taking place that communities simply cannot adapt to. These consequences are referred to as “losses and damages.” Learn more in WRI’s comprehensive explainer. Read more.

The past year has been game-changing for climate action in the United States. Between the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a newly proposed EPA regulation to supercharge EV adoption, the U.S. is within striking distance of its goal to reduce emissions 50-52% by 2030. But achieving a low-carbon economy hinges on an ample supply of critical minerals — like lithium, graphite, rare earth elements and cobalt — to build wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles and more. While the U.S. currently relies on imports for almost all these minerals, threatening its supply chains, mining more of them also presents environmental, health and social challenges. WRI U.S. Director of U.S.-International Engagement Melissa Barbanell offers advice on how the U.S. can responsibly secure enough critical minerals to meet its climate goals. Read more.