China’s economic development over the past few decades has impacted so many aspects of life for its citizens, including diet. As incomes have risen, many people have swapped traditional eating practices for alternatives higher in salt, fat, sugar and animal products. While malnutrition in the country has dropped, obesity, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes are on the rise. China’s national dietary guidelines released in 2022 encourage healthier eating habits that are better for people and the planet, but how can China convince its population to adopt them? New WRI research explores behavioral science strategies. Read more.

As droughts, floods and other impacts of climate change continue to intensify, finance for adaptation needs to increase dramatically — by 5-10 times between 2020 and 2050. With trillions of dollars under its control, the private sector could play a key role in bridging this financial shortfall, but currently provides only 2% of total adaptation finance. WRI experts offer advice on how to draw the private sector in to a field long perceived as the public sector’s domain. Read more.  

Products like cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber and beef are common on shelves all over the world, but they often come at an environmental cost. The EU’s new Deforestation Regulation, passed on May 16, 2023, will prevent products and commodities linked to deforestation from being placed on the EU market. Vice President and Regional Director for Europe Stientje van Veldhoven said, “Effectively implemented, the law could significantly reduce greenhouse emissions that result from companies clearing tropical forests for food and other commodities. And it could help protect critical biodiversity and water resources in tropical rainforests.” Read more.