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WRI DIGEST



What the IPCC Says About Rising Temperatures 

Last Monday, July 3, 2023, the planet reached its highest-ever recorded temperature at 17.01 degrees C (62.62 degrees F). On Tuesday, it climbed even higher. Then on Wednesday, it peaked at 17.18 degrees C (62.92 degrees F). This record heat may be a bellwether of what’s to come. Released earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, the most comprehensive climate science to date, finds that Earth is on track to breach dangerous temperature thresholds in the early 2030s, bringing increasingly severe heatwaves, water and food shortages, floods and more. WRI breaks down what the latest science says about future impacts of climate change. Read more.

  
Coral reef
Coral reef systems are already experiencing widespread mortality due to rising temperatures. Photo by Velvetfish/iStock.
A bird at the beach

The Ocean: World’s Next Frontier for Carbon Removal? 

Oceans provide refuge on hot summer days, but they may also play an increasing role in curbing climate change. So far, most tactics to suck carbon out of the atmosphere – a process known as “carbon removal” – have focused on land, like growing trees and using direct air capture technology. But a growing number of companies and governments are now exploring ocean-based carbon removal, doing everything from restoring wetlands and cultivating seaweed to enhancing alkalinity. WRI experts dive into this emerging field. Read more.

People in front of a solar panel

WRI’s New 5-Year Strategy ​

WRI boasts 40 years of research and results, but our new five-year strategy sets ambitions even higher. We’re dedicated to achieving even greater impact globally and in focus countries, putting three interconnected goals at the center of everything we do: ensure people can meet their essential needs; protect and restore nature; and stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. Learn more about how we aim to create a better future by transforming the way the world produces food, uses energy and designs its cities. Read more.

Windmills behind a building

Meet the World’s Net-zero Leaders ​

More than 90 countries have now set targets to reach “net-zero emissions,” a goal scientists say is necessary for averting some of the worst impacts of climate change. While the list includes some of the world’s top emitters — China, the U.S., India and more — none are currently on track to meet their targets. Five countries making tangible progress — as well as a new WRI report — offer inspiration. Read more.


Read More EXPERT INSIGHTS 




VITAL VISUALIZATIONS


  
Comparing risks from rising temperatures
Graphic by WRI
 

Even limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F), a target in the international Paris Agreement, will produce considerable impacts. Severe and even irreversible effects on people and the planet will increase with every tenth of a degree of warming.



UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Data Wars: Can We Unlock the Power of Private Data for Public Good?
July 19, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT, Online

The Global Land Squeeze: How to Manage Growing Competition for Land
July 20, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT, Online

P4G Call for Partnerships - Public Webinar
July 25, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM EDT, Online

World Water Week 2023
August 20 - 24, 2023
All day, Stockholm, Sweden