July 2023 was Earth’s hottest month ever recorded. Most years, heat kills an average of 490,000 people, and this figure is expected to grow 50% by 2050. The impact of this heat is far greater in developing countries, where cities are particularly vulnerable due to less tree cover and vegetation, and poor infrastructure choices, such as asphalt and metal roofs that absorb heat. WRI experts detail the dynamic between heat and cities and offer cool infrastructure as a solution. Read more.

Last week’s wildfire that charred Maui, Hawaii is, as of this publication, the fifth deadliest wildfire in U.S. history. How did a lush Hawaiian Island become victim to such devastation? Unfortunately, it could be a precursor of what's to come. WRI analysis of over 20 years of data finds that increasingly warmer temperatures and drier landscapes caused by climate change lay the groundwork for larger and more frequent fires. Read more.

On this date last year, August 16, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act into law. The Inflation Reduction Act mobilizes historic investment in clean energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other green initiatives while focusing on an equitable distribution of resources to all communities. If implemented effectively, this legislation has the potential to drastically lower U.S. emissions and put the country within striking distance of its climate goals. WRI experts check in on the Inflation Reduction Act’s progress one year in, including who is currently reaping the benefits and what the future may hold for this legislation. Read more.