Argentina’s central Córdoba is the latest region of the world to experience wildfires, causing dozens of hectares of burn as it turned cityscapes black with smoke. Blazes like this and the many others witnessed over the past few months may unfortunately serve as a precursor for what is to come. WRI analysis of data collected over 20 years confirms what many have long feared: Warmer temperatures and drier earth are causing wildfires to become more severe, burning nearly twice as much tree cover today as they did 20 years ago. Read more.

The United States is embracing EVs faster than ever. The share of all U.S. car sales that were EVs increased from 3.4% in January 2021 to almost 10% in January 2023, thanks to lower prices, increased charging infrastructure and federal tax credits, alongside consumer interest. The transition to electric is more than passenger vehicles, however. Shifting U.S. public fleets — everything from city buses to garbage trucks — to electric is critical. Alongside the environmental benefits, public fleet electrification can lower fuel and maintenance costs while reducing air pollution. WRI experts explain the current state of America’s public fleets and what’s needed to fully electrify. Read more.

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