There’s a lot of information (and misinformation) swirling around the intersection between diets and climate change, specifically when it comes to animal-based products. So how much does what we put on our plates really impact the climate?

Quite a bit, shows research from WRI and others. Beef is more resource-intensive to produce than other foods, requiring 20 times more land and emitting 20 times more greenhouse gases per gram of protein than beans. Beef production generates about the same amount of emissions annually as the entire country of India, with meat consumption rising in many countries. In our explainer, WRI experts answer common questions about the relationship between beef and climate change. Read more.

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A new report finds that only seven countries meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe standards for air pollution. Southeast Asia is ground zero for polluted air. The region is home to 37 of the 40 most polluted cities in the world; virtually the entire population (99.9%) lives in areas where air pollution exceeds WHO’s recommended limits. While some of the reasons are natural — like this year’s El Niño weather pattern — many are human-caused. Read more.

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The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is the largest single step Congress has ever taken to reduce climate change, providing tax rebates and other financial incentives for cities and states to build EV charging stations, renewable energy and other low-carbon infrastructure. However, a recent survey finds that mayors are struggling to unlock the legislation’s funding opportunities. WRI’s U.S. Climate Policy Resource Center offers a guide to help policymakers and others navigate the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and their many benefits. Learn more.

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Motorcycles are the most popular form of transportation in Rwanda and many parts of Africa. But they also spew greenhouse gas emissions, noise and hazardous air pollution. Electrifying these vehicles poses several challenges — including steep costs — but solar-powered battery swap stations could be a solution. Read more.

Air pollution spikes are common in Jakarta, Indonesia. WRI’s analysis of air quality monitoring data from 2019-2023 confirmed that PM2.5 air pollution peaks during the country’s dry seasons and declines during wetter months. When El Niño brings even drier conditions, as it did last year, air quality tends to worsen.