WRI DIGEST

4 Ways Countries Can Make Good on Sustainable Food Commitments

The global food crisis is growing. Demand for food is set to increase by more than 50% by 2040 to feed a growing population. At the same time, agriculture and food systems are already responsible for a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and a main driver of biodiversity loss and water pollution.

Last year’s UN climate summit (COP28) closed with landmark progress on the food front; for the first time, 159 world leaders pledged to pursue sustainable food systems and integrate agriculture into their climate and other policies. Now comes the hard work of turning resolutions into reality. Experts lay out a four-step plan countries can follow to stay true to the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems and Climate Action. Read more.

Cowboys transport cattle in Corumba, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil. Producing beef uses 20 times as much land and produces 20 times the greenhouse gas emissions as producing a similar amount of plant-based proteins. Photo by reisegraf/iStock

Ingehogenbijl/Shutterstock

These 8 Countries Are Scaling Up Renewable Energy the Fastest

2023 was a record-breaking year for renewable energy installation. A new report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) shows strong growth in Europe, but also the Middle East and Asia. Government policy and falling prices for renewable energy have contributed to this exponential growth. WRI experts highlight several countries around the globe who are scaling up clean energy the fastest. Read more.

Maheder Haileselassie / IWMI

Development Banks Are Starting to Spark Climate Action. Will They Complete the Task?

Just 10 years ago, multilateral development banks (MDBs) lacked any substantial policies for climate change. Much has changed since then, with the World Bank and others increasingly considering climate impacts in their financial and other decisions. But to be effective over the next 10 years, MDBs will need to undergo another transformation: becoming an enabling force for economic development that’s good for people, nature and the climate. Read more.

Randy Duchaine/Alamy

A New Program Will Bring Clean Energy to Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in the US

U.S. clean energy development is ramping up, but so far it’s been fairly elitist, favoring corporations, utilities and wealthy neighborhoods. A new program aims to change that. The Clean Communities Investment Accelerator will bring clean energy to low-income and disadvantaged areas throughout the U.S. Read more.

WRI DIGEST

While terms like “grass-fed” and “free-range” are enticing to consumers because they are associated with animal welfare benefits, these agricultural practices often come with greater climate impacts. The most planet-friendly choice is ultimately reducing consumption of animal-based proteins.