The UN’s International Court of Justice opened hearings this week for its largest case in history: a suit that could determine whether high-emitting countries are legally responsible for addressing climate change — and what their obligations are to those suffering from its impacts. The case, brought by Vanuatu and other vulnerable small island nations, seeks to hold major polluters accountable for stronger climate action. 

But which countries could that include? Data on WRI’s Climate Watch platform shows that just 10 countries contribute more than 75% of the world’s planet-warming pollution, but the top emitters have changed over time. WRI experts reviewed the history of carbon emissions to better understand which countries are fueling the climate crisis.

Negotiations for a new global treaty to curb plastic pollution broke down on Dec 1, with negotiators punting talks to 2025. But action can’t wait: Plastic waste continues to pile up, with millions of metric tons ending up in the ocean each year. Our experts share seven proven strategies that can address plastic waste and other dangerous ocean pollutants at the same time.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell by a third between 2023 and 2024, hitting its lowest levels since 2015. But much of the country’s economy still depends on farming, mining and other activities that harm forests. WRI research offers a roadmap for how Brazil can reach its goal of ending deforestation in the Amazon entirely, while continuing to grow its GDP. 

After fraught negotiations, this year’s UN climate summit (COP29) resulted in a new global climate finance goal that will channel $300 billion per year to help developing nations confront the climate crisis. WRI experts explain what the new goal could mean for the future of climate finance, alongside other key outcomes from the summit — and what needs to happen next.

People in Latin American cities often rely heavily on sustainable transit, with less than 25% of trips made by private car. WRI research explores how ride- and bike-sharing programs can help expand transportation access flexibly and affordably, while keeping emissions down.