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*Trusted research, data & insights* ** for a better world for people, nature & climate

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WRI DIGEST *↓*
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*In this issue:*

* US Clean Power Sees Record Progress — and Stronger Headwinds ( #blurb1 )
* Why Countries Should Connect Electric Grids Across Borders ( #blurb2 )
* Congestion Fees and Other Creative Ways to Fund Public Transit ( #blurb3 )
* Farmers Bring Hope to Africa’s Degraded Lands ( #blurb4 )

Total renewable energy capacity ( [link removed] )

Chart by WRI. See data sources ( [link removed] ).

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US Clean Power Sees Record Progress in 2024, As Well As New Headwinds ( [link removed] )
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U.S. clean energy continued its rapid ascent in 2024. Renewables alone supplied nearly a quarter of the nation's electricity, while all zero-carbon sources (including hydro, geothermal and nuclear) provided over 40%. Electric vehicles and EV chargers grew significantly. And new clean energy manufacturing facilities created thousands of new jobs.

But headwinds are also gathering speed. Alongside persistently high interest rates, permitting delays, supply chain issues and local opposition, clean energy now faces policy hurdles and potential funding pullbacks under the Trump administration.

So, what does it all add up to? WRI experts lay out where U.S. energy stands today and where it needs to go.

Read more
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Workers with hard hats on a metal structure ( [link removed] )

Photo by Imago/Alamy Stock Photo

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Sharing Electricity Across Borders Could Bolster Energy Security ( [link removed] )
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Throughout Russia’s now three-year invasion, Ukraine has relied in part on electricity imported from Europe’s power grid to keep lights and heat on. Indeed, many now see shared regional energy grids like the EU’s — rather than self-sufficiency — as a key to improving energy security around the world.

Read more
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A train station stop ( [link removed] )

Photo by Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy Stock Photo

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4 Cities Looking Beyond Rider Fares to Fund Public Transit ( [link removed] )
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New York City’s traffic congestion fee, which came under fire ( [link removed] ) last week, raised over $37 million ( [link removed] ) in its first month for transit repair projects. It’s just one example of cities around the world that are leveraging tools like congestion pricing to generate much-needed funding for their public transit systems.

Read more
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Two farmers with produce ( [link removed] )

Photo by Serrah Galos

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*Small Farmers and Entrepreneurs Offer New Hope for Africa’s Degraded Lands* ( [link removed] )
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More than two-thirds of Africa’s farmland is degraded, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating hunger across the continent. But while the problem is vast, the most effective solutions are often small-scale.

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FEATURED NEWS RELEASE

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*Submissions Now Open for 2025-2026 City Innovation Award ( [link removed] )*

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is calling on urban innovators worldwide to apply for the fifth cycle of its prestigious WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities ( [link removed] ). The competition, which includes a $250,000 first-place prize, spotlights trailblazing projects and initiatives for their contribution to inclusive and sustainable urban transformations. This year’s theme: “Catalyzing Healthy Cities.”

*Learn more*
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LinkedIn / February 26, 2025 ( [link removed] )
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Critical minerals vs rare earth elements ( [link removed] )

Minerals are in the spotlight during negotiations between the United States and Ukraine.

But what exactly is the difference between “rare earth elements” and “critical minerals” — which are often confused? Find out why it matters.

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FEATURED RESEARCH
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*Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa ( [link removed] )*

WRI, in partnership with the World Bank and African Development bank, analyzed nearly 300 nature-based climate resilience projects in sub-Saharan Africa to understand the current state of play and how these promising solutions can be scaled up.

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