Can't see this email? View in your browser ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

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

DONATE TO WRI
( [link removed] )

**************
WRI DIGEST *↓*
**************

*In this issue:*

* Unlocking the Global Energy Transition ( #blurb1 )
* Cacao Can Do So Much More than Chocolate ( #blurb2 )
* What to Know About National Climate Plans ( #blurb3 )
* Are “Biorefineries” a Bad Idea? ( #blurb4 )

Two powerline workers in a lift. ( [link removed] )

Photo by trotsche/iStock

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
6 Opportunities to Accelerate the Global Energy Transition ( [link removed] )
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The world has made tremendous progress toward more sustainable energy in recent years, with clean power surging in many countries around the globe. At the same time, power grids are strained by rising demand and severe weather. Many people struggle to afford their energy bills. And millions around the world still lack electricity altogether.

The great question now is how to address these critical shifts and challenges together. How do we harness the energy transition already underway to unlock a future where energy is clean, reliable, abundant and affordable for all people?

WRI’s Global Energy Director Jennifer Layke lays out six opportunities for progress.

Read more
( [link removed] )

**Introducing the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition* ( [link removed] )*

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition, announced on Feb. 12, harnesses WRI’s analytical power, convening ability and global expertise to help orchestrate the transition to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future.

Read the Press Release
( [link removed] )

Learn More
( [link removed] )

White sticky pulp surrounds the beans inside of a large cacao pod ( [link removed] )

Photo by ampueroleonardo/iStock

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*Cacao Can Do So Much More than Make Chocolate* ( [link removed] )
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

When cocoa beans are harvested for chocolate, the rest of the cacao pod (around 75%) is usually thrown out. If repurposed, these castoffs could feed livestock, boost farmers’ incomes, revitalize degraded landscapes and even generate electricity.

Read more
( [link removed] )

People walk on a bridge over wetlands with windmills in the distance. ( [link removed] )

Photo by Shawn.ccf/Alamy Stock Photo

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
What are NDCs and How Do They Address Climate Change? ( [link removed] )
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Countries have begun submitting new national climate plans (“NDCs”) for the first time since 2020. These plans will be integral to driving climate action over the next decade. But how exactly do they work — and why is 2025 such a pivotal moment for climate commitments?

Read more
( [link removed] )

Tesoro, CA refinery ( [link removed] )

Photo by Duncan Selby/Alamy Stock Photo

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*Some California Oil Refineries See a Future in Biofuels. That’s Problematic.* ( [link removed] )
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

With California forging ahead as a climate leader, some of its oil refineries are looking to shift to producing plant-based diesel. The problem is that biofuels often aren’t the sustainable alternative they’re touted to be.

Read more
( [link removed] )

*********************
FEATURED NEWS RELEASE

*********************

**World Resources Institute Addresses Recent Trump Administration Actions* ( [link removed] )*

In its first weeks, the Trump administration took immediate steps to slow climate action, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, freezing international climate finance and moving to abolish USAID. This doesn’t just hurt the climate. It makes America and the world less safe, less strong and less prosperous:

Ani Dasgupta ( [link removed] )

“ *Less safe* because climate impacts will continue to wreak havoc on American communities, while the causes of conflicts overseas will likely rise as the U.S. disinvests. *Less strong* as countries lose confidence in the U.S. as a reliable partner and communities are unable to recover from disasters. *Less prosperous* as the U.S will miss out on green jobs and the exploding clean energy economy.”

*— Ani Dasgupta
* *—* President & CEO, World Resources Institute

*Read more*
( [link removed] )

*****************
FEATURED RESEARCH

*****************

**Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of Offshore Wind in India* ( [link removed] )*

Offshore wind is a new energy frontier for India. As the sector emerges, our new Working Paper assesses the benefits and risks and recommends measures to ensure responsible development.

Download
( [link removed] )

********************
Vital Visualizations
********************

Graph showing the benefits of nature for people and climate ( [link removed] )

We can’t fight climate change without safeguarding nature, yet economic incentives continue to drive ecosystem destruction. Financial innovation can change that.

Read more
( [link removed] )

***************
Upcoming Events
***************

*WEBINAR*

**Nature-Based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Landscape and Opportunities to Scale* ( [link removed] )*

February 19, 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EAT, Online

Learn more
( [link removed] )

*WEBINAR*

**Temperature Check: How New National Climate Plans (NDCs) Are Measuring Up — and What's Next* ( [link removed] )*

February 19, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST, Online

Learn more
( [link removed] )

*WEBINAR*

**Building Capacity to Assess Urban Climate Hazards and Tackle Heat and Flooding in Cities: A Three-Part Capacity Building Training Webinar Series (2/3)* ( [link removed] )*

March 05, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM GMT, Online

Learn more
( [link removed] )

*IN-PERSON AND ONLINE EVENT*

**Transforming Transportation 2025: Driving Change, Delivering Solutions* ( [link removed] )*

March 11 - March 12, 2025
World Bank HQ, Washington, DC & Online

Learn more
( [link removed] )

*WEBINAR*

**From Waste to Power: Unlocking the Potential of Copper Recycling in the U.S. & Europe* ( [link removed] )*

March 12, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT, Online

Learn more
( [link removed] )

*How You Can Help*

WRI relies on the generosity of donors like you to develop evidence-based solutions and turn research into action. You can support our work by making a gift today.

Donate
( [link removed] )

Other Ways To Support WRI
( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

**Update Your Email Subscription Preferences* ( [link removed] )*

**Unsubscribe* ( [link removed] )*

**Privacy Policy* ( [link removed] )*

Facebook ( [link removed] ) Twitter ( [link removed] ) Instagram ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) YouTube ( [link removed] ) Threads ( [link removed] )

World Resources Institute • 10 G Street NE Suite 800 • Washington, DC, 20002 • 202.729.7900