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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:*

* What’s Really Driving Up US Electricity Prices? ( #blurb1 )
* Can Beef Ever Be Carbon Neutral? ( #blurb2 )
* Long-Awaited Ocean Treaty Takes Force ( #blurb3 )
* Chile’s Fires Underscore Global Trend ( #blurb4 )

Construction on the desert ( [link removed] )

Photo by raclro/iStock

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What’s Really Driving Up US Electricity Prices? ( [link removed] )
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High power bills are a growing concern as freezing temperatures ( [link removed] ) force large swathes of the U.S. to crank up their thermostats. The average cost of electricity in the country has risen nearly 30% since 2010. Households are feeling the squeeze more than businesses or industry, according to recent data.

This is only part of the story, however. Price trends are playing out differently across the country. And common theories about what’s driving rate hikes, from AI data centers to renewable energy, often miss the bigger picture.

Read more ( [link removed] )

Trash collection on the ocean ( [link removed] )

Photo by Tetuko Aji Hutomo/Shutterstock

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Beef Emissions Can Be Lower — but Never Low ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )
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Labels touting “sustainable” or “carbon-neutral” beef are increasingly common. But this marketing can be misleading: New WRI research shows that, despite some progress on reducing emissions, there’s still no such thing as climate-friendly beef.

Read more ( [link removed] )

Crops ( [link removed] )

Photo by Okyela/Shutterstock

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After 20 Years, an Agreement to Protect the 'High Seas' Takes Force ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )
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For decades, most of the ocean was governed by a patchwork of regulations that left crucial resources like fisheries open to overexploitation. An international treaty to protect these waters finally took force on Jan. 17, marking a watershed moment for ocean conservation.

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Coal plant by a river ( [link removed] )

Photo by Donny Sophandi/Shutterstock

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What’s Behind Worsening Wildfires? ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )
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Widespread wildfires in Chile ( [link removed] ) have claimed at least 19 lives and forced tens of thousands to evacuate in recent days. Globally, fires now burn twice as much forest as they did two decades ago, posing an ever-bigger threat to homes, lives and cities. We unpacked what’s behind this worrying trend.

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FEATURED EVENT
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*Stories to Watch 2026 ( [link removed] )*

Join WRI President and CEO Ani Dasgupta on Thursday, January 29 to learn about the biggest climate and development stories that will define the year ahead. Stories to Watch 2026 will show how well-designed climate action is delivering benefits today — from driving inclusive economic growth to addressing the cost-of-living and housing crises.

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Vital Visualizations
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Ranking of top GHG emitters in 2022 and cumulative GHG emissions, 1850-2022 ( [link removed] )

Averaged across the country, U.S. electricity prices have risen steeply over the last 15 years. But the picture looks very different broken down by state.

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FEATURED RESEARCH
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*Beef Purchasing in Food Service: Considerations for Companies on Balancing Climate and Other Priorities ( [link removed] )*

WRI's new report examines the availability of verifiable, lower-emissions beef in the U.S. and Europe and outlines best practices for producing it. The research helps food buyers better understand both the challenges and opportunities to reduce emissions from the beef they procure.

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sustainable behavior download ( [link removed] )

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WRI on Social
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LINKEDIN / JANUARY 20, 2026 ( [link removed] )
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WRI Explains Critical Minerals ( [link removed] )

🐋From microscopic plankton to colossal blue whales, the high seas host a diverse array of marine life. Alongside supporting global fisheries and food security, they are also home to valuable natural resources.

🌊Until now, there was no binding treaty to govern these areas sustainably. The High Seas Treaty fills this critical gap.

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