Less than a decade ago, Loja, Ecuador was grappling with challenges familiar to many cities. Despite being surrounded by rivers, forests and parks, nature was degraded. Rivers were polluted, hillsides were eroding, and flooding was a regular risk. 

Today, things look different. Locals relax on shaded riverbanks. People walk and bike more often. Wildlife is rebounding. Most remarkable is that Loja’s people are noticeably healthier and happier. 

It boils down to a seemingly simple act: Connecting Loja’s green spaces together through trails, walkways and bike paths has transformed the city. And others are already following its lead.

Fully electric vehicles outsold petrol-powered cars in Europe for the first time ever last December, according to new data. This leap is the fruit of sustained EV leadership on the continent: Five of the six countries with the highest rates of EV sales globally are European.

Much of the U.S. could face power shortages in the next few years as demand outpaces supply, per a new report. Most of this need is expected to come from new data centers. Yet while there’s no question they’re driving up demand, exactly how much power data centers will really use is a hazier question.

What do economic growth, rising living costs and the job market have to do with climate action? A lot, actually.  WRI President and CEO Ani Dasgupta explained how we can tackle these pressing challenges together in WRI's Stories to Watch 2026.

In the face of rising energy costs, affordable solar power can be a route to lower electricity bills for households and businesses.