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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:*

* African Cities Use Nature to Fight Floods and Other Growing Climate Risks ( #blurb1 )
* Preparing Health Systems for Climate Change ( #blurb2 )
* 7 Ways Data Centers Affect Communities ( #blurb3 )
* Inside the EU’s Groundbreaking Anti-Deforestation Law ( #blurb4 )

Nature based solutions ( [link removed] )

Photo by Jenna Echakowitz/SUNCASA

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African Cities Use Nature to Fight Floods and Climate Change ( [link removed] )
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As African cities expand rapidly, the roads, buildings and concrete replacing natural areas are leaving residents more vulnerable. Less green space means more trapped heat, more storm runoff and more flooding.

But cities are fighting back — with nature. From tree-lined green corridors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to restored wetlands in Kigali, Rwanda, four African cities show how integrating nature into urban planning can reduce flooding, cool neighborhoods and create jobs.

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Ambulance ( [link removed] )

Photo by Joa_Souza/iStock

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Preparing Health Systems for Climate Risks Saves Lives ( [link removed] )
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Leading health and climate experts are calling on the WHO to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency ( [link removed] ). Preparing health systems for climate risks has never been so urgent: By 2050, climate change could claim nearly 16 million lives in low- and middle-income countries. Investing in climate services for health can save lives and money — WRI research shows that every $1 invested could generate between $4 and $68 in health benefits by reducing climate-related illness and deaths.

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Aerial view of a data center ( [link removed] )

Photo by Gerville/iStock

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From Energy Use to Air Quality, the Many Ways Data Centers Affect US Communities ( [link removed] )
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Seven in 10 Americans ( [link removed] ) oppose constructing data centers for AI in their local area. From rising power bills to heavy water use to new jobs, we break down seven ways data centers affect communities — and what governments can do about it.

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Crops ( [link removed] )

Photo by James Anderson/WRI

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What Is the EU Deforestation Regulation? 8 Key Questions, Answered ( [link removed] )
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The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to ensure products sold in the EU aren’t linked to deforestation. Despite pushbacks and delays, the landmark law is set to take effect later this year. With tropical primary forests disappearing at a rate of 11 football (soccer) fields per minute, its implementation has never been more critical.

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FEATURED NEWS RELEASE
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*US Surface Transportation Draft Bill Is a Step Backwards from an Affordable Modern Transportation System ( [link removed] )*

On May 17, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released draft text for the surface transportation reauthorization bill, also known as the “highway bill.” The proposal includes a new federal fee on electric and hybrid vehicles while omitting funding to expand EV charging infrastructure and other clean transport programs.

( [link removed] )

“Transportation is the second-highest household expense in the U.S. As families struggle with affording their everyday needs and rising gas prices, Congress should prioritize proven measures that lower costs and improve global competitiveness.”

*— Sue Gander ( [link removed] )
* *—* Director, WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative

*Read more* ( [link removed] )

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Vital Visualizations
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Data Centers graph ( [link removed] )

Virginia hosts the largest number of data center facilities, followed by Texas and California. Together, just 10 states account for 60% of all U.S. data centers.

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WRI on Social
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LINKEDIN / MAY 16, 2026 ( [link removed] )
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Milk footprints ( [link removed] )

When it comes to environmental impact, not all milk is equal. Data shows cow’s milk produces roughly 3 times more emissions than plant-based options.

The good news is that we don't need to choose between protein and the planet. Options like pea milk and soy milk provide a protein-rich alternative while reducing our impact.

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Upcoming Events
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*WEBINAR*

*Navigating Systems Change Lab: Governance Deep Dive ( [link removed] )*

May 28, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT, Online

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*WEBINAR*

*Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions: Insights from Brazil, India & Indonesia ( [link removed] )*

June 02, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT, Online

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