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WRI DIGEST

Steps to Aid US Fossil Fuel Workers in the Clean Energy Transition

The U.S. oil, natural gas and chemical industries have seen fast-paced layoffs in the past year and coal was declining rapidly even before COVID-19. A new report found about 12,000 coal workers will face job displacement every year over the next nine years, and oil and gas share a similar fate. Experts Devashree Saha and Jillian Neuberger draw lessons from past federal programs for a just transition, like the POWER Initiative, and chart the path for an equitable low-carbon economy. Read More.

Coal-fired power plant in central Wyoming. Coal jobs have been declining rapidly in the United States. Photo by Greg Goebel/Wikimedia Commons

Windmills on the coastline of Tenedos, Turkey. Photo by Efe Kurnaz/Unsplash

4 Ocean-based Solutions to Advance Climate Action Through NDCs

Ocean-based climate solutions—such as protecting and restoring ocean ecosystems, better fishing fleet management, and ocean-based renewable energy—could be a big part of holding global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C by 2050. Despite this potential, only a few coastal countries include the ocean ecosystems in their climate commitments. Eliza Northrop and Mario Finch tell how countries can boost climate ambition by including the ocean in their NDCs. Read More.

Forests Absorb Twice As Much Carbon As They Emit Each Year

New high-definition geospatial research confirms that forests are the heroes in the fight against climate change. Forests absorb a net 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 per year – 1.5 times more carbon the U.S. emits annually. Nancy Harris and David Gibbs unpack the new findings. One alarming highlight: of the world’s three largest tropical rainforests, only the Congo has enough standing forest left to remain a strong net carbon sink. Read more.

STATEMENT: After a Significant Stress Test, the Paris Agreement Stands Strong

As promised, in his first day of office U.S. President Biden initiated the United States’ re-entry into the Paris Agreement on climate change. “After a significant stress test, the Paris Agreement stands strong,” says WRI Vice President of Climate and Economics Helen Mountford. “Now is the time for national leaders to ground their mid-century commitments in ambitious 2030 targets. This, along with well-designed stimulus packages, can help drive green and fair recoveries from the COVID pandemic.” Read More.