President Biden ran on one of the most ambitious climate plans in history, and has done more on the issue in his first 10 days than most presidents accomplish in their entire terms in office. US Director Dan Lashof compares his post-election commentary to the actions of Biden’s team thus far to evaluate progress – especially on inclusivity and carbon. But the toughest battle will be the ground game. Read More.

Manish Bapna and Christina Chan explain how the COVID-19 pandemic did not break the world, but rather revealed a world already broken. However, national governments and international organizations can use this year to make three critical shifts to address climate impacts, as well as health and economic risks facing vulnerable communities. How? Invest local. Read more.

In cities, the inequalities between the rich and poor are often very stark, and the pandemic’s impacts have only deepened the divide. Five finalist cities selected from 260 applicants for the WRI Ross Prize for Cities are challenging that narrative, reducing inequality and responding to climate change, despite the pandemic. Madeleine Galvin and Anne Maassen tell their stories. One surprise: community managed public spaces in Kibera, Nairobi’s largest slum and home to 300,000 people. Read more.