The number of people living in African cities could double in the next 30 years, to an estimated 1.5 billion. Where will they get clean drinking water? WRI’s Rogier van den Berg, Betsy Otto and Aklilu Fikresilassie identify three pathways to building urban water resilience in Africa.  Top of the list: “Cities should be planned to meet water needs, using approaches that extend beyond the city limits and consider systems change throughout entire city-regions.” Read more.

Restoring trees to landscapes is one of the few ideas that both parties in the U.S. Congress like. WRI’s Jillian Neuberger, Alex Rudee and Haley Leslie-Bole examine seven options currently before the Congress. Some utilize economic tools, such as expanded carbon markets, while others emphasize planting seedlings. Which of the proposals are likely to be more effective? Read more.

What’s one key indicator of community prosperity? When women own land. WRI’s Big Ideas Into Action podcast explores the links between land ownership, the economy and the environment. WRI research associate Celine Salcedo-La Viña joins Cecile Ndjebet of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests and researcher Septrina Frisca Tobing in conversation with host Nicholas Walton. Listen here.