Over the past 40 years, 700 million people have moved into China’s cities, with hundreds of millions more expected to follow in the coming decade. How China handles this massive increase in urbanization will affect quality of life for the nation’s citizens, the environment, emissions and much more. China’s 14th Five Year Plan features a myriad of pledges, policies and projects that put people at the center of the nation’s development plans. WRI experts explore how China can achieve just and sustainable urbanization. Read more.

Coral reefs provide many critical services to the world, including providing a home to 25% of all marine life to protecting coastal communities from climate impacts. Despite their importance, these vital ecosystems face multiple threats and could disappear entirely by 2100 without drastic action. In a new article, WRI’s Lauretta Burke and Katie Wood dive into some common questions about coral reefs, including what threats they face and what can be done to protect them. Read more.

Despite setbacks at the end of 2021, the Build Back Better Act can still be revived in 2022, which would mark a major moment for U.S. climate action. But what exactly is at stake in this bill? WRI explored different mitigation scenarios finding that the Build Back Better Act would make clean energy and low-carbon technologies more affordable and accessible. These would provide an essential foundation for the United States to achieve both 2030 and 2050 climate goals. Read more.