In 2021, the world saw major commitments to phase out financing of overseas coal production. Yet, coal use remains high as many countries hang onto it as a domestic energy source. In this podcast, a follow-up to Stories to Watch 2022, Nicholas Walton spoke with WRI experts Ani Dasgupta, Jennifer Layke and Joel Jaegar about the transition to clean energy and how to shift away from coal in a smooth and equitable way. Listen here.

Last September, China made a number of energy commitments, including to stop building new coal-fired power plants abroad and support clean, low-carbon energy. The next step is to track progress. A new WRI database gives insights into where China’s overseas power plants are, what kind of power they use, who invests in them and how investments are structured. Using this database, author Ziyi Ma explores three trends in Chinese energy investments and what needs to happen to make these commitments a reality. Read on.

Over the past 20 years, cropland has expanded by an area the size of Egypt. These croplands are essential for feeding a growing population, but a new study shows just how much cropland expansion has impacted the land, forests and biodiversity. In the face of a global land squeeze, how can the world provide enough food for all people while meeting climate goals, protecting ecosystems and preventing species extinction? Join WRI on Thursday, March 3 at an event that explores these issues. Register here.