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25% of the World Faces Extreme Water Stress 

Much of the Northern Hemisphere experienced severe drought during the summer of 2022, and a new report reveals that climate change may have made these droughts as much as 20 times more likely to occur. Meanwhile, WRI analysis shows that 17 countries — home to one-fourth of the world’s population — already face “extremely high” levels of water stress. When there is a narrow gap between supply and demand for water, countries are especially vulnerable to drought. WRI experts explain how water-stressed nations can change their farming practices, invest in water-efficient infrastructure, recycle water and more in the face of increased drought risk. Read more.

  
Water stress map -- Graphic by WRI
The Middle East and North Africa region is the most water-stressed part of the world, but pockets of extreme water stress exist even in countries with low overall water stress. Map by WRI
People walking on a rural road -- Photo by Ninno JackJr/Unsplash

What Is at Stake for Africa at COP27? 

It is fitting that the UN climate summit (COP27) will take place in Egypt this year. Despite being responsible for only 3% of global carbon emissions, Africa is at the nexus of the global food, climate and energy crises. On October 18, join WRI experts and youth leaders for a discussion on what is at stake for Africa and what outcomes are needed at this year’s climate negotiations. Register here

Zero-carbon buildings -- Photo credit: IndustryandTravel/Shutterstock

The Many Benefits of Zero-Carbon Buildings 

Buildings are responsible for 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions through both fossil fuels used for heating and cooling and electricity used for power. The benefits of shifting to zero-carbon buildings go far beyond climate, though. For example, by switching from fossil fuel appliances to electric alternatives, households could save up to 25% on their utility bills. Learn more in a new research paper.

Climate activists marching -- Photo credit: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash

6 Key Tasks at COP27 

COP27, the UN climate conference on November 6-18, 2022, takes place against a backdrop of compounding crises: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the consequential energy crisis, a record-hot summer, devastating floods in Pakistan, an epic drought that’s left millions starving in the Horn of Africa and more. It’s clear that the need for international climate action has never been greater or more urgent. WRI experts lay out six priorities for COP27 to respond to growing climate threats. Read more.


Read More EXPERT INSIGHTS 



UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sequestration by Forests with GFW Data
Thursday, October 13, 2022
9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT , Online

Forest Legality Week 2022
Monday, October 17 - Friday, October 21, 2022
Online and in-person

COP27: What’s at Stake for Africa?
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm EAT, Online

 


 


 


WRI’s experts are closely following the COP27 negotiations. Visit our Resource Hub for new articles, research, webinars and more.