Wildfires are wreaking havoc around the world. Suffocating smoke and deadly blazes have forced officials to close neighborhoods near Athens, Greece, while the Park Fire was just named the fourth largest wildfire in California’s history. 

Forest fires — often fueled by heat waves and droughts, which are increasing due to climate change — are burning at least twice as much tree cover today as they did 20 years ago. Using newly-updated data from researchers at the University of Maryland, WRI experts calculated that globally, the area burned by forest fires increased by about 5.4% per year between 2001 and 2023. More frequent and intense fires not only cause damage, but in boreal regions, forest structures are becoming more severely altered. Read more.

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Amid the pressure to find alternatives to climate-harming fossil fuels, hydrogen is emerging as a potential source to decarbonize everything from electricity production to transportation. But what exactly is clean hydrogen? In short, clean hydrogen means that the processes and methods used in its production emit zero or nominal fossil fuels. But can clean hydrogen truly exist? WRI experts answer key questions about emerging advancements in hydrogen production. Read more.

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The European Union just reached a major milestone: In the first half of 2024, more electricity generation came from renewable wind and solar sources, as opposed to fossil fuels. Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel, and in 2022, it supplied 36% of global electricity generation. Phasing out coal is the most important step the world can take to combat climate change, and some countries are already proving it’s possible. Read more.

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More than 3 billion people around the world rely on the ocean for protein and nutrition. Known as “blue food,” the animals, plants and algae that are caught or cultivated in freshwater or marine environments have enormous untapped potential to help food insecurity and malnutrition. But sustainable seafood labels can get confusing. WRI experts offer steps to navigate blue food. Read more.