Plus, cooling cities without air conditioning  ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Can't see this email? View in your browser 

 
 
 

Trusted research, data & insights for a better world for people, nature & climate

DONATE TO WRI
 
 

WRI DIGEST  ↓

In this issue:

  • New Data: Forest Carbon Hits 2-Decade Low
  • How to Cool a City — Even Without A/C
  • The Latest on Deep-Sea Mining
  • New Tech Can Revamp Aging US Power Grid
Forest fire

Photo by Loren McIntyre/Alamy

Forest Carbon Sink Hits Lowest Point in at Least 2 Decades

 

In a typical year, forests and plants soak up almost a third of all carbon dioxide that humans emit from burning fossil fuels. But this critical “carbon sink” is rapidly shrinking. In 2023 and 2024, forests absorbed only one-quarter of the carbon they do in an average year and emitted far more greenhouse gases than normal. Massive wildfires around the globe were largely to blame.

This narrowing gap suggests that forests could soon shift from a net carbon sink to a net carbon source, with catastrophic impacts on people and the planet. Indeed, some forests have already tipped over the line. We analyze how this trend is playing out around the globe and what can be done to halt it.

Read more
 
Shaded street

Photo by iamc/Alamy 

Simple Solutions Can Help Cool World’s Warming Cities

For cities grappling with increasingly intense summer heat, some of the most powerful solutions are hiding in plain sight. Those on the leading edge are showing that seemingly simple changes — like painting roofs or planting trees — can have a dramatic impact on temperatures. 

Read more
 
Deep sea mining

Photo by Jochen Tack/Alamy Stock Photo

Future Remains Uncertain for Deep-Sea Mining

The nascent deep-sea mining industry remains in limbo, after the International Seabed Authority (ISA) wrapped its latest meeting on July 21 without finalizing long-awaited regulations. Yet some are already vying for access to ocean minerals, despite vast uncertainty about how seabed mining could affect ocean health.

Read more
 
Fixing a stoplight

Photo by Susan Vineyard/iStock

Advanced Transmission Technologies Can Revamp Aging US Power Grid

Recent power outages driven by extreme heat are a signal that the United States urgently needs to modernize its faltering electricity grid. But how, when a single new power line often takes a decade to build? In the near-term, the answer could lie in advanced transmission technologies.

Read more
 

Vital Visualizations

Net Carbon flux in global forests

Our latest analysis shows which forests are still strong carbon storehouses — and which have already become a net source of planet-warming emissions.

Read more
 

WRI on Social

LINKEDIN / JULY 21, 2025

WRI Summer Reading List

WRI's 2025 summer reading list is here!😎🌍

Our in-house librarians and staff have curated a powerful list of books that explore climate science, environmental justice, conservation and hope for the future.

Whether you're a researcher, policymaker or lifelong learner, these reads will challenge your thinking and inspire action.

View on LinkedIn
 

Want to know more about how emerging data and technology can aid in sustainability?

WRI’s Data Lab is launching a newsletter highlighting technical insights behind WRI’s digital products, new data and tools, and emerging tech topics like responsible use of AI.

Sign up to receive the Data Lab Newsletter
 

Upcoming Events

 

WEBINAR

Systems Change in Global Energy Systems

July 30, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT, Online

Learn more
 

WEBINAR

Office Hours: Exploring New Data on Drivers of Tree Cover Loss

August 07, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

Learn more
 

WEBINAR

The Time is Now: How and Why Local Governments Should Shape the Energy Systems of The Future

August 13, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT, Online

Learn more
 

How You Can Help

WRI relies on the generosity of donors like you to develop evidence-based solutions and turn research into action. You can support our work by making a gift today.

Donate
Other Ways To Support WRI
 
 

Update Your Email Subscription Preferences

 

Unsubscribe

 

Privacy Policy

 
Facebook TwitterInstagramLinkedInYouTube

World Resources Institute • 10 G Street NE Suite 800 • Washington, DC, 20002 • 202.729.7900