World Resources Institute

Of all the traits that distinguish Homo sapiens from every other creature on Earth, none has been more consequential than our relationship with fire. We are the only species that can control, sustain and deliberately start fires — and we have been doing so for an extraordinarily long time. Fossil and archaeological evidence suggests that our near-ancestor Homo erectus was already transporting burning material from one site to light fires elsewhere as far back as 1.5 million years ago.

WASHINGTON (July 14, 2026) — A group of over 30 environmental organizations shared the below open letter with the U.S. Senate opposing proposed "year-round E15" legislation that would allow gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol to be sold throughout the year, an increase from the common 10 percent blend.

Presentación del documento de trabajo: Barreras y oportunidades para el acceso a financiamiento climático para la adaptación local en México A nivel global, el financiamiento para la adaptación es insuficiente frente a la magnitud creciente de los impactos climáticos. Este desajuste es particularmente crítico a nivel local.

July 10, 2026 — Efforts to safeguard the ocean for future generations are multilayered and complex. The global community has set ambitious goals like the 30x30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030. While high-level political commitments are an important expression of aligned global ambition, with less than half a decade remaining, the focus now is on implementation: mobilizing practical policies, tangible projects and sustained finance.

WRI’s more than 2,000 staff work globally and in focus countries to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature, and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Want to support WRI’s work? There are several ways you can join us as we work to create a better world for people, nature and the climate.

Ocean-based climate action is now firmly embedded in national climate planning, with 90 percent of updated coastal and island NDCs including at least one ocean-related commitment. Yet many countries continue to face barriers to implementation, particularly where ocean sector governance, regulation, institutional capacity, technology and data systems, and financing arrangements remain underdeveloped.

July 2, 2026 - Soweto, Johannesburg’s largest township, faces dual climate threats from flooding and extreme heat. These threats are compounded by the township’s soaring unemployment and an economy dominated by low-value and informal sectors. As a result, many residents have unpredictable livelihoods and limited capacity to recover from climate shocks. The Klip River system that runs through Soweto often floods during heavy rains.

Insights | Commentary Cities, counties and towns are finding innovative ways to advance clean energy projects that stabilize energy costs while delivering local benefits. Explore More: Austin, Texas, is among many U.S. cities implementing innovative clean energy solutions.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 30, 2026) — This week, the World Bank Board of Directors decided to drop its goal of having 45% of its investments support climate mitigation and adaptation. The Board extended the rest of the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), which was set to expire today, and agreed to conduct a review of the Plan.

From hydration breaks during the FIFA World Cup to recent heat waves leaving Europe sweltering in an early summer, extreme heat is reshaping daily life. Around the world, communities are adapting in real time to increasingly high temperatures. During Europe’s heat wave in June, schools closed across the UK, while Paris opened the Canal Saint-Martin for swimming to provide relief from the heat. Elsewhere, street vendors in Mathare, Kenya, have shifted their work to the cooler evenings.