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WRI

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organisation that turns big ideas into action for sustainable natural resource management, focusing on climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities.

World Resources Institute

Founded in 1982, the World Resources Institute is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that provides independent research and data-driven solutions on global environmental and development challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it operates globally through offices and partnerships. WRI is widely known for producing influential datasets, standards, and frameworks that support governments, businesses, and civil society in advancing sustainability. Its work spans climate policy, corporate disclosure, land use, energy transitions, and natural capital.

WRI has played a key role in developing methodologies such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and supporting initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Global Forest Watch platform.

Type

Global non-profit research organisation

Jurisdiction

Global

Sector

Environment, climate, sustainable development

Established / Active Since

1982

Maintained By / Organised By

World Resources Institute (Headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA; offices worldwide)

Official Resources

Examples in Practice

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A company calculating and reporting its emissions using the GHG Protocol developed by WRI.
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A government agency using Global Forest Watch data to monitor deforestation and land-use change.
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A financial institution aligning investment decisions with Science Based Targets (SBTi), supported by WRI.
Updated on Aug 31, 2025