Degradation of ecosystems threatens human lives and prosperity, and yet little was known about the state of global ecosystems before WRI launched the idea of a first-ever scientific audit of the health of the world’s ecosystems. WRI helped catalyze a four-year, $25 million effort called the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment that involved more than 1,300 scientists and other experts from 95 countries. Managed under the auspices of the United Nations and completed in 2005, its findings provide powerful data about ecosystems that will inform and direct policies, research, and investments by governments, NGOs, and business. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan calls the Millennium Assessment “an outstanding example of the sort of international scientific and political cooperation that is needed to further the cause of sustainable development.”
Supporting the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems by quantifying their economic value.
On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, WRI and more than 25 partners launched Reefs at Risk Revisited, a comprehensive analysis of the threats to coral reefs.
Global trends and their implications for business
Identifies and outlines nineteen powerful trends that are reshaping global markets and changing the role and strategies of corporations. Presents leading indicators of world economic, environmental and social conditions to international business audiences.
Warns that the world's grasslands have declined in their extent and condition, as well as their ability to support human, plant, and animal life....
Provides a "big picture" view of forest extent and change and the role of these ecosystems in industrial roundwood production, woodfuel use and availability, biodiversity, carbon storage and sequestration, and watershed protection....
Reveals that the world's freshwater systems are so degraded that their ability to support human, plant and animal life is greatly in peril....
Warns that the planet's coastal zone is in danger of losing its capacity to provide fish, protect homes and businesses, reduce pollution and erosion, and sustain biological diversity....
Toward a common framework for tracking corporate environmental performance
Calls for a new framework to measure and communicate corporate environmental performance based on four standard categories of environmental performance on materials use, energy consumption, non-product output, and pollutant releases.
Case studies in corporate environmental accounting
Shows how greater attention to environmental costs can improve the bottom line and promote business sustainability. Gives practical steps for integrating effective environmental accounting practices into business systems.