The World Resources Institute (WRI), a leading global research organisation headquartered in the United States, focuses on sustainable development and environmental solutions. Founded in 1982, WRI has established itself as a pivotal player in the fields of climate change, water resources, and sustainable cities, with major operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. WRI's core services include data-driven research, policy analysis, and innovative tools that empower governments and businesses to make informed decisions. Its unique approach combines rigorous scientific analysis with practical solutions, positioning WRI as a trusted authority in environmental sustainability. Notable achievements include influential reports that shape global climate policy and partnerships that drive impactful change. With a commitment to fostering a sustainable future, WRI continues to lead the way in addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
How does World Resources Institute's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Other Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
World Resources Institute's score of 33 is higher than 58% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
As of 2016, the World Resources Institute (WRI) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 9,247,190 kg CO2e, which includes Scope 1 emissions of 390 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of 438,500 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 8,808,300 kg CO2e. The WRI has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to near zero by 2025. Additionally, the organisation has a long-term target to achieve a reduction of total agricultural emissions to 4 Gt by 2050, representing a 75% decrease from current levels. WRI's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organisation, and all figures are derived directly from its own reporting. The organisation is actively engaged in initiatives to enhance sustainability and mitigate climate change impacts, aligning with industry standards and best practices.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2010 | 2011 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | - | 000 |
| Scope 2 | - | - | 000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 2,213,800 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
World Resources Institute's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 273% last year and increased by approximately 298% since 2010, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 76% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
World Resources Institute has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

