Worldwatch Institute

The Worldwatch Institute is a globally focused environmental research organization based in Washington, D.C. Worldwatch was named as one of the top ten sustainable development research organizations by Globescan Survey of Sustainability Experts.

Mission

The Worldwatch Institute helps to inform policymakers and the public about the complex links between the world economy and its environmental support systems. Research conducted by the institute is integrative or interdisciplinary in nature and global in scope.^[1]

Through research and outreach that inspire action, the Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world that meets human needs. The institute's top mission objectives are universal access to renewable energy and nutritious food, expansion of environmentally sound jobs and development, transformation of cultures from consumerism to sustainability, and an early end to population growth through healthy and intentional childbearing.^[2]

Worldwatch’s priority programs include:

• Building a Low-Carbon Energy System that dramatically reduces the use of fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
• Nourishing the Planet, researches methods that create a sustainable food production system that provides a healthy, nutritious diet for all while sustaining the land, water, and biological resources on which life depends.
• Transforming Economies, Cultures, and Societies that meets human needs, promotes prosperity, and is in harmony with nature.

Worldwatch also monitors human health, population, water resources, biodiversity, governance, and environmental security.^[3]

Worldwatch's work relies on the generosity of its donors.

History

• 1974—The institute was founded by Lester Brown.^[4]
• 1975—The first Worldwatch Paper was published.
• 1984—First State of the World published.^[5]
• 1988—World Watch Magazine was launched.
• 1992—Vital Signs, Worldwatch's third annual series, was premiered.
• 2000—Christopher Flavin became President of Worldwatch in October.
• 2008—Worldwatch hosted the 20th Anniversary of the James E. Hansen hearings.
• 2011—Robert Engelman became President of Worldwatch in October.

Publications

Worldwatch Institute publications have been published in more than three dozen languages by its global partners in 40 countries.^[6] Worldwatch publications include:

• The State of the World report is an annual assessment of urgent global environmental problems and the innovative ideas proposed and applied across the globe to address them.^[7]
• Vital Signs tracks social, environmental and economic trends and publishes data and analysis.^[8]

Current Researchers and Fellows

Erik Assadourian, Adam Dolezal, Robert Engelman, Gary Gardner, Mark Konold, Matt Lucky, Haibing Ma, Shakuntala Makhijani, Lisa Mastny, Evan Musolino, Alexander Ochs, Sandra Postel and Michael Renner

See also

• Lester R. Brown, founder of Worldwatch Institute
• Ed Ayres, former editor of Worldwatch
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Movement
• List of environmental organizations
• World Nuclear Industry Status Report

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Worldwatch Institute.

• Worldwatch Institute
• Worldwatch Europe
• Worldwatch Brazil
• Worldwatch Japan
• Work on biofuels
• Renewables 2010 Global Status Report
• Renewables 2011: Global Status Report
• The End of Nuclear, Worldwatch Institute, 2011.