World Resources Institute

“Form 990, part iii, line 1 wris mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect earths environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Protecting the planet and the people on it has never been a job for the faint-hearted, but at this particular moment with deadly storms, heat waves, droughts and other phenomena demonstrating our increasing vulnerability to a changing climate the need for courage is absolutely clear. At wri, we have been privileged to work with many in this vanguard to foster sustainable prosperity and environmental resilience around the globe, from opening up transport in 87 chinese cities to improving urban life for nearly 2 million brazilians to cutting food waste worldwide. These projects and others detailed in this annual report show the value of nurturing partnerships and following our winning "count it, change it, scale it" approach to tackle the most complex challenges. Our strategy for the next five years builds on this approach, recognizing that solutions will require disruptive political, social and corporate partnerships - movements rather than mere policy shifts - motivated by opportunity for a better future rather than by narrower environmental goals.”

“FORM 990, PART III WRIS MORE THAN 860 EXPERTS AND STAFF WORK IN MORE THAN 60 COUNTRIES, WITH INSTITUTIONAL OFFICES IN BRAZIL, CHINA, INDIA, INDONESIA, MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES, IN ADDITION TO A PROGRAM OFFICE FOR OUR SUSTAINABLE CITIES WORK IN ISTANBUL. OUR REGIONAL HUB IN THE NETHERLANDS SUPPORTS OUR WORK IN EUROPE AND OUR REGIONAL HUB IN ETHIOPIA SUPPORTS AND EXPANDS WORK IN MORE THAN 20 COUNTRIES ON THE CONTINENT. WE FOCUS ON Seven URGENT GLOBAL CHALLENGES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED THIS DECADE: cities, climate, energy, food, forests, water and ocean. 1. CLIMATE: PROTECT COMMUNITIES AND NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS FROM DAMAGE CAUSED BY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, AND GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE BY CATALYZING A GLOBAL TRANSITION TO A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. 2. ENERGY: DRIVE THE SCALE-UP OF CLEAN, AFFORDABLE POWER SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 3. FOOD: ENSURE THE WORLDS FOOD SYSTEMS REDUCE THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, DRIVE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AND SUSTAINABLY FEED 9.6 BILLION PEOPLE BY 2050. 4. FORESTS: ALLEVIATE POVERTY, ENHANCE FOOD SECURITY, CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY, AND MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE BY REDUCING FOREST LOSS AND RESTORING PRODUCTIVITY TO DEGRADED, DEFORESTED LANDS. 5. WATER: ACHIEVE A WATER-SECURE FUTURE BY MAPPING, MEASURING, AND MITIGATING GLOBAL WATER RISKS. 6. ROSS CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES: IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CITIES BY DEVELOPING AND SCALING ENVIRONMENTALLY, SOCIALLY, AND ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE URBAN AND TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS. 7. Ocean: To address threats facing the health and economic vitality of the ocean, WRI is expanding its existing work and carrying forward work that WRIs Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, undertook through his International Sustainability Unit. Two high-profile initiatives the high level panel for a sustainable ocean economy and friends of ocean action will help drive a global movement, Ocean Action Agenda 2030. WE DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR AND ANALYZE THESE Seven CRITICAL GOALS THROUGH THE LENSES OF OUR FOUR CENTERS: BUSINESS, ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE.”

“Form 990, part iii, line 4a food: wri works to meet these three needs. We develop analyses, partnerships, and strategies to secure a sustainable food future. Wri's world resources report project develops solutions to the world's food production and consumption problems. We identify ways to reduce food loss and waste. We analyze strategies to sustainably increase food production, such as restoring degraded lands back into productivity, increasing pastureland yields, and improving land and water management. We advance methods to reduce food production's impact on the environment, such as climate-smart agriculture. Forests: wri works with governments, businesses, and civil society to sustain forests for future generations. We aim to curb deforestation worldwide and help to restore and reforest already-cleared land. Wri's global forest watch initiative uses the most advanced satellite data and crowd-sourced information to track deforestation throughout the world in near-real-time. Our global restoration initiative identifies ways to restore trees and productivity to deforested and degraded lands. Our forest legality alliance helps businesses eliminate illegally sourced woods from their supply chains. We also develop policy recommendations to ensure effective and inclusive governance of the world's forest resources. Water: wri works with businesses, governments, and civil society to ensure a water-secure future. We seek to address both water quantity and quality challenges. Our aqueduct project uses the most up-to-date data to produce global water risk maps, allowing stakeholders to assess current and future challenges. We conduct economic and other analyses to identify the most cost-effective strategies to reduce water pollution. We identify solutions such as restoring ecosystem services to alleviate stresses on the world's water supplies.”

“Form 990, part iii, line 4b wri ross center for sustainable cities: wri aims to ensure that cities drive economic opportunity while sustaining natural resources and improving quality of life. Through our wri ross center for sustainable cities, we use technical expertise, cutting-edge research, and on-the-ground partnerships to design solutions that enable sustainable city growth. Our analysis and tools allow cities to effectively manage their natural resources and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while improving quality of life. Working across our network, we develop and support the implementation of research-based solutions in sustainable mobility, urban form, urban efficiency, and climate that will reduce pollution, improve health, and create safe, accessible public spaces for all people to thrive. We collaborate with local and national decision-makers in brazil, china, india, mexico, and turkey to implement projects that overcome the challenges of urbanization and make for greater cities. We partner with businesses, governments, and civil society to scale our successful pilot projects globally.”

“Form 990, part iii, line 4c climate program: wri engages businesses, policymakers and civil society at the local, national and international levels to advance transformative solutions that mitigate climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts. Our international climate work uses analysis, innovation and partnerships to achieve effective national policies and an ambitious, equitable global climate action agreement. Our u.s. Climate action initiative identifies cost-effective solutions for the united states to reduce its emissions in the short- and long-term. The greenhouse gas protocol helps hundreds of companies and organizations measure, manage, and report their greenhouse gas emissions. Climate watch, wris free and open online platform, empowers policymakers, researchers, media and other stakeholders with climate data, visualizations and resources they need to gather insights on national and global progress on climate change.”

“FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4D ENERGY: WRI WORKS WITH BUSINESSES, POLICYMAKERS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY TO TRANSFORM THE GLOBAL ENERGY SYSTEM. WE AIM TO DRAMATICALLY REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION WHILE MEETING THE ENERGY NEEDS OF THE POOREST AND BUILDING COMPETITIVE ECONOMIES. OUR CHARGE INITIATIVE WORKS TO SECURE UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO CLEAN, AFFORDABLE POWER. WE SHED LIGHT ON THE COSTS, BENEFITS, AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT ENERGY AND POLICY OPTIONS. WE DEVELOP INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO BUYING, SELLING, AND REGULATING CLEAN ELECTRICITY. WE PROVIDE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADVANCE RENEWABLE ENERGY--PARTICULARLY IN MAJOR EMERGING ECONOMIES LIKE INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA. AND WE FOSTER COLLABORATION AMONGST A DIVERSE GROUP OF ENERGY STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING REGULATORS, UTILITIES, BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENTS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY. OUR CENTERS: WE DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR AND ANALYZE OUR seven CRITICAL GOALS THROUGH THE LENSES OF OUR FOUR CENTERS: 1) OUR BUSINESS CENTER HARNESSES THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SPUR ACTION, INNOVATION, AND AMBITION IN SUPPORT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES. WE COMBINE RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, TOOLS, AND DIRECT ENGAGEMENT WITH BUSINESSES TO CREATE SOLUTIONS THAT ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND DRIVE VALUE. 2) OUR ECONOMICS CENTER HELPS DECISION-MAKERS IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COST-EFFECTIVE ACTION TO PROTECT OR ENHANCE NATURAL RESOURCES, AND ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF ESSENTIAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. WE PROVIDE RESEARCH AND TOOLS TO HELP IDENTIFY AND COMPARE THE FULL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CONTINUING ON A BUSINESS-AS-USUAL GROWTH PATH VERSUS MORE SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS. 3) THE MISSION OF WRIS FINANCE CENTER IS TO PROMOTE THE SHIFT OF FINANCE AWAY FROM ENVIRONMENTALLY UNSUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND TOWARD SUSTAINABLE ONES. WE DO THIS THROUGH THE PRODUCTION OF DATA-DRIVEN, POLICY-ACTIONABLE RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS AND BY CONVENING COALITIONS OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS THAT CAN DRIVE ACTION ON THE GROUND. OUR WORK IS STRUCTURED AROUND FIVE KEY THEMES: (A) FINANCING NDC IMPLEMENTATION, (B) "GREENING" PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCE, (C) STRENGTHENING PUBLIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, (D) ENCOURAGING THE U.S. AND CHINA TO BE SUSTAINABLE FINANCE CHAMPIONS, AND (E) STRENGTHENING INVESTMENT IN ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE. 4) OUR GOVERNANCE CENTER WORKS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE AND SUPPORT INSTITUTIONS TO FOSTER SOCIALLY EQUITABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND DECISION-MAKING. WE USE DATA AND RESEARCH TO INSTITUTIONALIZE FUNDAMENTAL DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES - SUCH AS TRANSPARENCY, PARTICIPATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY - INTO DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES, POLICIES, AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS. PARTNERING TO CHANGE THE WORLD Building on the work of our Regional Hubs and International Offices, Global Challenge Programs, and Centers of Excellence, WRI has joined with far-sighted partners to create a small number of highly ambitious, multi-stakeholder initiatives that we call delivery platforms. The delivery platforms mirror our count it, change it, scale it approach, combining rigorous research, real-world testing and adjustment of proposed solutions, and specific strategies to rapidly deploy successful solutions at a global scale. Their ambitious scope and comprehensive approach to achieving change at scale are informed by our early work on such initiatives as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Global Forest Watch and Aqueduct. This section illustrates this approach with updates on four delivery platforms. GLOBAL COMMISSION ON ADAPTATION Even as countries work to cut greenhouse gas emissions, they must also urgently adapt to the impacts of climate change. Launched in October 2018 with the support of the Netherlands, the Global Commission on Adaptation seeks to raise the visibility of adaptation solutions on the global agenda, culminating in a Year of Action in 2020. WRI is the managing partner of the Commission, with the Global Center on Adaptation in Rotterdam and Groningen. P4G: PARTNERING FOR GREEN GROWTH AND THE GLOBAL GOALS 2030 P4G brings together businesses, governments and no”

“FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 11B THE INSTITUTE'S MANAGEMENT REVIEWED A DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 WHICH WAS PREPARED BY WRI'S EXTERNAL tax ADVISORS. THE ORGANIZATION SHARED A COPY OF THE FORM 990 WITH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS BEFORE FILING THE RETURN WITH THE IRS. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS ARE SENT TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONS OFFICER (VP and CFOO), GLOBAL FINANCE DIRECTOR AND GLOBAL ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR. A DEADLINE IS GIVEN FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO RESPOND. IF THE DRAFT IS AVAILABLE BEFORE OUR BOARD MEETING, IT IS ALSO GIVEN OUT AT THE MEETING.”

“Form 990, part vi, line 12c board members: copies of conflict of interest policy and certification form are given to board members annually with list of vendors with which we do business. Board members are asked to sign the certification indicating whether they have any conflicts. Board members are also expected to disclose conflicts as they arise throughout the year. Those with conflicts are not permitted to participate in any deliberations and decisions affecting the source of the conflict. Employees/officers: every staff member signs off on a conflict of interest form. Officers and management team re-sign conflict of interest forms each calendar year. Staff members are directed to raise questions to their immediate supervisors or program directors/vps if they have a question on an activity which they think might pose a conflict of interest. Human resources staff is available to assist with questions. Any program director or vp can determine that there is a conflict of interest and request that the activities stop. The conflict of interest policy specifies that the staff member is prohibited from participating in the deliberations process if their activity is in question. Human resources staff inform staff when there is a conflict of interest and assist with ensuring compliance.”

“FORM 990, PART VI, LINES 15A & 15B THE ORGANIZATION ENGAGES INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS PERIODICALLY TO CONDUCT A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF ITS SALARY STRUCTURE AND ALSO REVIEWS SALARY SURVEYS. THE MANAGING DIRECTOR SETS PAY INCREASES FOR ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS; THE PRESIDENT DOES THE SAME FOR THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, CFOO, AND ALL VICE-PRESIDENTS; THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DO THE SAME FOR THE PRESIDENT. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DETERMINES THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL SALARY INCREASES AND BONUSES AS APPROPRIATE. THE global director of human resources MAKES A RECOMMENDATION ON THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE AND BONUS AMOUNT, AND PARTICIPATES IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD MEETING WHICH EVALUATES THE PRESIDENT'S PERFORMANCE. THE global director of human resources TAKES NOTES/MINUTES OF THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING TO DOCUMENT THE DECISION MADE REGARDING THE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL SALARY.”

“Form 990, part vi, line 19 the organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to the public to the extent required by law.”

“Form 990, Part XI, Line 9 Foreign unrealized gain (loss) $(701,512)”