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.
The mission of the Institute reads: 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.
The Worldwatch Institute aims to inform policymakers and the public about the links between the world economy and its environmental support systems. Research conducted by the institute is integrative or interdisciplinary and global in scope.
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. The project resulted in the Worldwatch Institute’s flagship publication, State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet.
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.
1974—The institute was founded by Lester Brown.
1975—The first Worldwatch Paper was published.
1984—First State of the World published.
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.
2014—Ed Groark became Acting Interim President of Worldwatch.
Worldwatch Institute publications have been published in more than three dozen languages by its global partners in 40 countries. 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.
Vital Signs tracks social, environmental and economic trends and publishes data and analysis.
Current Researchers and Fellows
Erik Assadourian – Senior Fellow, Environment and Society Program
Jorge Barrigh – Senior Fellow, Climate and Energy Program
Kevin de Cuba – Senior Program Manager, Caribbean Program
Julian Despradel – Senior Fellow, Climate and Energy Program
Robert Engelman – Senior Fellow, Environment and Society Program
Christopher Flavin – Senior Fellow, President Emeritus, Climate and Energy Program
Gary Gardner – Director of Publications, Senior Fellow, Environment and Society Program
Philip Killeen – Research Assistant, Climate and Energy Program
Mark Konold – Senior Fellow, Climate and Energy Program
Haibing Ma – Research Associate, Climate and Energy Program | China Program Manager
Lisa Mastny – Senior Editor
Alexander Ochs – Director, Climate and Energy Program
Tom Prugh – Co-director, State of the World
Michael Renner – Senior Researcher, Environment and Society Program | Co-Director, State of the World
Maria Gabriela da Rocha Oliveira – Senior Fellow, Climate and Energy Program
Preeti Shroff-Mehta – Senior Fellow, India Program
Anmol Vanamali – Senior Fellow, Climate and Energy Program
Wanqing Zhou – Research Associate, Food and Agriculture Program
