At Project Drawdown, we evaluate impact at three levels:
First, we track engagement with the resources we produce and disseminate – videos, reports, web pages, opinion pieces, social media content, and more. The knowledge shared through engagement is instrumental in enhancing capacity of individuals and institutions to adopt meaningful climate solutions informed by the best available science. Engagement sows the seeds of change: It might not create instantaneous alterations in reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, but it is a starting point for other actions that can and will.
Second, we identify outcomes – specific instances of changes in decisions, investment, policy, attitude, practice, etc., that our work has catalyzed and that can lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and/or enhanced removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. These are the sprouts – an indication of growth toward the ultimate goal of restoring balance to Earth’s atmosphere and ecosystems.
Third, over longer periods of time we look for broader impacts that can be attributed to our work. These include 1) large-scale shifts in understanding and action that indicate a “sea change” in intent and capacity to alter the climate trajectory and 2) measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and/or increases in carbon sequestration within specific sectors or geographies. Broader impacts are the ultimate fruits of our labor.
