Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a New Year filled with promise and progress.
Editor’s note: All Project Drawdown Insights pieces are freely available for republication under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. You are welcome and encouraged to republish them with attribution.
TOP THREE MOST-READ
To get back on track, we need new climate leadership and approaches
Jonathan Foley, Ph.D.
January 16, 2025
The world is changing; to succeed, those committed to halting climate change must change, too. We need to look beyond national policy to leaders in other spaces: local government, businesses, investors, philanthropists. And we need to be more strategic, using science to prioritize emergency brake solutions, geographic hot spots, and initiatives that deliver additional benefits. “It’s time to start down a new path toward our healthier, prosperous future.”
All of us have many pathways to climate action
Tina Swanson, Ph.D.
March 26, 2025
When we think of climate action, we often think of how we can reduce our personal greenhouse gas contributions. But we can also make a difference by: 1) identifying and prioritizing actions for which we can have the greatest impact; 2) advocating to alter funding, regulatory, and other systems to tilt the balance toward climate change mitigation; and 3) encouraging others to take actions that advance climate solutions. “By matching the right actors to the right actions, pulling the right levers to create systemic change, and using our influence to shape the behavior of others, we can aim higher and reach further toward a thriving future.”
Four climate solutions with surprising benefits for biodiversity and human well-being
Paul West, Ph.D.
March 14, 2025
It’s no surprise that many activities that support human well-being can have adverse consequences both for the climate and for other living things. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of actions that can have the opposite effect, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping humans and nature thrive. Four easy ways we can reduce stress on nature and climate while also meeting human needs: 1) waste less food, 2) adopt healthier diets, 3) improve energy efficiency in our buildings, and 4) use water wisely.
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND SCIENCE
How disturbing the deep sea could worsen the climate crisis
Christina Richardson, Ph.D.
August 7, 2025
Among the ocean’s big benefits when it comes to climate is the ability of the seafloor to sock away carbon for millions of years. That capacity, however, is under threat by human industries such as trawling, dredging, cable placement, and deep-sea mining. Disturbing the ocean floor can release carbon for use by microbes that then release it into the water above as carbon dioxide – exacerbating climate change while disrupting the balance of nature at the same time. Strategies such as enhanced legal protection could help to protect the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon and maintain ecosystem stability in the future.
How stopping deforestation is a powerful “emergency brake” climate solution
James Gerber, Ph.D., and Jonathan Foley, Ph.D.
March 4, 2025
An astounding 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the destruction of forests for agriculture, forest product harvesting, mining, and urbanization. Such destruction not only contributes to climate change but also threatens the biodiversity and ecosystem stability that ultimately underpin human survival. Stopping deforestation is one of the largest climate solutions we can implement today – and as an emergency brake solution, it has a rapid effect on greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Top strategies include engaging Indigenous people and local communities, improving supply chains, shifting finance, shifting toward plant-rich diets, reducing food waste, and prioritizing action in hot spots where deforestation-related emissions are highest.
Why I’m bringing food-based climate solutions to the table this holiday season
Daphne Prodis
November 20, 2025
The global food system is a significant source of climate pollution. It’s also a significant source of opportunity for reducing greenhouse gases. The Drawdown’s Neighborhood: Los Angeles docu-series offers enlightening examples of local climate heroes working to reduce the climate impact of food across five key food-related climate solutions: reducing food loss and waste, improving diets, improving nutrient management, composting, and protecting ecosystems. It also inspires an important take-home message: “[I]t’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing something.”
Five ways heat pumps are more awesome than you think
Heather McDiarmid, Ph.D.
October 23, 2025
Heat pumps – appliances that regulate indoor temperature by transferring heat from inside to outside a building or vice versa – are among our best tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. They not only save energy (and often money) but also make indoor spaces more comfortable by eliminating big temperature fluctuations common to conventional systems. They can both heat and cool a space. They are safer to use than fuel-burning appliances. And new applications are in the works, from heating water to drying clothes. In a nutshell, “heat pumps are awesome for you, the planet, and your pocketbook.”
Climate solutions aren’t created equal. Here’s how we evaluate what works and what doesn’t.
Tina Swanson, Ph.D.
December 9, 2025
A big part of our job at Project Drawdown is to direct attention and effort toward the most impactful climate actions. To identify what they are, our Drawdown Explorer team takes a deep dive into the scientific literature, asking for each technology or practice that purports to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere: Could it work? Is it ready? Are there data to evaluate? Does it consistently work? Is it big enough to matter? Is it risky? Is it cheap? Based on the answers we uncover, we designate prospective solutions as Highly Recommended, Worthwhile, Keep Watching, or Not Recommended – providing climate change-makers with trustworthy, science-based guidance on where to focus their efforts for maximum impact.
Why forests and farming are critical climate solutions in Southeast Asia
Emily Cassidy and James Gerber, Ph.D.
November 12, 2025
Southeast Asia stores astounding amounts of carbon in forests, peatlands, and mangroves. It is also a significant source of greenhouse gases from food production. And it stands to lose a lot as climate change progresses. This one-two-three punch makes it ripe for a deep dive into climate solutions – and we gave it just that in 2025 with the release of A Drawdown Roadmap for Food, Agriculture, and Land Use in Southeast Asia. Specific strategies outlined in the report offer ripe-for-the-picking opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livelihoods, protect biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience, all at the same time.
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
What can memes tell us about the state of corporate sustainability?
Aiyana Bodi
February 13, 2025
Popular memes offer fascinating insights into the current state of – and future opportunities for – corporate sustainability. Climate change is causing anxiety. Action is insufficient. Corporate sustainability professionals are finding their jobs are harder than ever, but rank-and-file employees have the opportunity to step up. And solutions exist. Perhaps most importantly: “With sustainability teams acting as formal agents of climate action within companies and other employees acting as grassroots advocates and role-level implementers, corporate sustainability can reach the scale, scope, and speed that it needs to.”
Corporate sustainability isn’t backing down – but was it really bold enough in the first place?
Aiyana Bodi
May 7, 2025
Some companies stepped back from their climate commitments in response to shifting U.S. political winds. However, many more maintained or even expanded their sustainability ambitions. That said, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Few of the world’s biggest companies are on track to meet net-zero targets, and too often, sustainability initiatives are under-resourced. Food sector companies in particular could do more. And many companies have dramatic room for improvement when it comes to reducing Scope 3 emissions and embedding sustainability throughout their operations. “[T]he time has never been more ripe for corporate sustainability to step up and reach its full potential.”
Five ways to take climate action at work – brainstormed by employees like you!
Aiyana Bodi
July 23, 2025
You don’t need to be a sustainability professional to improve your company’s climate friendliness. Whatever your role, you can help reduce climate impact by examining your responsibilities and position within the organization and identifying where you and your colleagues can uniquely make a difference. Some ideas: 1) reduce food waste in the office and at events; 2) talk to clients and customers about sustainability; 3) choose service providers and partners aligned with climate action; 4) encourage your employer to offer climate-friendly retirement plan options; and 5) create climate action guides to help other employees do their part.
POLICY
Five things to look for at the Bonn Climate Conference
Daniel Jasper
June 12, 2025
The Bonn Climate Conference, held each year midway between COPs, helps define what progress will be possible at the next COP. This year’s conference had five major tasks in advance of COP30: 1) narrow the list of possible ways to measure adaptation progress; 2) advance the ball on strategies for food system transformation; 3) develop a plan to integrate gender into climate policy and finance; 4) regroup around a plan to achieve a just transition to net-zero global emissions; and 5) move forward with climate finance commitments made at COP29.
Eight takeaways from Climate Week NYC
Multiple authors
October 6, 2025
Climate Week NYC brought exciting energy and new engagement with Project Drawdown’s work developing the game-changing Drawdown Explorer climate solutions platform. Among other things, the event 1) underscored the fact that the pursuit of climate solutions is accelerating; 2) demonstrated how climate action is shifting positions on the global stage; 3) showed the power of community as an impact multiplier; 4) called attention to the growing roles of local leaders; 5) amplified the importance of food system solutions; 6) showed how science can create common ground; 7) offered a forum for exploring the opportunity climate solutions offer for addressing multiple challenges; and 8) called out the importance of communication in solving climate challenges.
Are climate talks worth it? Six takeaways from COP30
Daniel Jasper
December 10, 2025
In many eyes, COP30 was a bust. But that doesn’t mean it was a waste of time. Logistical challenges, international climate on climate change, and confusing communications created a cloudy if not entirely dismal figure. Six big takeaways: 1) climate talks are important, but they need reform; 2) reform won’t be easy, but it isn’t impossible; 3) more progress is needed in regards to fossil fuels, food, and forests; 4) finance continues to be a big sticking point; 5) the conference made encouraging progress on a plan to achieve a just transition; 6) the Amazon is amazing, dismayingly threatened, and encouragingly supported by grassroots activism.
What to know about the Tropical Forest Forever Facility from COP30
Paul West, Ph.D.
November 26, 2025
Among the positive outcomes from COP30, the presidency announced the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a mechanism for providing game-changing financial support for protecting forests that sequester massive amounts of carbon. The TFFF will use funds from countries and institutional investors to make it cheaper to protect than to destroy tropical forests. Although support ended up being far less than hoped for, the TFFF is still the biggest tropical forest commitment to date. And it is both from and for the Global South, with funding earmarked for Indigenous peoples and local communities. As nations work to operationalize the facility, many eyes will be watching to see whether it can make the changes needed to stem the flow of greenhouse gases and protect valuable habitat for future generations.
FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT
How can we finance a fair energy transition in Africa?
Michael Dioha, Ph.D.
June 5, 2025
In a world that runs on energy infrastructure, Africa is a “tale of two realities”: Rich in many of the essential minerals and natural resources necessary for the clean energy transition, while at the same time home to 600 million people who lack electricity. How can the world support Africa’s development without sacrificing climate goals? A just transition will require systemic changes, including a willingness to focus on development as well as climate, a commitment by developed countries to level the playing field, and a fair place at the decision-making table for the countries being impacted. In addition, systemic bottlenecks, such as perceptions around financial risk, energy fragmentation, and lack of skilled workers, must be overcome.
Here’s how low- and middle-income countries will be the leaders of a better, more sustainable future
Ruthie Burrows, Ph.D.
March 21, 2025
Many climate solutions can do double duty in low- and middle-income countries – boosting nutrition, reducing poverty, enhancing access to clean water, and more while also reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. That means that low-and middle-income countries offer tremendous potential for outsized returns on climate investments. Demographic data can help elucidate where the need and potential benefits are the greatest; authentic collaborations between local people and leaders can then take those insights and turn them into synergistic actions that benefit local people as well as the planet as a whole.
SYSTEMS
EVs are a small part of the better transportation system we all deserve
Cameron Roberts, Ph.D.
February 20, 2025
To sufficiently cut transportation’s contributions to climate change, electric vehicles alone won’t cut it. They create a climate burden through embodied emissions; can only be deployed at a measured pace; and come with many of the ancillary downsides of conventional vehicles. Not only that, but driving often isn’t all that much fun. Fortunately, options such as trains, buses, bicycles, and feet exist and, if scaled, could be a suitable substitute for most people. The best way forward? Create “a transportation network that empowers people to live completely car-free” by altering infrastructure to make it the more desirable option.
We need synergies, not silos, to solve humanity’s greatest challenges
Paul West, Ph.D., Yusuf Jameel, Ph.D., and Daniel Jasper
February 27, 2025
Climate change is not people’s only concern – and rarely their greatest one. Trying to solve big problems like climate change, biodiversity protection, and human well-being separately has not worked to date. To achieve “meaningful progress toward a just, sustainable future,” we need to move outside our subject-matter silos, harness the power of synergy, and work together on “triple-win” solutions at the nexus of people, nature, and climate.
Net zero buildings don’t exist - at least, not yet
Amanda Smith, Ph.D.
August 22, 2025
Can a building be constructed and used in a way that doesn’t add to the overall amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? Despite claims of “net zero” construction, the answer is currently no. Buildings contribute emissions in many ways, from burning fossil fuels to creating a need for transportation to producing waste. Offsetting doesn’t erase these emissions; it just moves them to another place in the overall picture. And such trading schemes are prone to fraud and double-counting. Reducing a building’s contribution to climate change is awesome; claiming that doing so makes it net zero, not so much. Better we use that time and energy to figure out new and better ways to cut emissions even more.
Mary Hoff works to enhance awareness of and engagement with Project Drawdown and with climate solutions more generally. Her responsibilities include developing communication projects and initiatives, enhancing media coverage of climate solutions, providing writing and editing support, and building partnerships with individuals and organizations around the world.
