Annual Report 2015 April 2014–March 2015
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Vision for a sustainable world
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Table of
contents Message from the Chairman
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About the Worldwatch Institute
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2014–2015 Impact Highlights
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Financial Statement
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Board and Staff
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Donors and Institutional Support
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Communications and Outreach
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Make a Difference
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Ed Groark
Chairman
Photo: Worldwatch Institute Europe
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Message
from the Chairman Through your support, you have helped millions of people understand that it’s not only possible but imperative to reach for a better quality of life and protect the natural world that sustains us. Our population is growing and our lifestyles are expanding, but we’ve passed the point where business as usual will leave a world fit for our grandchildren.
“Protect the world that sustains us.” Worldwatch has educated millions of people since 1974 about the challenge of supporting our society on the limited resources of our planet. In part thanks to our work, there is now a broad global sector of sustainability professionals working in local and national governments, corporations, and universities, striving to reach the goals we all seek. To maximize our impact, Worldwatch is now directing its research to helping these professionals advance decisions in their organizations that favor sustainability. In our current project, we are teaming up with urban leaders around the world to help cities achieve their lofty goals
of meeting the challenges of resource conservation, carbon emission reduction, and resilience to the effects of climate change while providing better lifestyles for their citizens. Worldwatch is annually ranked in the top five most influential environmental think tanks in the world, and in 2014 we rose to #3 in the world. Our ranking is due to our objective, fact-based, and clearly articulated approach and to our ability to achieve great things with a modest staff. Your donation goes far at Worldwatch. We count on individuals like you to support our work. Will you stand with us as we show the path to a more balanced and equitable world for all?
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About The
Worldwatch Institute Founded in 1974 by farmer and economist Lester Brown, Worldwatch was the first independent research institute devoted to the analysis of global environmental concerns. Worldwatch quickly became recognized by opinion leaders around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. More than 40 years later, Worldwatch continues to develop innovative solutions to intractable problems, emphasizing a blend of government leadership, private sector enterprise, and citizen action that can make a sustainable future a reality. The following pages feature a sample of the critical work that we conducted in the 2014–2015 fiscal year.
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Worldwatch
At a Glance Challenge Human needs are growing. Resources are becoming scarcer. A healthy society, environment, and economy require urgent action and innovative solutions.
Mission Through research and outreach that inspire action, the Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world that meets human needs.
Vision WeWe envisionwill a planet pursue where solid growth while human society and the natural minimizing risks. world have achieved a mutually
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294
TOP 3
years since Worldwatch was founded
books & reports published to date
global ranking among environmental think tanks worldwide
Full ranking report: bit.ly/GoToThinkTank
enhancing balance.
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Global Discussion. (L-R) State of the World Co-director Tom Prugh moderates a panel with contributing authors Gar Alperovitz and Colleen Cordes at the Governing for Sustainability book launch and symposium.
2014–2015
Highlights Population and Sustainability Can family planning help address climate change? Worldwatch joined with the Population Reference Bureau to answer that question. Our findings gained media attention and have been spread by at least one unexpected ally this year: Sustain, a company that markets “green” condoms. Worldwatch staff are also working on the Family Planning and Environmental Sustainability Assessment (FPESA). The project has identified hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific papers and assembled an international network of researchers to assess to what extent improving access to family planning services might relate to climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable water supply and food production, the maintenance of biological diversity, the future of forests and fisheries, and more. “FPESA is working to showcase robust evidence on the impact of family planning on sustainability and climate change adaptation; this evidence will help us improve Alexander Ochs discusses climate-compatible development at a Wilson Center event (Photo: Environmental Change and Security Program)
our program design and increase the reach of vital family planning services.”
Vik Mohan Medical Director, Blue Ventures (www.blueventures.org)
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State of the World 2014 Governing for Sustainability Citizens expect their governments to lead on sustainability. But from largely disappointing international conferences to the United States’ failure to pass meaningful climate legislation, governments’ progress has been lackluster. That’s not to say leadership is absent; it just often comes from the bottom up rather than the top down, often in opposition to the agendas pursued by governments and big corporations. State of the World 2014 is a clear-eyed yet ultimately optimistic assessment of citizens’ ability to govern for sustainability. By highlighting both obstacles and opportunities, the book shows how to effect change within and beyond the halls of government. This volume is especially useful for policymakers, environmental nonprofits, students, and citizens looking to jumpstart significant change around the world.
100K+
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4
copies bought or downloaded worldwide
published languages
star rating by readers Out of five stars, based on Amazon and Goodreads
“The scientists have told us what we need to know about climate change. Now, as this fascinating volume makes clear, it’s time for the political scientists to step up—and more importantly all of us in our role as citizens, making sure that we replace our ruinous energy oligarchy with a vibrant, sustainable and just democracy.”
Bill McKibben Founder, 350.org “In my four decades in government and public life, I have seen first-hand most of the flaws in national and international governance that this trenchant book critiques. Its suggestions...are provocative yet clear-headed, and—if only we implemented them—would likely put us on the path to true sustainability.”
Timothy E. Wirth former U.S. Senator, first Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs
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Haiti Sustainable Energy Roadmap Harnessing Domestic Energy Resources to Build a Reliable, Affordable, and Climate-Compatible Electricity System Haiti depends on petroleum for electricity generation, diverting 7 percent of its annual gross domestic product to importing fuel. Still, only one out of four Haitians has regular access to electricity, limiting economic opportunity, health, education, and social equality. The Roadmap is the culmination of years of investigation into the potential for energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment in Haiti. The study compares the economic and societal costs of business-as-usual development to that of alternative pathways and concludes that Haiti will benefit immensely from more renewable energy and fewer fossil fuel sources. Transitioning Haiti to an energy system powered almost entirely by renewables could result in an estimated:
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$
million tons of CO2equivalent saved by 2030
5.8
1,870
billion U.S. dollars saved by 2030
additional jobs by 2030
“A Roadmap for the sustainable development of renewable energy resources in Haiti must be considered alongside options for conventional forms of energy... For Haiti and other small-island nations, a Roadmap for optimal use of renewable energy might just be the path to their paradise.”
René Jean-Jumeau Minister Delegate in Charge of Energy Security, Haiti “[A]n environmental, as well as socioeconomic, ethic that recognizes and values social and natural capital underlies and pervades public and private social and economic policy-and decisionmaking. Those same values support and inform Worldwatch’s Haiti Sustainable Energy Roadmap.”
Andrew Burger Independent Researcher and Journalist Our publications are available on our website, www.worldwatch.org.
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Energy Transitions in Germany and the United States While the broader goals are similar, European and American approaches to electricity markets and policy have diverged, with an accompanying gulf in understanding and communication across the Atlantic. At this first-of-its-kind strategic dialogue, more than 20 leading experts from Germany and the United States met and discussed trends, opportunities, and challenges in the transition to sustainable energy systems in both countries. The resulting strategy paper closes the knowledge and information gap between the transatlantic nations. “The strategy paper provides an excellent analysis and outlook on where the U.S. and Germany stand and what more is needed for the transformation of their energy systems.”
Georg Maue Counselor for Energy and Climate Policy, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
2014–2015 project highlights
Renewables 2014 Global Status Report Since 2005, we have collaborated with the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) to compile the annual Renewables Global Status Report. The report, which provides an integrated perspective on trends in global technologies, markets, and policies, is widely recognized as the authoritative assessment of renewable energy worldwide. Institute fellows and research staff worked with more than 500 researchers, contributors, and reviewers, drawing on wide-ranging information and expertise to ensure transparency and peer-review accuracy. “The collective work of REN21’s contributors, researchers, and authors has made the [Global Status Report] the most frequently referenced report on renewable energy market, industry, and policy trends.”
Arthouros Zervos Chairman, REN21
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caTan: oil springs An eco-educational scenario for the globally popular board game The Settlers of Catan Catan: Oil Springs uses a popular cultural icon—the board game The Settlers of Catan—to challenge ideas around consumption, the limits to growth, and climate change. Now available in 10 languages, the scenario was developed to create awareness about the effects of oil use on the environment.
Players in Copenhagen set up for a game of resources and negotiation with Catan: Oil Springs (Photo: Daniel Møller; Worldwatch Europe)
Beyond its impact in homes and gaming clubs, the game is being used by the Centre for Systems Solutions Association in partnership with the Information Society Development Foundation and the Foundation for Sustainable Development as part of Green Games, a project that aims to increase awareness of ecosystem threats among young people (zielonegry. crs.org.pl/en). By working with libraries and NGOs in seven major Polish cities, the project aims to shift youths’ attitudes on environmental issues.
100K+
10
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copies bought or downloaded worldwide
language translations
star rating by players Out of ten stars, based on boardgamegeek.com
“The game expansion...does an excellent job (albeit a rather bleak one) of showing the results of not being environmentally conscious. The Settlers of Catan provides an excellent medium for this lesson as the benefits and harm of oil consumption are clearly visible and felt by all the players.”
Cyrus Kirby Editor in Chief, Game Reviewer, FatherGeek.com “Catan: Oil Springs has been very well received by our target group and fulfills our expectations to move participants emotionally and lead them to a deeper reflection about the changing environment as well as what they can do about it.”
Piotr Magnuszewski, Ph.D. Cofounder and managing director, Centre for Systems Solutions Association, Green Games
Download a free copy of the scenario at www.oilsprings.catan.com.
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Vital Signs: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future Global trends are all about growth. From carbon emissions and food prices to green businesses, the trends in Vital Signs indicate both increasing pressure on natural resources and scaled-up efforts to live more sustainably. Vital Signs provides the latest data available, but its value goes beyond simple numbers. Through its insightful analysis, it offers a starting point for those seeking solutions to the future’s intensifying challenges. Vital Signs trends are available online, through our electronic subscriptionbased website (http://vitalsigns.worldwatch.org). The trends from 2013 to 2014 are also available in print in Vital Signs, Volume 21. “For anyone looking for the most recent data describing global trends...Vital Signs is an excellent resource. For those aiming more broadly, Vital Signs presents a stimulating jumping-off point for further research.�
Erle C. Ellis Geography & Environmental Systems, University of Maryland
Key findings Renewable power: Solar power consumption increased by 58 percent, and wind power consumption by 18 percent, in 2012.
Automobile production: World auto production set yet another record in 2012, with passenger-car production rising to 67 million.
Military spending: World military expenditures in 2012 totaled $1,740 billion, the second highest yearly amount since World War II.
Organic farming: Land farmed organically has tripled since 1999, although it still makes up less than 1 percent of total farmland.
Natural disasters: During 2012, natural disasters climbed to 905, roughly 100 more than the 10-year annual average.
Women in leadership: In 2013, only one in five seats of national legislatures worldwide was filled by a woman.
Our publications are available on our website, www.worldwatch.org.
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2014–2015
financial Statement As both the challenges of building a sustainable society and the resources needed to address them grow, Worldwatch’s mission remains constant: to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. Continually building and strengthening our donor base enables us to continue to have immediate impact today as well as sustained results in the long term.
Revenue Our revenue was $3.2 million, 98 percent of which came from individual contributions, foundation grants, governments, and institutions for the 2014 fiscal year. Two percent of our income comes from the sale or royalties collected from our books and reports.
Expenses We receive donations from individuals, governments, and foundations and maintain our supporters’ trust by having our income and expenditures reviewed by professional auditors.
Our research and outreach programs represented 78 percent of our total expenses in fiscal year 2014. Management, general expenses, and fundraising expenses represented only 22 percent of our spending.
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Condensed Statement of Activities for the Year Ended March 31, 2015. All values shown in U.S. dollars.
Revenues and Additions to Net Assets
Revenue
Total Contributions and Grants Unrestricted Restricted Total Publications, Subscriptions, and Royalties Investment and Other Income Total Revenues and Additions
3,106,902 2,602,445 504,457 73,306 (120) 3,180,088
Expenses and Reductions to Net Assets
Expenses
Program Services Total Support Services
1,321,079 367,010
Management and General
201,650
Fundraising
165,360
Total Expenses and Reductions
1,688,089
Net Increase in Net Assets
1,491,999
The condensed financial information as of and for the year ended March 31, 2015 has been derived from the Worldwatch Institute’s financial statements, audited by Lane & Company, CPAs, independent auditors. The condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the 2015 audited financial statements and related notes. Worldwatch Institute’s complete audited financial statements may be obtained by writing to the Treasurer, Worldwatch Institute, 1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036.
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Board of
Directors Ed Groark Chairman and Acting Interim President Principal, Riverbend Consulting McLean, Virginia, USA
Ping He President, International Fund for China’s Environment Centerville, Virginia, USA
Robert Charles Friese Vice Chair Founding Partner, Shartsis Friese LLP San Francisco, California, USA
Bo Normander Director, Worldwatch Institute Europe Copenhagen, Denmark
John Robbins Treasurer Accenture, COO, Resources Global Market unit (Retired) Owner, Greathorn Properties, Inc. Concord, North Carolina, USA
David Orr Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics, Special Assistant to the President, Oberlin College Oberlin, Ohio, USA
Mike Biddle Founder, President, MBA Polymers Walnut Creek, California, USA Tom Crain Managing Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Retired) Cincinnati, Ohio, USA James Dehlsen Chairman, CEO, Clipper Windpower, Inc. Goleta, California, USA Edith Eddy Executive Director, Compton Foundation (Retired) Palo Alto, California, USA Christopher Flavin President Emeritus, Worldwatch Institute Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Richard Swanson President Emeritus, SunPower Corporation San Jose, California, USA
Emeritus: Ă˜ystein Dahle Chairman, Worldwatch Norden Slependen, Norway Abderrahman Khene Former Chairman, OPEC El-Biar, Alger Algeria
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Staff Staff Ed Groark Chairman and Acting Interim President Courtney Dotson Development Associate Barbara Fallin Director of Finance & Administration Gaelle Gourmelon Marketing & Communications Manager Lisa Mastny Senior Editor Donald Minor Development Associate & Executive Assistant Corey Perkins Information Technology Manager Mary C. Redfern Director of Institutional Relations Linda Starke Vital Signs Editor
Climate and Energy Katie Auth Research Associate Milena Gonzalez Stanford MAP Fellow Mark Konold Research Associate, Caribbean Program Manager Max Lander Research Assistant
Haibing Ma Research Associate, China Manager Evan Musolino Research Associate and Renewable Energy Indicators Project Manager Alexander Ochs Director Philipp Tagwerker Research Fellow Anmol Vanamali Senior Fellow Christoph von Friedeburg Research Fellow
Environment and Society Erik Assadourian Senior Fellow Robert Engelman Senior Fellow Gary Gardner Director of Publications, Senior Fellow Tom Prugh Senior Researcher, State of the World 2014 Codirector Michael Renner Senior Researcher, State of the World 2014 Codirector Yeneneh Terefe Research Assistant
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Thank you
Friends of Worldwatch We thank all individuals who made a significant gift toward supporting our programs and operations. Additional donors who requested anonymity also supported our work at the levels indicated and are not included in this listing.
President’s Circle ($10,000 and above) Anonymous (2) Jerre and Nancy Hitz Randles Family Living Trust John B. and Holly C. Robbins
Leadership Circle ($5,000–$9,999) Russell Bennett Edith and Jeb Eddy Robert and Chandra Friese John McBride Izaak Van Melle Estate of Aldean G. Rhyner Peter and Sara Ribbens
Friendship Circle ($1,000–$4,999) Anonymous (5) Geeta and Kamesh B. Aiyer
Charles and Leslie Anderson Myron and Caroline Arms Craig Aufenkamp and Maria Moesch Bieber Family Fund Dr. Edith Borie Charles and Mary Bowers Living Trust Margaret Calantzopoulos Dr. Dwight E. Collins J.W. Harper Bruce and Elizabeth Hodge Charlene Johnston Charles Keil Marta Jo Lawrence Wayne Martinson and Deb Sawyer Leigh Merinoff David and Mary Ellen Moir Kendra Nelson Paul and Antje Newhagen Mr. and Mrs. George D. O’Neill Dr. Bob Pettapiece F. Peter Seidel Brian Spirt Richard H. and Mary Jo Stanley Rosemary Wakeham
April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015 If you see an error in the listing of your name or have questions about being publicly recognized as a Friend of Worldwatch, please contact our Development Department at +1 (202) 745-8092, ext. 512.
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Institutional Support Ray C. Anderson Foundation Asian Development Bank (ADB) Del Mar Global Trust Ecoworks Foundation, Inc., Bradley Zenger and Brenda Melum, Trustees Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States
MAP, Natural Gas and Wind Energy Royalty Partnerships MOM’s Organic Market National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), U.S. Department of Energy Nutiva Quixote Foundation, Inc.
Garfield Foundation, Brian and Bina Garfield, Trustees
Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)
German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)
Serendipity Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation with Population Reference Bureau
Shenandoah Foundation Flora L. Thornton Foundation True Liberty Bags
Hitz Foundation
Turner Foundation, Inc.
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Margaret Evans Tuten Foundation
International Finance Corporation World Bank Group (IFC)
United Way of Central New Mexico
Steven Leuthold Family Foundation The Lewis Foundation
United Nations Foundation Wallace Global Fund Weeden Foundation/Davies Fund
We thank all foundations, institutions, and governments for their support. Without their strong backing, our work would not be possible.
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Communications &
Outreach 29.3 K 19.6 K 16.9 K
Followers
In 2014–2015, the global media turned frequently to Worldwatch for unbiased information and commentary on environmental and social issues. Our research has been featured by global news leaders such as Al Jazeera, the UK’s BBC and The Guardian, Germany’s Der Spiegel, Austria’s Weiner Zeitung, Brazil’s El Globo, The Hans India, Haiti Libre, Voice of America, and Radio Canada.
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you can
make a difference The Worldwatch Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our success relies on the support of concerned citizens like you. Become a part of our vision for a sustainable world today. To learn more or to make a donation, please contact us at +1 (202) 745-8092 or visit www.worldwatch.org/donate. Donate by giving a gift or becoming a monthly supporter Connect through our eNewsletters at www.worldwatch.org Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @Worldwatch Purchase publications from our website (www.worldwatch.org/bookstore) Leave a legacy for future generations by naming Worldwatch in your will, trust, or insurance policy
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VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD The Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world by analyzing issues and disseminating solutions to leaders and influencers globally.
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