Posted on December 12, 2011

Caterpillar Foundation Awards $12.5 Million to World Resources Institute

The Caterpillar Foundation has announced a five-year, $12.5 million grant to the World Resources Institute to advance the development of sustainable cities in China, India, and Brazil.

WRI will use the grant to develop low-carbon city models and pathways for environmentally sustainable urbanization (ESU), conduct demonstration projects in partnership with up to five urban centers, and share lessons learned with other rapidly urbanizing cities to help them scale-up and adapt approaches to addressing climate, water, land use, and mobility challenges to their respective communities.

According to WRI, rapid urbanization — a growing phenomenon in China, India, and Brazil — threatens efforts to boost energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water quality and land use.

"Cities are incubators of innovation and are rapidly becoming the focal point for sustainable development in many countries," said WRI's interim president Manish Bapna, "In the twenty-first century, people in urban areas will lead the pathways toward more renewable energy, improved mobility, and greater economic security. We are grateful to Caterpillar for their support to significantly expand our ability to develop sound solutions and achieve these goals."