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Frequently Asked Questions About the Worldwatch Institute

Q. What is the Worldwatch Institute?

A. Worldwatch is an independent, globally focused environmental and social policy research organization based in Washington, D.C. The Institute's unique blend of interdisciplinary research and accessible writing has made it a leading authority on the need for an environmentally healthy and socially just society, and how to achieve it. Each year, Worldwatch releases a variety of publications including the annual books State of the World and Vital Signs, the bi-monthly magazine World Watch, as well as a variety of in-depth, topic-specific research papers and books.

 

Q. What is the history of Worldwatch and its publications?

A. Lester Brown, a world pioneer of the modern environmental movement, founded Worldwatch in 1974. He served as the Institute's president for 25 years. The first Worldwatch Paper was published in 1975. Since then, Worldwatch has published more than 160 research papers (Worldwatch Papers), tackling many of the world's most pressing economic, environmental, and social issues.


The Institute launched its annual flagship report, State of the World, in 1984. Read by world leaders, students, legislators, and individuals alike, it has been translated into more than 25 languages worldwide. In 1988, the Institute expanded its roster of publications by launching World Watch, a bimonthly magazine containing articles, interviews, and compelling facts related to the Institute's research.


Worldwatch premiered its third annual series, Vital Signs: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future, in 1992. The volume offers readers brief, digestible glimpses into more than 50 issues affecting the world each year. Most recently, Worldwatch has launched a new web-based product, Vital Signs Online. Started in 2001 as the Signposts CD-ROM, the online database provides instant access to datasets from the latest editions of Vital Signs, including easy-to-use graphs, tables, and PowerPoint slides.

 

Q. What issues do we cover?

A. Worldwatch research explores emerging global issues from a broad range of perspectives, including ecology, economics, public health, and political science. Under the Institute's four main research areas, people, nature, energy, and economy, Worldwatch researchers cover a wide variety of topics, including: population, food, water, urbanization, oceans, forests, infectious diseases, bioinvasions, pollution, materials use, energy, climate change, transportation, consumption, security, globalization and governance, sustainable economics, and information technology.

 

Q. What is our Mission Statement?

A. The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization that works toward the evolution of an environmentally sustainable and socially just society, in which the needs of all people are met without threatening the health of the natural environment or the well-being of future generations. Through accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues, Worldwatch helps to inform people around the world about the complex interactions between people, nature, and economies. Worldwatch focuses on the underlying causes of and practical solutions to the world's problems, in order to inspire people to demand new policies, investment patterns, and lifestyle choices.

 

Q. Who staffs Worldwatch?

A. Christopher Flavin, a leading authority on energy issues, has been the President of Worldwatch since 2000. Oystein Dahle serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Institute employs approximately 28 full and part-time staff members as well as several undergraduate and graduate interns.

 

Q. Where are we located?

A. The Worldwatch Institute has its sole office in Washington, D.C., where virtually all of its employees are based. A few research staff members work off-site from other locations in the United States. The Institute does not have any international offices, but it works closely with a number of foreign publishers that translate and promote Worldwatch publications as well as help the Institute to build partnerships with international organizations and legislators.

 

Q. Where do we derive our funding?

A. Worldwatch is a registered 501(c)3, non-profit organization. The Institute has an annual budget of approximately $4.0 million. It derives the bulk of its funding from foundation grants, sales of Worldwatch publications, and donations made by individuals.

 

Q. Are contributions tax-deductible?

A. Yes, to the full extent provided by U.S. Federal Law. There are many ways to support the work of Worldwatch. Multi-year commitments are especially welcome as they help the Institute to make longer-range plans over several years. The Worldwatch Institute accepts cash contributions as well as appreciated stock, planned gifts, and other forms of gifts.

 

Q. Do we lobby the U.S. Congress?

A. As a 501(c)3 organization, Worldwatch cannot lobby legislators directly. The Institute does, however, distribute publications such as State of the World and Worldwatch policy briefs to legislators as information tools. Worldwatch researchers have also shared their expertise before U. S. Congressional committees and hearings held by departments of the Executive Branch.

 

Q. How can I get more information?

A. The Institute's frequently updated website, www.worldwatch.org, is an excellent resource for answering general questions or gathering information on the latest issues Worldwatch is addressing. If you have specific questions, please call 202.452.1999.