AnnuAl RepoRt 2015April 2014–MArch 2015

2

Vision for a sustainable world

3

Message from the Chairman 04

About the Worldwatch Institute 06

2014–2015 Impact Highlights 08

Financial Statement 14

Board and Staff 16

Donors and Institutional Support 18

Communications and Outreach 20

Make a Difference 21

tAble of

contents

4

Ed GroarkChairman

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MessAge

from the chairmanThrough 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.

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?

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.

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

“Protect the world that sustains us.”

6

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.

About the

WorldWatch institute

We will pursue solid growth while minimizing risks.

7

WoRldWAtch

at a GlanceChallengeHuman needs are growing.

Resources are becoming scarcer.

A healthy society, environment,

and economy require urgent

action and innovative solutions.

MissionThrough research and outreach

that inspire action, the World-

watch Institute works to acceler-

ate the transition to a sustainable

world that meets human needs.

VisionWe envision a planet where

human society and the natural

world have achieved a mutually

enhancing balance.

41years since

Worldwatch was founded

294books & reports

published to date

toP 3global ranking

among environmental think tanks worldwide

Full

ran

kin

g re

por

t: b

it.ly

/GoT

oTh

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ank

8

2014–2015

hiGhliGhts

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.

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

our program design and increase the reach of vital family planning services.”

Vik Mohan Medical Director, Blue Ventures (www.blueventures.org)

Alexander Ochs discusses climate-compatible development at a Wilson Center event (Photo: Environmental Change and Security Program)

9

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.

“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

4star rating by readers

8published languages

100K+copies bought or

downloaded worldwide

Out of five stars, based on Amazon and Goodreads

10

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 oppor-

tunity, 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 develop-

ment 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:

“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

1,870additional

jobs by 2030

5.8billion U.S. dollars

saved by 2030

22million tons of CO

2-

equivalent saved by 2030

$

Our publications are available on our website, www.worldwatch.org.

11

2014–2015 project highlights

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, oppor-

tunities, 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

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 spRingsAn 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.

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.

“The game expansion...does an excellent job (albeit a rather bleak one) of showing the results of not being environmen-

tally conscious. The Settlers of Catan provides an excellent medium for this lesson as the benefits and harm of oil con-

sumption 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

7star rating by players

10language

translations

100K+copies bought or

downloaded worldwide

Download a free copy of the scenario at www.oilsprings.catan.com.

Players in Copenhagen set up for a game of resources and negotiation with Catan: Oil Springs (Photo: Daniel Møller; Worldwatch Europe)

Out of ten stars, based on boardgamegeek.com

13

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 subscription-

based 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

Our publications are available on our website, www.worldwatch.org.

Renewable power: Solar power

consumption increased by 58 per-

cent, and wind power consump-

tion by 18 percent, in 2012.

Organic farming: Land farmed

organically has tripled since 1999,

although it still makes up less than

1 percent of total farmland.

Automobile production: World

auto production set yet another

record in 2012, with passenger-car

production rising to 67 million.

Women in leadership: In 2013,

only one in five seats of national

legislatures worldwide was filled by

a woman.

Military spending: World mili-

tary expenditures in 2012 totaled

$1,740 billion, the second highest

yearly amount since World War II.

Natural disasters: During 2012,

natural disasters climbed to 905,

roughly 100 more than the 10-year

annual average.

Key findings

14

2014–2015

financial statementAs both the challenges of building a sustainable soci-

ety and the resources needed to address them grow,

Worldwatch’s mission remains constant: to acceler-

ate 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.

We receive donations from individuals, governments,

and foundations and maintain our supporters’ trust

by having our income and expenditures reviewed by

professional auditors.

RevenueOur 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.

ExpensesOur research and outreach programs represented

78 percent of our total expenses in fiscal year 2014.

Management, general expenses, and fundraising ex-

penses represented only 22 percent of our spending.

Revenue

Expenses

15

Revenues and Additions to Net Assets

Total Contributions and Grants 3,106,902

Unrestricted 2,602,445

Restricted 504,457

Total Publications, Subscriptions, and Royalties 73,306

Investment and Other Income (120)

Total Revenues and Additions 3,180,088

Condensed Statement of Activities for the Year Ended March 31, 2015. All values shown in U.S. dollars.

Expenses and Reductions to Net Assets

Program Services 1,321,079

Total Support Services 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 con-

densed financial information should be read in conjunction with the 2015 audited financial statements and re-

lated 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.

16

boARd of

directorsEd Groark Chairman and Acting Interim PresidentPrincipal, Riverbend ConsultingMcLean, Virginia, USA

Robert Charles Friese Vice ChairFounding Partner, Shartsis Friese LLPSan Francisco, California, USA

John Robbins TreasurerAccenture, COO, Resources Global Market unit (Retired)Owner, Greathorn Properties, Inc. Concord, North Carolina, USA

Mike BiddleFounder, President, MBA PolymersWalnut Creek, California, USA

Tom CrainManaging Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Retired)Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

James DehlsenChairman, CEO, Clipper Windpower, Inc.Goleta, California, USA

Edith EddyExecutive Director, Compton Foundation (Retired)Palo Alto, California, USA

Christopher Flavin President Emeritus, Worldwatch InstituteBethesda, Maryland, USA

Ping HePresident, International Fund for China’s EnvironmentCenterville, Virginia, USA

Bo NormanderDirector, Worldwatch Institute EuropeCopenhagen, Denmark

David OrrPaul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics, Special Assistant to the President, Oberlin CollegeOberlin, Ohio, USA

Richard Swanson President Emeritus, SunPower CorporationSan Jose, California, USA

Emeritus:

Øystein Dahle Chairman, Worldwatch NordenSlependen, Norway

Abderrahman KheneFormer Chairman, OPECEl-Biar, Alger Algeria

17

Staff

staffEd 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 EnergyKatie 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 SocietyErik 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

18

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

thAnK you

friends of WorldWatchWe 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.

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.

19

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

Garfield Foundation, Brian and Bina Garfield, Trustees

German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation with Population Reference Bureau

Hitz Foundation

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

International Finance Corporation World Bank Group (IFC)

Steven Leuthold Family Foundation

The Lewis Foundation

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.

Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)

Serendipity Foundation

Shenandoah Foundation

Flora L. Thornton Foundation

True Liberty Bags

Turner Foundation, Inc.

Margaret Evans Tuten Foundation

United Nations Foundation

United Way of Central New Mexico

Wallace Global Fund

Weeden Foundation/Davies Fund

institutional suPPortWe thank all foundations, institutions, and governments for their support. Without their strong backing, our work would not be possible.

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Vision foR A sustAinAble WoRldThe Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world

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