What they do
Our World in Data is an Oxford-based research and data publication covering global development, health, energy, environment, and society. All data, research, and visualizations are published under Creative Commons licenses. Their energy and environment datasets include CO2 emissions by country, renewable energy deployment, air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Interactive visualizations make complex global data accessible.
Why they matter
Our World in Data is the single most important open data resource for understanding global trends in energy, emissions, and environment. Their visualizations are cited in academic papers, policy documents, media articles, and classroom presentations worldwide. The open license means anyone can use, adapt, and republish their work. In a world drowning in misinformation, OWID provides verified, sourced, visualized data that anyone can access and understand.
How to support
Use their data and visualizations (all free, Creative Commons). Cite them in research and reporting. Donations fund continued data collection, visualization development, and open access publishing.
Key project to explore
The CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions dataset provides country-level emissions data from 1750 to present with interactive visualizations, making it the most accessible public resource for understanding historical and current emissions.