The Worldwatch Institute was a globally focused environmental research organization based in Washington, D.C., founded by Lester R.

The Institute's top mission objectives are universal access to renewable energy and nutritious food, expansion of environmentally sound jobs and development, transformation of cultures from consumerism to sustainability, and an early end to population growth through healthy and intentional childbearing.

"[3] The Worldwatch Institute aimed to inform policymakers and the public about the links between the world economy and its environmental support systems.

Research conducted by the institute was integrative or interdisciplinary and global in scope.

[9] Worldwatch Institute publications have been published in more than three dozen languages by its global partners in 40 countries.