GreeneUPdate
Volcanoes Influence Climate in Surprising Ways
May 22, 2026 — Susan Greene
We often think of volcanoes as destructive forces, but new research suggests they may also play an unexpected role in atmospheric chemistry. As eruptions continue around the world, scientists are learning more about how volcanic plumes can affect methane and climate.
Can Rain Fix America’s Water Crisis — The limits of Drought Relief in a Changing Climate.
May 4, 2026 — Susan Greene
Can rainfall or El Niño actually solve America’s growing water crisis? Explore how drought, declining snowpack, and a shifting hydrologic cycle are reshaping water systems across the U.S.—and why the limits of “more rain” go deeper than weather alone.
April 27, 2026 — Susan Greene
Renewed political efforts to amend the landmark conservation law, highlighting how proposed changes face pushback due to concerns over weakened habitat protections and biodiversity safeguards.
Trusting Science, But Only the Easy Parts
April 9, 2026 — Susan Greene
We follow weather forecasts, trust GPS, and love the newest gadgets—but when science asks us to act, trust can waver. In this GreeneUpdate, we dig into why people believe some science and deny others—and what that means for our planet.
Beyond Weather — The Real Impacts of a Super El Niño.
March 26, 2026 — Susan Greene
As a super El Niño develops, its impacts won’t stay in the ocean—they’ll ripple through everyday systems. Understanding those connections is key to building resilience.
March 5, 2026 — Susan Greene
Data center expansion isn’t just about new buildings — it can reshape local zoning decisions and raise electricity costs for entire communities. As counties try to protect water, land, and ratepayers, tech companies are increasingly testing the limits of local control.
The Data Are In: Climate Concern is the Majority View in the U.S.
February 6, 2026 — Susan Greene
Most Americans care about climate change, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Drawing on national and global polling, this GreeneUpdate explores the gap between public concern, political discourse, and the stories we tell ourselves about climate opinion.
January 29, 2026 — Susan Greene
In early 2026, federal actions quietly reshaped how nuclear energy is regulated in the U.S., raising new questions about safety, transparency, and sustainability. This GreeneUPdate explores what changed, why it matters, and how states are navigating the future of nuclear power — including small modular reactors.
Reef Recovery Isn’t Just Conservation, It’s Food Security
January 6, 2026 — Susan Greene
New research shows that rebuilding overfished coral reefs could significantly increase sustainable fish harvests, providing millions of additional meals each year. Countries facing the highest levels of malnutrition stand to benefit the most, highlighting the direct link between ocean health and food security.
Stopping the Plastic Tide: What Science, Cleanup Innovations and You Can Do.
December 12, 2025 — Susan Greene
Discover how plastic pollution is reshaping marine ecosystems and learn the urgent actions needed to protect ocean wildlife from its deadly effects.
Can AI Cool the Climate Faster Than It Heats It?
December 2, 2025 — Susan Greene
AI has the potential to help solve major climate challenges, such as resource consumption, but its own rapid growth creates significant sustainability issues, including increased energy use, water usage, and contributions to heat islands.
Honoring Service by Protecting the Planet: Veterans Leading the Charge for Climate Action
November 11, 2025 — Susan Greene
Veterans across the country are continuing their service in a new way—by protecting the planet. This GreeneUPdate feature explores how veterans’ leadership, resilience, and sense of duty make them powerful forces in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The Fields are Changing: What Wetlands and Water Data Tell Us About the Future of Farming.
October 28, 2025 — Susan Greene
Across the U.S., farmers and local communities are taking new steps to protect water and adapt to a changing climate, from Iowa’s water monitoring initiatives to wetlands on working farmland in Illinois and Massachusetts. These efforts show that sustainable farming and clean water can thrive together when science, collaboration, and local action come first.
End of an Era: New England’s Final Coal Plant Powers Down Two Years Early
October 21, 2025 — Susan Greene
New England has closed its final coal-fired power plant, marking the end of an era and the rise of renewable energy across the region. The retired sites will soon be repurposed for offshore wind and solar projects, signaling a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
From Coral Reefs to Glaciers: What Traveling Taught Me About Protecting the Places We love.
October 14, 2025 — Susan Greene
Explore the delicate balance of last-chance tourism and its impact on fragile ecosystems. Discover responsible travel for a sustainable future.
When Hurricanes Miss: What 2025’s Storms Reveal About a Changing Atlantic
October 8, 2025 — Susan Greene
Discover why 2025’s quiet hurricane season may signal deeper Atlantic instability and what this means for future storms.
Climate Change Doesn’t Shut Down: The Case for Grassroots Leadership
October 1, 2025 — Susan Greene
Climate change doesn’t stop when politics do. From everyday choices to grassroots initiatives, local action is key to building resilience.
From Models to Reality: Sea Level Rise Predictions Proven Accurate
September 25, 2025 — Susan Greene
Sea-level rise predictions from decades ago are coming true. Taking action today—like restoring natural barriers and preparing infrastructure—can make a real difference for coastal communities.
Left Behind or Leading the Way? The U.S. at the Energy Crossroads
August 26, 2025 — Susan Greene
The United States stands at a critical moment in its energy future: will it lead the global clean-energy transition or risk being left behind? With peak oil approaching and federal rollbacks slowing renewable progress, the choices made now will determine the nation’s economic resilience, competitiveness, and role on the world stage.
Weakened EPA, Silenced Science, and a Warming Planet: What’s Next?
August 6, 2025 — Susan Greene
The EPA is dismantling its own science while political leaders work to repeal the Endangerment Finding—gutting climate protections just as extreme weather, pollution, and fossil fuel profits surge. This isn’t deregulation—it’s sabotage.
How Plastic Pollution Went from Shorelines to Our Cells
August 5, 2025 — Susan Greene
Microplastics are polluting our environment and showing up in our bodies, with growing evidence linking them to ecological disruption and serious health risks. This blog post explores the science behind the crisis—and offers practical tips for reducing your everyday plastic exposure.
Wasted Potential: Food Waste, and the Power of Local Solutions
July 29, 2025 — Susan Greene
Food waste is deeply tied to climate change, consumer habits, and corporate greenwashing—but local farms and food networks are stepping up with real, community-driven solutions.
Erasing the Evidence
The Disappearing U.S. Climate Data and Its Human Health Toll
July 19, 2025 — Susan Greene
The U.S. has experienced hundreds of billion-dollar climate disasters, but now the federal database tracking them is being shut down. This blog explores what that means for public health, science, and our ability to respond to a rapidly changing climate.
Biodiversity Begins at Home
Why I Said No to Blanket Pest Spraying
July 11, 2025 — Susan Greene
Discover why ants matter in biodiversity, how they support ecosystems, and why protecting all species is key to a sustainable future.
Breaking the Gridlock: Clean Energy and the Politics of Power
July 1, 2025 — Susan Greene
Clean energy is transforming economies and cutting emissions—but political roadblocks and fossil fuel interests are slowing progress. While nations like China surge ahead in EV innovation, the U.S. faces legislative reversals that threaten jobs, health, and climate goals.
Sweating the Game: How Heatwaves are Changing Sports
June 25, 2025. — Susan Greene
From cancelled practices to rescheduled matches, this week’s heat wave is pushing sports to the brink. Athletes are struggling to train, fans are facing health risks, and organizers are scrambling to adapt. With the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, climate change isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a real opponent.
Rare Earth Rising: Economic Power vs. Environmental Fallout
June 12, 2025. Susan Greene
Understand the power struggle for Rare Earth Elements (REE) between the U.S. and China, as well as the environmental impacts making mining and refining REEs in the United States difficult.