This year’s Earth Day theme – Invest in Our Planet – calls for bold action; broad innovation; and equitable implementation; which Greenleaf advances through sustainable investment forums, global climate policy, nature-based solutions, renewable energy, and green initiatives in underserved communities. Sustainable Financial Investments: The annual Sustainable Investment Conference returns to Chicago this year on November […]
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An open letter to Illinois leaders: We can solve the Chicago area’s water challenges – Crain’s Chicago Business OpEd
Chicagoland is well placed to become a sustainable metropolis and safe haven in an uncertain climate future. In a new op-ed, Greenleaf Communities and partners call on Illinois’ leaders to collaborate on a regional water plan that is resilient, just and economic, with Lake Michigan at the heart of the solution. Read the Op-Ed on Crain’s Chicago […]
Continue readingOn World Environment Day, we join in protecting and restoring our natural resources.
Reimagine. Recreate. Restore. Tomorrow is the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and there can be no greater aim than to protect that which supports all of life on Earth. Greenleaf recommits itself, as we do each and every day, to protecting and restoring environmental resources and systems that enable life to flourish. […]
Continue readingJoliet selects Chicago as its future water supplier – an important step forward towards improved, integrated regional water solutions
Yesterday, under the looming threat of severe water shortages, the City of Joliet, located 30 miles Southwest of Chicago, made a decision that will profoundly impact its residents for decades: it chose the City of Chicago as its new water supplier. Its groundwater has been rapidly declining and could be depleted by 2030 without a […]
Continue readingImagine a Day Without Water: Lake Michigan and water shortages in northern Illinois
Chicago borders one of the world’s greatest sources of freshwater – Lake Michigan. Its unique geography and the assurance of a constant supply of this essential resource has spurred the region’s population growth and economic development, cemented its position as a transportation hub and helped create today’s dynamic metropolis. When I first moved to Chicago, […]
Continue readingGreenleaf Communities is Protecting Resources with Local to Global Solutions
The daily flood of bad news, from the pandemic, record-breaking wildfires, floods and hurricanes, economic devastation, and racial injustice, begs the question: how do we address the root causes of these problems and achieve beneficial impact?
Greenleaf Communities seeks to discover, share and apply solutions that sustain resources – water, soil, and climate – and therefore our communities. We work with experts and scientists, including Nobel prize winners, business leaders, and partners in mission-driven organizations.
Continue readingAugust 17th – “Protecting our Climate, Water, and Soil through Local to Global Solutions”
Greenleaf bridges expertise in science, policy, and business to advance solutions for a healthy and sustainable world. On August 17th, we presented on climate mitigation and adaptation, a ‘One Water’ approach in northern Illinois, and building resilient agricultural systems for soil health, carbon sequestration, and water quality/quantity benefits. John Andersen led off by reflecting on […]
Continue readingOne Water Approach: Transforming Water Management in the 21st Century
Water shortages are occurring across the globe, even in communities close to Lake Michigan that experience frequent flooding. Freshwater represents a fraction of the water on Earth and only 0.3% is surface available. As population increases, so does the demand for freshwater.
Continue readingCities are critical in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges
I recently returned from Abu Dhabi where I attended a United Nations gathering on cities and the environment. I met with dozens of experts from around the world to debate ideas and draft a report on the environmental challenges that cities experience but also create, and to outline a sustainable and inclusive vision for tomorrow’s […]
Continue readingDon’t Take Water for Granted on Imagine a Day Without Water
Millions of Americans take water service for granted every day. Turn on the tap, and clean water flows out. Flush the toilet, and dirty water goes away. With reliable water service, most people don’t have to think twice about the infrastructure that brings water to their homes, and then safely returns water to the environment […]
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