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 readingCategory Archives: water
Imagine 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 […]
Continue readingBoard Member News – Brian Richter on “Renewing Our Energies”
Read Brian Richter’s latest blog post on his recent trip in northern California: In September I had the opportunity to visit the mouth of the Mattole River in northern California, which marks the northern boundary of the magnificent King Range National Conservation Area near Petrolia. Within the NCA you’re able to walk the longest, wildest […]
Continue readingCURES Connections Workshop: New Voices and Paths to Urban Sustainability
Greenleaf was honored to work with the Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability (CURES) at the University of Illinois team as part of the organizing committee on the CURES Connections Workshop: New Voices and Paths to Urban Sustainability on August 7th and 8th. Participants at the event included municipalities (from rural to large urban), […]
Continue readingSustainable Waters – A Water Plan for the 22nd Century – Austin 100-year water plan
Brian Richter, President of Sustainable Waters and Greenleaf Board Member, writes on his blog on the City of Austin’s 100-year water plan. The Water Forward plan looks to provide clean, safe, reliable, high quality, sustainable, and affordable water services to Austin for the next 100+ years. The objectives in developing this plan were water reliability, […]
Continue reading