Earth Economics

10/15/2026

Our new analysis for the National Audubon Society has found that Mississippi's wetlands generate at least $4.3B in benefits every year—wetlands are among the state's most valuable natural assets, supporting clean water, reducing flood risk, sustaining agriculture and seafood industries, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Approximately 3.2M acres of Mississippi wetlands may be at risk, following changes to federal wetland protections. These provide $3.1B in annual benefits, reaching every Mississippi resident and millions beyond the state's borders.

https://ow.ly/j4Z950ZXia6

10/13/2026

Researchers have long known that more extensive urban tree canopy can dramatically improve public health outcomes by improving air quality and lowering neighborhood temperatures.

But the full value of those benefits can take years to develop, as newly planted trees grow to maturity. Some benefits, such as the ability to mitigate extreme heat, are also important for young trees.

New research has found that to maximize urban forest benefits, cities must not only plant more trees, but also protect mature trees.

We know that trees are good for cities. A new study finds that mature trees are especially good.

10/02/2026

Resilience hubs are trusted facilities that support communities before, during, and after emergencies, helping neighbors to access resources and services while building trust and community cohesion.

Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) and Earth Economics created the Resilience Hub Benefit-Cost Tool to assess the cost-effectiveness of providing everyday quality-of-life services and disaster-related services.

Resilience hubs support communities before, during, and after emergencies, helping neighbors to access resources, building trust and community cohesion. We worked with Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) to assess the cost-effectiveness of developing resilience hubs in higher-...

09/29/2026

TNC has developed seven criteria to help companies evaluating the sustainability of complex supply chains develop clear and credible criteria focused at a landscape scale, by highlighting dependencies on nature and communities.

Criteria focus on the materials and geography of sourcing, whether supply chains are operating at ecologically and socially meaningful scales (including stakeholder engagement and governance), as well as monitoring and auditability, and whether different forms of capital—natural, social, human, and financial—are properly coordinated to enable long-term success.

Resilient supply chains are a key ingredient for success for any business, but many don't know how to prioritize investments. Learn how new criteria developed by The Nature Conservancy can help companies turn climate, nature and supply chain goals into strategic landscape investments.

09/22/2026

This Thursday, as part of NYC Climate Week, The Groundwork Network is hosting the in-person panel “Small Urban Spaces, Big Community Benefits: Why Microforests Make Economic Sense," about the economic and environmental benefits of microforests.

Last year, we partnered with Groundwork USA to do a benefit-cost analyses of six microforests—smaller, dense plantings of native trees and shrubs—installed in communities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

The panel will share the social, economic, and environmental co-benefits of microforests and their broader return on investment, to make a case for community-driven microforests as a scalable urban greening and climate solution.

Please fill out this interest form to join the Groundwork Network for a panel session about the economic and environmental benefits of microforests. Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ET Location: Treehouse at Doris Duke Center, 444 Madison Ave (between 49th and 50th streets...

09/17/2026

Earth Economics is seeking an intern with skills in research, strategic thinking, communications, and relationship-building to help us expand our work in nature-based solutions, resilience, climate mitigation, and planning and policy.

The intern will work closely with our communications and business development staff to research priority audiences, identify strategic outreach opportunities, and tailor messaging that connects Earth Economics' work with the needs and interests of prospective partners.

This fully remote position will run through December 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on capacity, performance, and organizational needs.

See our website for further details.

Join Our Team Join a Purpose-Driven TeamAt Earth Economics, you'll join a collaborative team of change-makers who transform how organizations value and invest in nature. Our work isn't just professionally rewarding—it's reshaping economies to protect our planet's future.Our team is united by our p...

09/15/2026

Next Thursday, as part of NYC Climate Week, The Groundwork Network is hosting the in-person panel “Small Urban Spaces, Big Community Benefits: Why Microforests Make Economic Sense," about the economic and environmental benefits of microforests.

Last year, we partnered with Groundwork USA to do a benefit-cost analyses of six microforests—smaller, dense plantings of native trees and shrubs—installed in communities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

The panel will share the social, economic, and environmental co-benefits of microforests and their broader return on investment, to make a case for community-driven microforests as a scalable urban greening and climate solution.

Register here:

Please fill out this interest form to join the Groundwork Network for a panel session about the economic and environmental benefits of microforests. Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ET Location: Treehouse at Doris Duke Center, 444 Madison Ave (between 49th and 50th streets...

09/10/2026

This June, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, WDFW and the US Forest Service released 30 adult Chinook salmon into South Fork Coldwater Creek, a tributary of the upper North Fork Toutle River. It is the first time that salmon have swum in the river since Mount St. Helens erupted in 1983.

Before the eruption, spring and fall Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead were abundant in the upper Toutle. Debris from the eruption dramatically altered habitat throughout the watershed.

“Salmon have sustained our people culturally, spiritually and physically, and their return reflects our commitment to caring for the rivers and ecosystems that sustain us all. This was a powerful example of what can be accomplished through partnership and stewardship.” —Cowlitz chairman Bill Iyall

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — For the first time in more than four decades, Chinook salmon are once again...

09/08/2026

The Elwha River, along the northern coast of the Olympic peninsula, is an ecological and cultural treasure. Stewarded by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this watershed supports rare and endangered species and landscapes which draw visitors from around the world.

WDNR is considering long-term protections of state-managed lands in the Lower Elwha basin. We partnered with the Center for Responsible Forestry and the Earth Law Center to analyze the ecological, cultural, recreational, and economic benefits provided by those lands.

We found that protecting mature forests in the Lower Elwha would generate an additional $367.5M in ecosystem services, including: carbon storage and sequestration, drinking water protection, salmon habitat and watershed health, flood and erosion reduction, and outdoor recreation.

As Washington State considers new conservation protections in the Lower Elwha Watershed, our analysis helps illuminate the ecological, cultural, recreational, and economic value of these remarkable lands.

09/04/2026

Our partner New Jersey Future is the backbone of the Jersey Water Works collaborative, a broad effort to transform New Jersey’s water infrastructure. Their recently published report on water affordability finds that 20% of the state’s households struggle with water and sewer costs.

They recommend renewed investment in water infrastructure to reduce leakage, and a variety of rate reforms and assistance to overburdened households.

https://ow.ly/TlC450ZIN8y