Ideas

Washington’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) lays out a credible, economy-wide roadmap to meet the state’s 2050 climate targets. But projections are a starting line, not a finish line. Greene Economics examines what implementation will actually require—from community-scale emissions data to transportation electrification, agricultural incentives, and protection of working forests.

When septic systems fail across the Puget Sound region, who pays? A new Greene Economics study in Coastal Management finds the burden falls hardest on low-income communities historically excluded from public sewer infrastructure — at a cost approaching $500 million annually across twelve counties.

Biotoxin testing protects public health and a $416 million industry. Greene Economics makes the economic case for funding it as a public good, rather than charging the cost to commercial shellfish operations.

What role could industrial hemp play in solving Washington’s housing and climate challenges? James Kunetz of Greene Economics shares takeaways from the Goodness of Hemp Summit and early research findings from our work with WSDA on sustainable building materials, industry barriers, and opportunities to grow the hemp supply chain in Washington State.

Washington's DES contracts (#22222) meet competitive bidding laws, reduce risk, and streamline purchasing for environmental projects.

A new national strategy will reflect the value of nature in U.S. economic statistics through natural capital accounting—an approach Greene Economics has applied for more than 30 years.

Global sustainability disclosure standards raise the stakes for ESG reporting. Learn how materiality, climate-risk analysis, reliable data, and governance can help organizations prepare.

The SEC’s proposed climate-disclosure rules signal a broader shift toward integrating climate-related risks, emissions, and financial impacts into business reporting. Companies can begin preparing by understanding where emerging U.S., international, and European frameworks overlap—and where they differ.

From global hydrocarbon forecasts for the National Academies’ Oil in the Sea IV study to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions modeling for corporate planning, Greene Economics uses scenario analysis to help decision-makers compare decarbonization pathways and plan for change.

Greene Economics explores how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped lifestyles, revealing surprising silver linings in work, home, and personal habits based on a 2020 survey of resilience, health, and happiness. For example, 26% of respondents reported improved relationships with household members, highlighting silver linings in new work-from-home routines and lifestyle habits.

COVID-19 is not an equal opportunity disease. Data show that Black, Latino, and multiracial populations experience disproportionately higher COVID-19 case and death rates relative to their share of the U.S. population, reflecting unequal exposure, underlying health conditions, and access to care.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the environmental sector, exposing both vulnerabilities and opportunities. Changes in air quality, energy use, and environmental policy highlight the links between economic activity and environmental health.

The COVID-19 economy has disrupted daily life and created uncertainty for households and businesses alike. Many people are concerned about the future of the economy and how short-term disruptions may affect long-term recovery. Greene Economics shares key insights on the economic impacts of the COVID-19 economy, from household challenges and stimulus measures to broader macroeconomic trends.