Green Mission News – June 2026
Declare climate crisis a global public health emergency, experts tell WHO
The deep roots and fragile future of biodiversity
Species are disappearing at least 10 to 100 times more rapidly today than extinctions observed over millions of years. A biologist says the answer is reciprocity — to give to the planet and not just take.
https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/food-environment/2026/fragile-future-of-biodiversity
From Africa to Central Asia, the European roller’s migration builds relationships
Datacentres should be forced to invest in wind and solar energy, all states agree – except Queensland
State and federal energy ministers say investments in new renewable energy and storage should ‘fully offset’ new datacentres’ energy needs
Plastic bags don’t go in the recycling bin. What should you do instead?
Breaking Down Plastics as State Regulation Expands and Litigation Evolves
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/breaking-down-plastics-as-state-9191595/
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services tests ocean quality to protect swimmers
Scientists Just Found a Massive Untapped Reserve of Energy. It Could Help Power Our Future.
A closer look at the natural processes that produce hydrogen provides promise of a clean energy source.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a71368883/untapped-reserves-of-hydrogen/
Solar and wind generated more electricity globally than gas power for the first time in April
At 531 TWh, electricity generated from wind and solar reached a new global record in April 2026, according to energy think tank Ember. Gas-fired power plants supplied 477 TWh.
Betting on Whole-Grain Baking
More and more bakers are taking on the challenges of whole grains, strengthening local food networks in the process.
https://civileats.com/2026/05/06/betting-on-whole-grain-baking/
How Ecotypes Harbor the Genetic Memory of a Species’ Past
Evolutionary biologists are uncovering genomic mechanisms that allow populations to adapt quickly to different, hyperlocal habitats without splitting into new species.
https://www.quantamagazine.org/how-ecotypes-harbor-the-genetic-memory-of-a-species-past-20260521/
Restoration ecology articles from across Nature Portfolio
Restoration ecology is the study of attempts to restore ecosystems that have been destroyed or degraded by human activity to a more natural state. Restoration usually involves active intervention at a local scale and generally attempts to increase native biodiversity.
https://www.nature.com/subjects/restoration-ecology
Roots of resilience: the experts working to bolster apples against the climate crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/13/apples-orchards-climate-crisis-scientists
Climate change is driving a tick boom. MAHA is blaming Bill Gates.
The conspiracists are right about one thing: Ticks are getting worse.
https://grist.org/health/as-tick-bites-surge-conspiracy-theories-follow/
Wild Blueberry Farms Across Maine Suffer as Climate Change Upends Growing Seasons
Like lobster rolls, wild blueberries are iconic in Maine. But heat and drought have set the plants back to a point where many small farmers are struggling against reduced yields and increased costs for mulch and irrigation.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11052026/maine-wild-blueberry-farms-climate-change/
The System Isn’t Working, So What’s Next? Reconnecting Through Community
(video; 59 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GUDD8pc74
Trump has hindered offshore wind while China and other countries invest heavily
https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1
The American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be ugly.
China is dominating the energy transition with astonishing result, while fossil fuel fascists in the US try to turn back the clock.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/may/17/america-china-energy-oil-renewables
How Poor Choices are Making Spain’s Solar Boom Bad for Birds
Solar energy is good, but solar farms stuffed with ill-conceived nest boxes are not
https://www.biographic.com/how-bad-choices-are-making-spains-solar-boom-bad-for-birds/
Could AI Be a Boon to Regenerative Agriculture?
Proponents say artificial intelligence tools can help farms and biodiversity, despite the environmental costs.
https://civileats.com/2026/05/20/could-ai-be-a-boon-to-regenerative-agriculture/
Japan is gripped by mass allergies. A 1950s project is to blame.
A decision made 70 years ago to reforest vast swathes of Japan with just two kinds of tree has come back to haunt the country.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260515-the-1950s-blunder-which-causes-mass-hay-fever-in-japan
Defensive rewilding could turn wetlands and forests into border barriers
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-defensive-rewilding-wetlands-forests-border.html
SERCAL (the California Society for Ecological Restoration), is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the science, art, and practice of restoring native California habitats.
EPR mandates challenge food and packaging manufacturers
https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/33529-epr-mandates-challenge-food-and-packaging-manufacturers
Maine’s packaging EPR implementation lags
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection still expects producers will owe money this year. But the process of contracting with a stewardship organization has repeatedly been pushed back.
https://www.wastedive.com/news/maine-extended-producer-responsibility-packaging-timeline/819817/
California burn scar sprayed with glyphosate is now overrun with invasive mustard that burns like gasoline, activist warns
We Are Bombarding America’s Forests With Roundup
Scientists are wary of glyphosate. MAHA loathes it. And our yearlong investigation shows California is spraying it everywhere.
5 CPG brands fueling the regenerative agriculture surge. w
With major food manufacturers pledging support and new certifications taking root, brands like Simple Mills and Tractor Beverage are accelerating their regenerative organic product rollouts
https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2026/05/26/regenerative-agriculture-cpg-product-launches/
The Capybaras Aren’t All Right.
The internet’s favorite animal is facing a dark fate.
https://slate.com/technology/2026/05/capybara-brazil-cute-animal-cafe-baby-what-is.html
US garbage incinerators are failing to eliminate ‘forever chemical’ air pollution, experts warn
The virtually indestructible Pfas waste puts largely low-income neighborhoods at risk, public health advocates say
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/30/garbage-incinerators-pfas-forever-chemicals