Clean News Today — September 2, 2026

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, states and countries are taking proactive steps to explore new opportunities for clean energy and mitigate the impending crisis. Michigan's recent investment of $7.5 million to assess its geothermal potential is a prime example of this trend, as the state seeks to uncover new sources of renewable energy that could power homes and businesses for generations to come. This move is especially crucial as the world faces the looming threat of climate "overshoot," where global temperatures exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius target, making it essential to have innovative solutions in place to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.

However, the path to a cleaner future is not without its obstacles. The influence of industries that have historically prioritized profits over sustainability can hinder progress, as seen in the case of plastic companies shaping educational content to downplay the issue of plastic waste. As we navigate these challenges, it's essential to prioritize evidence-based decision-making and ensure that the voices of science and reason are amplified in the conversation around climate and energy. By doing so, we can work towards a future where clean energy is accessible, affordable, and widely available, and where the threat of climate change is managed through collective action and cooperation.

Today's signal:
• Michigan invests $7.5M to find out if it’s sitting on a clean energy gold mine (grist.org)
• Climate ‘Overshoot’ Is Coming—Are We Ready? (insideclimatenews.org)
• When plastic companies write the lesson plans (grist.org)