Susan Cosier

Reporter, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Magazine

 is a Chicago-based journalist focused on science and the environment.

Articles by Susan Cosier

A mottled brown whip-poor-will with squinty eyes sits perfectly camouflaged on a tree branch.
Revealing the Mysteries of Whip-poor-wills—and What It Might Take to Save Them
September 29, 2023 — Recently uncovered secrets long held by species in the elusive nightjar family, and those still waiting to be unraveled, could provide information vital to curtailing their recent losses.
News
A young girl in a striped dress looks through binoculars amid tall grass and wildflowers, with trees overhead.
A Binocular Guide for Growing Birders
September 29, 2023 — A good pair of bins can wow kids, helping them to delight in birding. These five picks make the grade.
News
An illustration of a hand putting a coin into the roof of a house that has solar panels and an electric car charging in the driveway.
Here’s What the Inflation Reduction Act Can Do for You
February 16, 2023 — Whether you’re a driver, a homeowner, or a renter, take advantage of the cost-saving upgrades the landmark legislation offers.
News
An illustration of an electric car at a charging station and a map of the US covered in location pins.
Clean Energy Isn’t Enough to Avoid the Worst Consequences of Climate Change
December 15, 2022 — Fortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act includes support in other key areas.
News
This Little-Known Electricity Agency Could Give Renewable Energy the Push It Needs
September 16, 2022 — State public utility commissions have the power to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. Some have already begun.
Greening the Grid
A mural by artist Justin Suarez stretches along the side of of a one-story building. It features five songbirds—a House Finch, Pine Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Henslow's Sparrow, and Veery—chasing a much bigger Peregrine Falcon. The falcon is the official city bird of Rockford, Illinois, where the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project – Rockford is located.
The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project Takes Flight in Rockford, Illinois
November 24, 2021 — Paintings of imperiled birds beautify buildings throughout the city, providing a catalyst for conversations about climate change.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Mural Project
Eleven New Birdy and Nature-Themed Books for Kids
October 01, 2021 — These picture books are sure to delight and inspire young readers.
Books
A Federal Clean Energy Standard Would Build On Decades of State Experience
September 23, 2021 — Already 30 states have set clean-energy goals. Their successes in meeting them, and proving critics wrong, are the seeds for a national standard.
Greening the Grid
Electric Utilities, Long Anchored by Coal, Are Starting to Break for Renewables
July 21, 2021 — Renewable electricity will save money in the long run. But that’s tough logic for utilities desperate to earn every penny from their fossil-fuel investments.
Greening the Grid
Why Electric Utilities Are Resorting to Dark Money and Bribes to Resist Renewables
March 16, 2021 — Many utility companies cling to old business models and dirty fuels rather than go through the tough energy transition climate change demands.
Greening the Grid