climate change

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) held a rally in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, calling for community support for federal environmental workers. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

“Our Power, Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2025, and a number of diverse environmental topics will be championed locally. Among them, grassroots organization Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2), which continues its crusade for a greener public utility within the city. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with A2P2 President Greg Woodring about their efforts to advocate for a more climate-friendly energy source.

Earth Day 2025 will be marked by a number of diverse environmental topics throughout the community. Among them is a grassroots organization determined to introduce a greener public utility in Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Among the agencies being hit by federal funding cuts, changes in administration priorities and employee buyouts is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory is in Ann Arbor, and some changes have already taken place. Deborah Lee who, up until her recent retirement, served as director of the lab. She discussed the changes with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

Flooding in the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township has been a problem and the search for solutions has been under study. A 500-year storm in 2023 caused damage to over 1,000 homes. Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of progress in addressing outdated water infrastructure, so Washtenaw County hired an engineering and consulting firm to look into solutions. WEMU's David Fair talked with Brandon Ellefson of Livonia-based OHM Advisors about what solutions the study has found.

The City of Ypsilanti is looking to make stargazing more enjoyable while protecting wildlife. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put her proposed budget before the state Legislature, and it includes a significant investment in environmental initiatives. The state Legislature is now divided, and it's unclear what the final version of the budget will look like. Additionally, there is uncertainty from the federal level as what kind of money will be allocated to support protections and clean-ups. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 15th District State Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor about how things are playing out in Lansing.

As climate change exacerbates wildfires out west, it could mean longer-term change for Michigan. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may consider placing Monarch butterflies on their Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Eastern Michigan University is partnering with several Michigan and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) universities to exchange undergraduate entrepreneurial ideas to address climate change. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.