climate change

Three Democrats and one Republican are vying to win the state Senate seat in the new-look 14th district. WEMU’s Josh Hakala takes a closer look at the Democratic primary candidates in the 14th district state Senate race.

Butterflies are an important pollinator and are of great help in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. A variety of factors are contributing to a decline in some their numbers. Marcy Breslow is co-author of a new book focused on 17 years of research and observation at Greenview Nature Area in Ann Arbor. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the findings in the book, “The Butterflies of Our Local Park."

The federal government has renewed an investment in the University of Michigan’s Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, or CIGLR. The funding renewal is for five years. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has more.

“Tree Town” is moving to take next steps to better protect the source of its nickname. Ann Arbor is working on an update to its Urban and Community Forest Management Plan to address climate change challenges and other issues. Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Planning Coordinator Tiffany Giacobazzi joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss what’s on the table and how the public can help make present and future determinations on Ann Arbor’s urban forest.

Soaring fuel and fertilizer prices, the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate-related issues are making farming a greater challenge. There are more than 1,000 farms in Washtenaw County and, for many, the future is uncertain. WEMU's David Fair discussed agricultural challenges and solutions with MSU assistant professor and extension economist Mathew Gammans.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, this week, signed a nearly $5 billion dollar spending plan into law that will increase investment in infrastructure, water systems, quality and safety, and a number of other environmental measures. Will the plan create future sustainability? Will it only address short term-needs? Governor Whitmer provides the answers in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

There are intersections of plant-based diets and improved climate. Ann Arbor will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next decade to promote plant-based diets to supplement and support its A2Zero Climate Action Plan. WEMU's David Fair discussed the plan with Ann Arbor's Sustainability and Innovations Manager, Missy Stults.

The International Panel on Climate Change has issued a dire warning about inaction in addressing the climate crisis. The latest report spells it out but also provides some guidance on what local governments and communities can do to prevent catastrophic consequences. Climatologist and Huron River Watershed Council planner, Daniel Brown, joined WEMU's David Fair to look at the global, national and local measures that need to begin right now.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 4th State of the State Address is in the books, and she is shifting focus to the new state budget and her re-election…

Founded in 1970 after the very first Earth Day, Ann Arbor's Ecology Center has focused on making many improvements to the environment.WEMU's Lisa Barry…