climate change

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 Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of progress in addressing outdated water infrastructure, so Washtenaw County hired an engineering and consulting firm to look into solutions.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.

What do you think one single animal can tell you about the health of the environment? It turns out quite a bit. Innovative research at the U-M’s School of Environment and Sustainability is using animal tracking data to document environmental and ecological threats and to advance conservation strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Dr. Scott Yanco about the research and what it is telling us so far.

There are some new faces in office in Washtenaw County government following the November general election, and that includes a new Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. Former Saline Mayor and Democratic State Representative Gretchen Driskell won election to the office after Evan Pratt decided against running for reelection after three terms in the position. WEMU's David Fair talked with Evan about his 12 years in office and the challenges his successor will face in her first term.

A University of Michigan study explores the intersection of climate skepticism, flood risk, and social vulnerability across the United States. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

The environmental group Route Zero is outlining their hopes of having more zero-emission vehicles on the road. WEMU's Ana Longoria reports.