climate change

You may not have noticed, but the Ann Arbor Climate Corps has been quietly working this year to combat the affects of climate change and help the city achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. The program is designed to increase the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability’s outreach capacity and help residents take action toward that end. WEMU's David Fair talked it over with Ann Arbor Climate Corps program manager, Maggie Halpern.

It’s that time of year, but each year, it seems to come a little earlier. Toxic algae blooms are starting to cover Lake Erie earlier than usual this summer. This year’s blooms are also expected to be bigger than last summer. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the impacts of climate change on the blooms in Lake Erie with Dr. Richard Stumpf from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants to provide big tax incentives to lure new data centers to the state. These centers can be the size of several football fields and are a huge drain on electricity and water supplies. While it may create some new jobs, many say it won't create enough and will negatively impact the state's climate goals. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, talked it over with Michigan Climate Action Network executive director, Dr. Denise Keele.

It can be expensive to install rooftop solar panels, but they do pay for themselves over time. Not only does it save on energy costs, but a new University of Michigan study says the value of rooftop solar panels will continue to increase. It will also be vital as the climate continues to warm, and we will need more energy to keep cool. WEMU's David Fair was joined by U-M Energy Systems Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Craig to learn more about the research.

As part of A2Zero Week, the City of Ann Arbor has launched a new education program to encourage residents and businesses to reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. We have more from WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.

Republicans are pushing back against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s plan to deputize private practice attorneys to pursue climate lawsuits. As Rick Pluta reports, Nessel’s office is seeking proposals for lawsuits against oil and gas companies.

Those with the Biological Station hope the free events will bolster the station's community reach. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

It appears the state of Michigan plans to add more nuclear power to its energy portfolio. It is certainly cleaner energy than fossil fuels, but the threat to the environment and public health is much greater, should something go wrong. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council, Conan Smith, to look at the future of nuclear energy in Michigan.

Every April brings us another Earth Day. The event aimed at increasing environmental education, awareness and activism is now in its 54th year. How far have we come in more than five decades and what has to happen next? Rosina Bierbaum is a professor and Dean Emerita in the U of M’s School for Environment and Sustainability. She gave an insider's assessment with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.

The City of Ann Arbor wants to move away from natural gas. In 2020, the city declared a climate emergency and noted the need to get off of fossil fuels. For the most part, that means a shift to more electric appliances, including the manner in which we heat the spaces where we live and work. Is it possible to make the transition? Some say yes. Some say no. John Mirsky is a member of the Ann Arbor Energy Commission,. He says it is absolutely possible and, in fact, has done it at his own home. He shares his perspective with WEMU's David Fair.