university of michigan school for environment and sustainability

Jonathan Taylor Overpeck is an American climate scientist and globally recognized climate researcher. Since 2017, he has served as the Samuel A. Graham Dean and Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor caught up with Overpeck to discuss where we stand with climate change today.

A globally recognized climate researcher with the University of Michigan says the U.S. lags behind countries that have embraced solar and renewable energy over fossil fuels. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The Huron Valley Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Society will host a discussion about a 50-year plan to restore and maintain a unique wetland ecosystem situated 14 miles north-northwest of Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

Energy costs are a significant problem for many in our community, and utility bills are going up everywhere. In this month's installment of “1st Friday Focus on the Environment”, we look at the issue of energy equity with Dr. Tony Reames. He is Director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak with an assessment of where we are on energy equity and where we're headed.

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

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.

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 world population is going up, and human-wildlife overlap is increasing. That can lead to negative outcomes, including spread of disease and species extinction. There can be benefits, too, but it will require some planning. That's the focus of a new study out of the University of Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Associate Professor in Conservation Science Dr. Neil Carter about the study and what can be done right here in Washtenaw County.

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.

Ann Arbor will serve as host to the National PFAS conference, which runs June 10th-12th at the Michigan League. Scientists, political leaders and environmental advocates will gather to discuss the best ways forward in dealing with toxic forever chemicals. Among them will be Robert Kerr, who is co-chair of the 2024 National PFAS Conference and Community Leader with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. He, along with WEMU's David Fair, previews the conference and why it's so important to Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.