Extreme erosion along the Great Lakes coasts grabbed lawmakers’ attention and inspired proposals to pull development back from the shoreline. Five years later, regulatory gaps still leave some communities more vulnerable than others.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What’s more Michigan than whitefish? Collapse erodes bit of state’s identity
Michigan has rhapsodized about the hardy fish for centuries. Celebrations continue, but they are taking on a melancholy tone for the fish ‘synonymous with Great Lakes living.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
It’s not just whitefish: 407 Michigan species on brink amid historic die-off
Globally, 1 million species are on the brink of extinction. Experts say to avoid further losses, society must begin to prioritize the planet’s long-term health over near-term convenience and profits.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What are your whitefish memories, Michigan? Beloved fish on the brink
The Great Lakes survivors are vanishing before our eyes. What do they mean to your family? Let Bridge know.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Iconic whitefish on edge of collapse as Great Lakes biodiversity crisis deepens
Few fish are as synonymous with Michigan as whitefish. Pushed to the edge by invasive species, their struggle is the tip of a cataclysmic species collapse that could change our way of life.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan nears tornado record as heat wave looms
Michigan braces for heat after recording its 29th tornado of the year, the most since 2001 and sixth-highest count on record.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Line 5 tunnel fans, foes plead case amid Army Corps permit deliberations
Federal officials are preparing to decide whether to grant a key permit for the tunnel, which would house a replacement section of the Line 5 petroleum pipeline.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan cities fight effects of climate change
Kalamazoo exemplifies a growing trend of communities doing what they can within their borders to adapt to a changing climate.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Toxic Michigan site ‘cautionary tale’ as Trump eyes environmental cleanup cuts
In St. Louis, taxpayers have spent millions of dollars and decades cleaning a chemical plant that new research has shown caused numerous health problems. Cuts to the Superfund program would hinder similar cleanups.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Study of invasive mussels finds PFAS is nearly everywhere in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes mussels are giving scientists a clearer picture of where the chemicals are concentrated, according to a recent report.