People in the Great Lakes region are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.
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
Researchers say a copper shortage could imperil Michigan’s EV future
A new report finds that aggressive EV transition timelines set by automakers and government officials would require unprecedented rates of copper mining.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Ticks in Michigan: How to spot them, avoid bites
Though ticks can be spotted in any season, experts especially encourage checking for them during this time of year, when people are enjoying more outdoor activities.
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Severe solar storm will make northern lights visible in Michigan
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued its first severe geomagnetic storm watch since 2005. The solar storm will make the northern lights visible as far south as Alabama.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Would tax break for MI data centers bring economic boon, or climate doom?
Proponents say luring the massive cloud-computing facilities could revitalize struggling former factory towns. But critics fear without safeguards, the energy-hogging facilities will obliterate Michigan’s climate goals.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan AG Nessel plans to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change
Citing “billions of dollars of losses” as climate change hits Michigan, Nessel on Thursday criticized fossil fuel companies for denying their own science that foretold the coming crisis.
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Michigan tornadoes: By the numbers
The National Weather Service so far has confirmed four tornadoes Tuesday night in southwest Michigan. The twisters upended homes and buildings and were accompanied by severe thunderstorms and thick hail.
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Cleanup begins from SW Michigan tornadoes: ‘We found homes in the roadway’
Authorities confirmed at least four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan Tuesday night. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in four counties.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lawsuit accuses EPA of failing to prevent harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie
An EPA consent order doesn’t measure how much phosphorus from sources like manure is flowing into the water, primarily from unregulated large-scale animal feeding operations, the city of Toledo and Lucas County say.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
After record-warm winter, Michigan may be in for a sweltering summer
Federal forecasters expect above-average temperatures to continue through the fall. That could mean higher fire danger and risk of heat-related illnesses.