A federal study finds that climate change is warming even the deepest waters of big lakes, which could shorten their winters and have a ripple effect on their health.
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
Michigan warns of PFAS contamination in Lake Superior smelt
Weeks before the start of Michigan’s spring smelt run, state officials announced it could be dangerous to eat more than one serving a month of the small, shimmery fish from Lake Superior. Officials call the limit a precautionary measure.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Small towns like Ishpeming put off water upgrades. The bill is now due.
Rural Michigan is trying to balance the urgent need for updated sewer and water infrastructure with the financial constraints faced by towns with aging and shrinking populations.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Last dam standing: Traverse City fish restoration project on the ropes
The FishPass project uses technology that would allow migratory fish to freely travel the river while keeping out invasive species. But some residents are suing, saying it would alter a local park. They want a citywide vote on the project.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Beverage companies want cut of Michigan bottle bill windfall during COVID
Previous industry efforts were rebuffed because they would divert funds earmarked for cleanup of contaminated land. A new bill would give beverage distribution companies a tax credit instead.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Canadian officials to Michigan Senate: Line 5 shutdown would wreck economy
At a hearing Tuesday before a Senate joint committee, Canadian government, business and union officials said keeping the aging pipeline open would be a “win-win” for Michigan and Canada, while Democratic senators grilled them over safety concerns.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan communities turn to wetlands to prevent damage during floods
Devastating Midland floods would have been worse were it not for the sponge-like properties of a newly-restored wetland along the Shiawassee River. As climate change brings more intense rainstorms to Michigan, the incident is an example of how wetlands could help mitigate flood threats.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As Michigan climate changes, Grand Rapids uses green space to mitigate floods
Changing climate threatens to bring more intense storms and worse floods to the Great Lakes region. In Grand Rapids, one park takes neighborhood stormwater runoff and stores it until it returns to the earth.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gov. Whitmer offers propane plan for Upper Peninsula after Line 5 shutdown
The plan, which comes two months before the day Whitmer has said Enbridge Energy must stop transporting petroleum through Line 5, outlines investing in rail and storage, incentivizing energy efficiency, and taking other steps to offset the loss of Line 5.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Too few farmers are curbing pollution in Lake Erie. Should they be forced?
As climate change complicates Lake Erie’s algae problem, scientists say farmers must do far more to reduce phosphorus runoff. But will enough farmers change their ways without a government mandate?