Has global warming cooled off as an issue in Michigan? Just looking at how it is, or is not, dealt with by state leaders, one could guess it is in a deep freeze. It is not discussed daily among lawmakers and policymakers, at least not publicly. The closest the Legislature has to any legislation dealing with […]
Michigan policymakers work on climate change – even as some avoid the term
Posted inQuality of Life
VIDEO Q & A: Visions of Michigan's warmer future
What will Michigan’s climate look and feel like decades from now? A Michigan State University climatologist offers his predictions.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan environmentalists aren’t hiding on climate change after 2012 ballot defeat
Proposal 3 was soundly defeated last November, with 62 percent of voters rejecting a constitutional amendment to set higher renewable energy standards. But its supporters are not demoralized. Proposal 3 would have required 25 percent of the state’s electrical generation come from renewable resources by 2025. Today, several members of the Michigan Energy/Michigan Jobs coalition are continuing […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Economics, not politics, must drive climate solutions
Monica Martinez, founder and CEO of Ruben Strategy Group LLC By Monica Martinez Michigan businesses and families are constantly faced with budget choices and investment decisions. At the same time our nation, indeed the world, has a desire to recycle, be efficient, and practice “green” efforts. But the reality is we have been and will […]
Posted inQuality of Life
When your parents tell you the weather wasn't like this when they were kids, they're right
Remember Michigan weather a little differently? You’re not crazy. But the weather sure can be these days. Here are ten recent examples of weather-related mayhem in Michigan… CLICK the map to enlarge CLICK TO ENLARGE
Posted inQuality of Life
Climate Change Report: As Michigan warms, cotton instead of cherry and grape crops? Bass instead of trout? Big rains and less snow?
If scientists are right, summer in Michigan by the end of this century will feel like that of a distant state. Think northern Arkansas. A report on climate change by the Union of Concerned Scientists foresees 30 to 50 days a year in Detroit with temperatures above 90 degrees. Days of extreme heat – over […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Climate Calamities: 10 recent Michigan mishaps
As climate change angst and debate grows, so too do weather-induced mishaps in locales across Michigan. Here are ten Great Lakes State examples of how “talk about the weather” often has a sharp edge these days. BAY COUNTY – After days of temperatures near or over 100 degrees, Bangor Township resident Marti Murphy looks out […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Reaching out to Michigan’s vulnerable kids
OK, here’s what we know about how to get poor and vulnerable kids started on the path to success: Get ‘em enrolled in GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) the state’s pre-K program aimed at four year-olds from low income families and designed to get them ready to succeed when they start kindergarten. Compelling research conducted […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Some policies work against economies of scale in K-12 education
Brendan Walsh is former treasurer of the Grosse Pointe School Board and maintains a blog on school policy issues at www.brendanwalsh.us. By Brendan Walsh An analysis of statewide financial data would support State Superintendent of Schools Mike Flanagan’s claim that consolidating the administration of Michigan’s K-12 school districts “would save millions of dollars minimally.” What […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
After outliving a father, a son considers two different lives
THE OLD MAN: Fathers and sons share a blood bond, but may lead radically different lives. (Photo by Flickr user Landahlauts; used under Creative Commons license.) I remember the day I turned 59. I had survived 58, the age at which Tony Heynen, my father, died. In the years leading up to 58 I’d wondered […]