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.
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.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
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
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
New PFAS guidelines spark more ‘do not eat’ warnings for Michigan fish
Anglers are warned not to eat their catch from 98 Michigan waterbodies, up from 33 last year, after state officials revised their health guidance in light of growing evidence that PFAS is more toxic than previously thought.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes slightly colder than usual ahead of summer
As May’s cooler temperatures give way to summertime warmth in Michigan, the Great Lakes are slightly cooler than usual but warming. But where are Michigan’s warmest waters?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Despite US research resistance, Great Lakes aims to be Silicon Valley for water
Unlike Silicon Valley’s ascent, which was significantly bolstered by steady public research funding—federal investment, for instance, paid 25 percent of the cost of developing the transistor—Great Lakes blue economy development is taking shape in an era of resistance to US government research outlays.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Thunder Bay is bringing its Great Lake shoreline back
Thunder Bay’s shoreline has seen decades of pollution, but an agreement between Canada and the U.S. has seen massive investments of time and money to clean it up.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s fight against Lake Erie pollution didn’t work. What happens next?
Michigan, Ohio and Ontario failed to reduce the total phosphorus entering Lake Erie in 10 years. State officials and environmentalists are butting heads on where to go from here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Are data centers a threat to the Great Lakes?
One of the poorest cities in Michigan has a proposed $3 billion data center as a potential lifeline — but environmentalists and locals warn of high costs to water, climate and community.