the environment report

Each summer, Lake Erie is plagued by toxic cyanobacterial blooms fed by phosphorus runoff from farm fields. Michigan is struggling to reduce the pollution by 40%.

A new study shows the Great Lakes are vulnerable to more extreme temperature highs and lows over the decades due to climate change.

The new lock at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie is in the third phase of construction. The megaproject is over budget and funds to finish the lock are uncertain. A federal report found if the current lock for large ships fails, it could cause a deep recession, leading to as many as 11 million people to be unemployed.

Federal budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration could cause significant disruption in the efforts to restore and sustain fish populations in the Great Lakes.

From fishing and heavy industry to recreational waterfronts and new tech, an array of interest groups are using, and sometimes abusing, Michigan's biggest economic asset. Join Michigan Public’s Environment Reporter Lester Graham and a panel of experts for a fast-paced discussion about The Blue Economy on Monday, May 19 at 7pm, in person at the South Lyon Hotel or online.

A map of urban tree cover was published by the Washington Post. Michigan metro areas vary in tree cover, ranging from 26% to 48%. Tree cover in urban areas is important because it reduces the heat island effect.

Prairie fires were a natural part of the landscape before European settlement. Most prairies were eventually turned into farmland. Because they're vital habitat to pollinators and other wildlife, plus are beautiful in their own right, prairies are being restored. Occasionally, they need to be burned to survive.

Michigan has far to go to meet net zero carbon emissions, but progress is being made. Researchers say we need to look farther ahead and prepare now for the technical challenges that must be overcome.

The transition to cleaner energy in Michigan could get an assist through transmission lines to renewable energy from solar and wind in the Great Plains states.

Solar and wind energy are sporadic sources of power. Even with enough production to power the entire state of Michigan, storage is needed to keep supply steady with demand. Batteries alone won't suffice.