The Center for Social Solutions is committed to establishing concrete solutions to our four initiatives. While these issues are relevant across the entire nation and in all corners of the world, it is also useful to examine their local presence in a specific location. Doing so can help us to better grasp the fact that no community is immune to these problems, and provide clarity when assessing the larger-scale version of these issues.

Today’s focus is the Water, Equity and Security initiative and its themes. To learn more about the effects and implications of water issues in Michigan, take a look at the resources below.

Read 

"Climate change transforming where fish in the Great Lakes region live" by Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press

As the water temperatures of Michigan’s Great Lakes rise, fish populations begin to shift. While it may seem like an inconsequential phenomenon, this transformation may have severe economic impacts on the state of Michigan.

 

"Flint’s Children Suffer in Class After Years of Drinking the Lead-Poisoned Water" by Erica L. Green, NYT

The Flint water crisis has had devastating impacts on the Michigan city. This New York Times story investigates the effects of contaminated water on the health and performance of schoolchildren. 

 

"Study reveals hot spots of environmental injustice in Michigan" by Jim Erickson, The University Record

“Hot spots” of environmental injustice have been identified in a number of Michigan cities. Including air pollution, cancer risk, hazardous waste and water contamination, these environmental issues disproportionately target minority and low-income communities.

 

“Five years later: Flint water crisis most egregious example of environmental injustice, U-M researcher says” by Jim Erickson, Michigan News

After more than five years of disaster and outrageously inadequate treatment, Paul Mohai of the School for Environment and Sustainability has classified the crisis in Flint as the “worst example of environmental injustice in recent U.S. history.”

 

Watch 

"Manny Teodoro: The political pitfalls of public-private water system finance partnerships" (2019)

In a lecture at U-M’s Ford School of Public Policy, Manny Teodoro explores the possibilities of new sewer utility ownership models and discusses the political implications of water management.

Watch on Ford School of Public Policy (U-M ID required)

 

Listen 

"The water safety episode you've been 'wading' for", The Daily Weekly Podcast (2019) 

This segment of the Michigan Daily’s podcast dives into the issue of water safety and security in Ann Arbor, featuring local water experts and their knowledgeable insights.

Listen on the Michigan Daily or Apple Podcasts

 

Events 

Michigan’s Great Lakes: Photographs by Jeff Gaydash

When: Daily from November 16, 2019 – May 3, 2020 (hours vary)

Where: Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202)

Photographer Jeff Gaydash has captured the mesmerizing beauty of Michigan’s most exquisite natural landmarks. His photographs will be on display at the DIA all winter.