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. While we are highly attentive to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Dorian, this post will exclusively discuss water and climate with relation to the state of Michigan. To learn more about the effects and implications of water issues in Michigan, take a look at the resources below.

 

Read 

"Floods are changing in Michigan. We're building infrastructure like they're not." by Kaye Lafond, Michigan Radio

Although climate change is projected to intensify flooding in Michigan, culverts, bridges, and storm drains are still being built to resist past flood patterns, without much consideration for the magnitude of future floods.

 

"University of Michigan student creates clothing from Great Lakes plastic waste" by Meredith Bruckner, ClickOnDetroit.com

Using 100% recycled plastic from Michigan’s Great Lakes, U-M’s Jackson Riegler has created a sustainable clothing company that seeks to eliminate waste and create a more habitable environment for the lakes’ fish.

 

Climate disruption is here; what does it mean for Michigan? by Jodi Westrick & Tracy Samilton, Michigan Radio

Thanks to climate change, hundred degree heat indexes, heavy rains, and increased flooding will all be regular features of Michigan’s future. Those who wish to make a difference are encouraged to run for local office, due to the current rollbacks on federal climate change policies.

 

"Lakes St. Clair, Erie set new water level monthly records" by Charles E. Ramirez & James David Dickson, Detroit News

This August, Michigan’s Lake Superior tied its own record for highest water levels while Lakes Erie and St. Clair broke theirs, with the highest water levels in a given month since they began being recorded over a hundred years ago, in 1918. 

 

"Anne Else: Protect our waters" by Anne Else, The Michigan Daily

Michigan Daily reporter Anne Else calls for better conservation of Michigan’s waters following a pipe break that leaked thousands of gallons of sewage into an Ann Arbor river in July.

 

Watch 

"Why Lake Michigan Water Levels Are Nearing Historic Highs", Chicago Tonight (2019) 

Heavy rainfall, induced by climate change, has led to an alarming rise in Great Lakes water levels—which not only impacts Michigan, but also its neighboring states.

Watch on PBS

 

Listen 

"'I've never seen it quite this bad': Heavy rains wreak havoc on fruit crops" by Peter Payette, “The Environment Report” on Michigan Radio

Increased rain in Michigan this year has caused a dramatic rise in fungal and bacterial threats to produce, devastating fruit production and costing farmers massive losses in revenue.

Listen on Michigan Radio or Apple Podcasts