The Checkup

A changing climate is causing psychological distress across the Great Lakes. From the loss of heritage crops, disappearing ice and record-breaking floods, residents across the region are looking for new forms of support.

It’s been ten years since Toledo issued a ‘don not drink’ order for its water system for three days due to cyanobacterial blooms near its water intake in Lake Erie. The blooms are not any worse, but they are not any less.

Michigan State’s Jason Rowntree is out to prove that ranching is an ecological asset.

Formal water shutoff policies in some cities are ill-defined for extreme heat.

Hotter days make heat exhaustion a greater hazard for kids. Unusual weather events, particularly storms that cause flooding, add stress to children’s lives.

Doctors need to understand how climate change plays a role in health, so Michigan medical students are pushing for climate health education in their programs.

Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is the second half of our two-part series which looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done, and where these cities have room to improve.

Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is part one of our two-part series that takes a looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done and where these cities have room to improve.

Scientists studying unregulated “emerging contaminants” say Ontario and the federal government need a coordinated plan to protect our water and health

From mosquitoes to sewer overflows, the heat and moisture of a changing climate are creating new health threats in the Great Lakes region, prompting a call to educate residents and doctors about the risks.

The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out North America’s bald eagles. Communities, scientists and politicians worked hard to bring this symbolic bird back from the brink.

People are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.

Political uncertainty in Canada and an unpredictable U.S. president could challenge Canada’s water sovereignty, says policy expert.

Creating a necklace of greenways and water trails throughout southeast Michigan.

As someone who has been working in environmental justice for almost 10 years, Cosme said it all began with trying to stop the water shutoffs in Detroit. 

Great Lakes Now Host Anna Sysling moderated a panel of clean energy researchers, journalists and industry experts.

Researchers, companies and farmers are developing systems to control the flow of fertilizer chemicals in groundwater.

Great Lakes Now spoke with activists and experts on the legal and environmental justice concerns related to bottled water.

A look at “ghost streams” — the invisible buried rivers that flow beneath our feet.

The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide whether a mining company is required to examine how their proposed expansion will impact Lake Superior.

As a source of drinking water for millions of people, responding to freshwater spills requires confronting consequences beyond those in marine environments.

We spoke with Tom Grotewohl, a resident of Wakefield Township in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign.

To gain a better understanding of how environmental law has evolved, Great Lakes Now spoke with three environmental law attorneys.

Restoring habitats and supporting green infrastructure with houses of worship in Detroit.

Researchers make sense of the extensive variety and effects of invasive species.

Great Lakes Now Host Anna Sysling moderated a panel of journalists as they spoke about the big topics they’re covering in advance of voting day.

The rice harvest — manoominike — has officially started across Ojibwe country. Columnist Staci Lola Drouillard talks with her cousin about harvesting and processing wild rice, as well as the importance of water quality for growing “the good berry.”

As groundwater resources are increasingly under threat in the U.S. — including the Great Lakes region — regulation, oversight and planning for the long-term are diffused and often lacking.

As plastic items dominate beach littering, Alliance for the Great Lakes’ says we need to ramp up reusable items and sustainable packaging. What about personal responsibility?

With 28 years of experience in the water sector, Cheryl Porter shares her inspiring journey from junior chemist in Detroit to leading the American Water Works Association.