How ghost streams and redlining’s legacy lead to unfairness in flood risk, in Detroit and elsewhere

Mapping where water once flowed is important for managing flood risk today in Detroit and elsewhere.

Jacob Napieralski, Professor of Geology, University of Michigan-Dearborn • conversation
March 19, 2024 ~8 min

Invasive species cause billions of dollars in damage worldwide: 4 essential reads

According to a new UN report, invasive species do more than US$423 billion in damage worldwide every year. Four articles explore examples, from mollusks to poisonous fish.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Cities Editor, The Conversation • conversation
Sept. 6, 2023 ~7 min


Looking for a US 'climate haven' away from heat and disaster risks? Good luck finding one

Even ‘climate havens’ face a riskier future, and infrastructure often isn’t built to handle climate change. But there are steps cities can take to prepare.

Earl Lewis, Director and Founder, Center for Social Solutions, Professor of History, Afroamerican and African Studies, and public policy, University of Michigan • conversation
Aug. 23, 2023 ~10 min

Michigan pipeline standoff could affect water protection and Indigenous rights across the US

A pipeline that has carried Canadian oil and gas across Wisconsin and Michigan for 70 years has become a symbol of fossil fuel politics and a test of local regulatory power.

Mike Shriberg, Professor of Practice & Engagement, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Aug. 16, 2023 ~11 min

6 feet of snow in Buffalo: What causes lake-effect storms like this?

Western New York got socked by a storm that dumped 6 feet of snow in parts of the region, including the home of the Buffalo Bills’ stadium. A climate scientists explains how storms like this happen.

Michael A. Rawlins, Associate Director, Climate System Research Center, UMass Amherst • conversation
Nov. 18, 2022 ~5 min

What is lake-effect snow? A climate scientist explains

Here’s how dry Canadian wind can generate several feet of snow as it crosses the Great Lakes.

Michael A. Rawlins, Associate Director, Climate System Research Center, UMass Amherst • conversation
Nov. 18, 2022 ~4 min

The westward spread of zebra and quagga mussels shows how tiny invaders can cause big problems

Zebra and quagga mussels entered the Great Lakes in large ships’ ballast water. Now, local boaters and anglers are spreading them into the southern and western US.

Christine Keiner, Chair, Department of Science, Technology, and Society, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
July 19, 2022 ~10 min

Restoring the Great Lakes: After 50 years of US-Canada joint efforts, some success and lots of unfinished business

Cleaning up the Great Lakes was a big job when the US and Canada undertook it in 1972. Today it’s far more challenging.

Daniel Macfarlane, Associate Professor of Environment and Sustainability, Western Michigan University • conversation
May 19, 2022 ~10 min


California is planning floating wind farms offshore to boost its power supply – here's how they work

Some of the most powerful offshore wind sites are in water too deep for a standard wind turbines. Engineers found a way around the problem.

Matthew Lackner, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst • conversation
July 14, 2021 ~6 min

California wants floating wind farms offshore to boost its power supply – here's how they work

Some of the most powerful offshore wind sites are in water too deep for a standard wind turbines. Engineers found a way around the problem.

Matthew Lackner, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst • conversation
July 14, 2021 ~6 min

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