Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org

???? Green the port: The maritime trade industry poses significant environmental risks to Southwest Detroit, including air quality degradation and the introduction of invasive species to the Detroit River corridor. A year-long study by the Port of Detroit/Wayne County Authority, in collaboration with environmental groups, measured the port’s carbon footprint, revealing that 55% of emissions come from cargo transport by truck or train, 33% from ships, and 15% from cargo-handling equipment. Efforts to reduce these emissions include applying for grants to replace diesel equipment with electric alternatives and exploring the future use of hydrogen fuel, though challenges such as high costs and regulatory hurdles remain. (BridgeDetroit)

???? Zoo demo: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed plans to demolish over 20 old structures at the shuttered Belle Isle Zoo and restore the area to its natural habitat, creating new nature trails and “passive recreation” amenities. The demolition, starting next year and partially funded by federal pandemic relief dollars, will cost upwards of $1 million and aims to enhance the island’s ecosystem while ensuring community safety and engagement. (BridgeDetroit)

???? Money for clean energy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have been designated as State Energy Financing Institutions (SEFI) by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. This designation allows Michigan to leverage federal dollars more effectively to support clean energy projects, aiming to meet federal energy goals and create new job opportunities while addressing the climate crisis and advancing toward carbon neutrality by 2050. (Michigan Advance)

☀️ Go Blue goes solar: The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved a $70 million contract with Radial Power to design and build solar arrays across all its campuses, including Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, Michigan Medicine, and Michigan Athletics. These installations, aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, will provide 25 megawatts of power, equivalent to the electricity used by about 3,000 homes annually, and include community benefits and living-learning opportunities. (MLive)

☢️ Our nuclear future: As Michigan aims to reduce greenhouse emissions, nuclear energy is becoming a critical part of the solution amid increasing urgency and the limitations of renewable sources. The state is making significant investments, including a $150 million aid package and federal support for reopening the Palisades nuclear plant, and bipartisan legislation is being introduced to support new small reactors and research programs, despite some public and environmental group opposition. (MLive)

???? PFAS PFAS everywhere: New research reveals that toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” are pervasive in the Great Lakes basin’s air, rain, atmosphere, and water, contributing significantly to the lakes’ contamination through precipitation. These chemicals, known for their persistence and mobility in the environment, have been found at varying levels across the basin, with urban areas showing higher air concentrations, while rain contamination levels remain consistent regardless of location. (Guardian)

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Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.