By ANASTASIA PIRRAMI Capital News Service LANSING – The Rouge River of the Detroit metropolitan area flows through what was once one of the most polluted watersheds in America. It was so polluted with oil and other petroleum products that in 1969 it caught fire. A river cleanup would not begin for another 16 years. […]
Composting in Detroit gets a boost from the Philippines
This article originally appeared in Nexus Media News and was made possible by a grant from the Open Society Foundations. On a recent Saturday morning Pamela McGhee and several neighbors were busy at work in a community garden on Detroit’s Eastside, weighing food scraps and assessing compost piles for compliance. Items in the compost are […]
From the Headlines, Oct 10 – 14
‘Rotting mats of goo’: Mats of algae that smell like rotting fish are once again forming on Lake St. Clair, blocking access to boat slips and generally making a stinky mess. Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller pointed the finger at Oakland County’s George W. Kuhn drain, which releases thousands of gallons of partially treated sewage into a drain leading to Lake […]
City backs down on plan to close off canals in Jefferson Chalmers; fines and litigation may be next
Residents in Jefferson Chalmers are breathing a partial sigh of relief after a packed town hall sent city officials a clear message: No dams on the canals. City officials took note, confirming that the plan to close canals is now off the table. “The consensus of the attendees is that they (“the community”) are against […]
Detroit Tree Equity Partnership launches five-year program to improve Detroit’s tree canopy
Detroit was once known for its tree-lined streets. In some neighborhoods, you can still see what that looked like. But in many others, the tree canopy is decimated. A press conference near St. John Lutheran Church in Detroit’s Barton-McFarland neighborhood was the backdrop to announce the launch of a new initiative to change that. The […]
How does climate change affect my health?
Climate change is already impacting health across the globe. What can you do to prepare your family? Here’s a Planet Detroit guide.
Environmental justice: A beginner’s guide
A Planet Detroit Climate Guide: What is environmental justice and how does it relate to climate change? What grassroots resources can help?
What is climate resilience? A beginners guide
It can be overwhelming to know how to respond—as individuals and within communities—to growing climate threats. But it’s possible, and already happening, through climate resilience. A Planet Detroit Climate Guide
How transportation choices shape the climate crisis
A Planet Detroit Climate Guide | Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., accounting for 27% of the nation’s total. While electric vehicles offer a partial solution, a comprehensive approach including improved public transit and pedestrian infrastructure is essential to mitigate climate change.
How safe is my air quality? Understanding Detroit pollution problems
A Planet Detroit Climate Guide | How can I protect myself from the effects of air pollution? What resources are available to help me learn more? Answers to these questions and more.