
This Great Lakes News Collaborative series examines the links between the region’s changing climate, its abundant water and its residents’ health.
The collaborative’s five newsrooms — Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now, Michigan Public and The Narwhal — are funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
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The hidden rivers fueling urban floods
A look at “ghost streams” — the invisible buried rivers that flow beneath our feet.

A New Paradigm: How climate change is shaping mental landscapes in the Great Lakes
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.

Toxic blooms on Lake Erie still a problem 10 years after Toledo issued a ‘do not drink’ order
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.

Cattle Production That Enhances Water and Environmental Quality
Michigan State’s Jason Rowntree is out to prove that ranching is an ecological asset.
When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities
Formal water shutoff policies in some cities are ill-defined for extreme heat.

Heat, pollution, and climate change anxiety are affecting children
Hotter days make heat exhaustion a greater hazard for kids. Unusual weather events, particularly storms that cause flooding, add stress to children’s lives.
Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
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 Islands in the Great Lakes: Community, infrastructure and fresh water solutions
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 Islands in the Great Lakes: The human health cost
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.
Drugs, microplastics and forever chemicals: New contaminants emerge in the Great Lakes
Scientists studying unregulated “emerging contaminants” say Ontario and the federal government need a coordinated plan to protect our water and health
In warming Great Lakes region, water, heat can be an unhealthy combination
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.
Bald eagles nearly died out. What can we learn from their return to the southern Great Lakes?
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.
Wildfire Rampage Injures Lungs in the Great Lakes
People are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.
More from the Great Lakes News Collaborative

This wetland fight could go to the Supreme Court
A court case pitting farmer against farmer in Iowa could decide the fate of wetlands nationwide.

Advocacy group challenges “new normal” status of Lake Erie’s algal blooms
Alliance for the Great Lakes calls for use of enforceable regulations to prevent toxic algal blooms. Michigan agency says the state has limited regulatory authority and defends the state’s actions.

Great Lakes slightly colder than usual ahead of summer
As May’s cooler temperatures give way to summertime warmth in Michigan, the Great Lakes are slightly cooler than usual but warming. But where are Michigan’s warmest waters?
Michigan’s fight against Lake Erie pollution didn’t work. What happens next?
Michigan, Ohio and Ontario failed to reduce the total phosphorus entering Lake Erie in 10 years. State officials and environmentalists are butting heads on where to go from here.
Great Lakes temperature extremes intensifying due to climate change
A new study shows the Great Lakes are vulnerable to more extreme temperature highs and lows over the decades due to climate change.

Intense rainfall means more floods. What can we do?
Since 1970, U.S. cities have experienced increased hourly rainfall intensity, with the Great Lakes region being among the most affected areas.
Spring bird migration in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Now host Anna Sysling moderated a panel discussion of avian researchers and regional experts about conservation efforts to protect a variety of bird species across the Great Lakes.

The fascinating history of the Great Lakes Yemeni sailors
Abdullatif Ahmed recalls his journey from Yemen to working on the icy waters of the Great Lakes, where Yemeni sailors shaped the region’s maritime history.

Geese are a problem. What can we do?
We took a look at efforts to manage the overpopulation of Canada geese.

Trump’s aggressive water statement riles, unites Canadians
Political uncertainty in Canada and an unpredictable U.S. president could challenge Canada’s water sovereignty, says policy expert.

Great Lakes Moment: Connecting people to nature through The Great Lakes Way
Creating a necklace of greenways and water trails throughout southeast Michigan.
Waves of Change: Meet creative, organizer and educator Antonio Cosme
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.
Virtual Town Hall: Climate and the Future of Energy
Great Lakes Now Host Anna Sysling moderated a panel of clean energy researchers, journalists and industry experts.

Agricultural runoff damages our water and kills wildlife. Could a simple drainage stopper be the solution?
Researchers, companies and farmers are developing systems to control the flow of fertilizer chemicals in groundwater.

Spotlight on complexity of bottled water issues, as BlueTriton exits Ontario
Great Lakes Now spoke with activists and experts on the legal and environmental justice concerns related to bottled water.
Are we prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes?
As a source of drinking water for millions of people, responding to freshwater spills requires confronting consequences beyond those in marine environments.
The hidden rivers fueling urban floods
A look at “ghost streams” — the invisible buried rivers that flow beneath our feet.
Breaking Point: Minnesota’s mining legacy includes massive lake of wastewater
The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide whether a mining company is required to examine how their proposed expansion will impact Lake Superior.














