PODCAST

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

David Fair

news & politics

All Episodes

11:17

Issues of the Environment: White Tail Solar Project...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/12/11

A new solar project being built in Washtenaw County is expected to generate enough electricity to power 15,000 to 20,000 homes every year. The White Tail Solar project will be built on farmland in York and Augusta Townships. Not only is the project going to help with Washtenaw County’s carbon neutrality goals, it is expected to generate well over $1 million in local tax revenue. WEMU's David Fair discussed the project and its impacts with Dick Cupka, chair of the York Township Planning

11:20

Issues of the Environment: U-M research tracks...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/12/04

What do you think one single animal can tell you about the health of the environment? It turns out quite a bit. Innovative research at the U-M’s School of Environment and Sustainability is using animal tracking data to document environmental and ecological threats and to advance conservation strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Dr. Scott Yanco about the research and what it is telling us so far.

11:10

Issues of the Environment: Food Gatherers continues...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/27

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, food insecurity is on high in Washtenaw County. Eileen Spring is president and CEO of Food Gatherers, and she says, since the pandemic, the demand for food assistance has skyrocketed and continues to go up. What is being done to address this glaring community need? Part of the solution also provides some rather amazing environmental benefits. Eileen joined WEMU's David Fair for a discussion on dealing with food insecurity and how food rescue also helps reduce

11:06

Issues of the Environment: Outgoing Washtenaw County...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/20

There are some new faces in office in Washtenaw County government following the November general election, and that includes a new Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. Former Saline Mayor and Democratic State Representative Gretchen Driskell won election to the office after Evan Pratt decided against running for reelection after three terms in the position. WEMU's David Fair talked with Evan about his 12 years in office and the challenges his successor will face in her first term.

10:09

Issues of the Environment: Gretchen Driskell to...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/06

Washtenaw County has elected its next Water Resources Commissioner. Evan Pratt decided against running for re-election after serving four terms. Former Saline Mayor and State Representative Gretchen Driskell won the race. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the priorities and challenges of the new job.

11:13

Issues of the Environment: U-M works toward...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/30

The University of Michigan is forging ahead and working towards being a leader in generative artificial intelligence with its U-M-GPT program. As it does, there are environmental concerns to be addressed. The initiative is part of Michigan’s broader effort to integrate AI into its academic and administrative infrastructure, enhancing learning, teaching, and research. But, AI consumes a great deal of energy. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief

15:01

Issues of the Environment: City of Ann Arbor...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/23

Tree Town is looking to find new and productive ways to avoid wasting wood. The City of Ann Arbor is partnering with the company “Urban Ashes” to repurpose storm-damaged and diseased trees. We often discuss the ecological benefits of planting and maintaining trees but rarely look at the environmental impact wood can have once it’s down. Urban Ashes CEO Paul Hickman joined WEMU's David Fair to look at the partnership, how it will work and the benefits it can provide.

10:27

Issues of the Environment: HRWC study shows mussels...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/16

Over the summer, the Huron River Watershed Council conducted an extensive survey of freshwater mussels in the Huron River to determine potential impacts when the Peninsular Paper Dam is removed. It found that removing the Pen Dam could release sediment, potentially smothering downstream mussel populations. Once the dam is removed, though, the river will return to a more natural state, benefiting mussel species over time. WEMU's David Fair looked at the research and its implications with Huron River

14:55

Issues of the Environment: Wildlife and human overlap...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/09

The world population is going up, and human-wildlife overlap is increasing. That can lead to negative outcomes, including spread of disease and species extinction. There can be benefits, too, but it will require some planning. That's the focus of a new study out of the University of Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Associate Professor in Conservation Science Dr. Neil Carter about the study and what can be done right here in Washtenaw County.

10:29

Issues of the Environment: Combatting light pollution...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/25

Some of Ann Arbor's streetlights can be distractingly bright. New LED lighting is helping with the city’s A2Zero Climate Action plan, but some worry over increased light pollution. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor City Council member Dharma Akmon about how the city can move forward while addressing sustainability and accommodating public concern.

11:14

Issues of the Environment: 3rd Annual 'Trash Talk...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/18

It's time to talk some trash! The 3rd annual Trash Talk Tour in Washtenaw County is right around the corner. Trash Talk Tour co-organizer and zerowaste.org executive director Samuel McMullen joined WEMU's David Fair with a special brand of "trash talk."

10:35

Issues of the Environment: Washtenaw County...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/11

The first frost of the season probably isn’t too far away. Properly preparing the agricultural soil for next spring and summer is a matter of timing. Getting the cover crops in place is essential before a hard freeze occurs. The Washtenaw County Conservation District is working to make it convenient and effective for local farmers. Conservation technician Matt Dejonge explained it all in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

10:58

Issues of the Environment: Ann Arbor school district...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/04

The Ann Arbor School District is transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels. The district was the first to sign up for DTE Energy’s MIGreen Power Program to get to 100% use of renewable energy, and the district will add four more all-electric school buses this academic year. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the Ann Arbor Schools' Director of Capital Programs, Jason Bing, about where the district is today and where it’s headed.

11:19

Issues of the Environment: Ann Arbor Climate Corps...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/08/28

You may not have noticed, but the Ann Arbor Climate Corps has been quietly working this year to combat the affects of climate change and help the city achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. The program is designed to increase the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability’s outreach capacity and help residents take action toward that end. WEMU's David Fair talked it over with Ann Arbor Climate Corps program manager, Maggie Halpern.

10:40

Issues of the Environment: Washtenaw County continues...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/08/21

America sure loves its electronics! The technologies continue to improve and there can be no question; it has made life more convenient. However, these items contain a number of contaminants and are an environmental hazard. WEMU's David Fair talked with Washtenaw County’s Director of Public Works, Theo Eggermont about increased efforts to recycle used electronics.

10:58

Issues of the Environment: U-M study indicates air...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/08/14

We all know that air pollution is bad for the environment and our health. A new study out of the University of Michigan now shows that it is contributing to a loss of independence among older adults. The study also shows that the economic impact of that loss comes in at an estimate of over $11 billion. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the lead author of the study, Dr. Sara Adar, about the findings.

11:22

Issues of the Environment: Voters approve three...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/08/07

Washtenaw County put three ballot issues before voters in Tuesday's primary elections. All three touch on components of our environment. All three passed by a wide margin. WEMU's David Fair discusses the results and future impacts with Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi.

11:17

Issues of the Environment: Ecology Center study finds...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/07/31

PFAS contamination has already been a significant concern. Now, there may be reason to add to the worry. A study funded by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center finds there is an array of PFAS chemical profiles in rainwater falling over Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the center’s Erica Bloom about the findings and what it means to the environment and public health.

10:50

Issues of the Environment: Algae is in full bloom on...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/07/24

It’s that time of year, but each year, it seems to come a little earlier. Toxic algae blooms are starting to cover Lake Erie earlier than usual this summer. This year’s blooms are also expected to be bigger than last summer. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the impacts of climate change on the blooms in Lake Erie with Dr. Richard Stumpf from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

11:05

Issues of the Environment: City of Ann Arbor working...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/07/17

Ann Arbor officials says some of the trees in the city are dying, and they attribute it to leaks in the DTE Energy natural gas infrastructure. The utility says it is not the problem. The city is asking DTE to conduct necessary repairs, while the utility argues it would be cost prohibitive to contract an arborist to evaluate potential methane damage to trees. What comes next? WEMU's David Fair discussed it with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

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89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

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