For Friday, July 8, 2022

…audio…

1 – Three cities have been chosen for the first phase of a three-year MiNextCities pilot project.

Flint, along with Dearborn and Marquette, will be part of the project meant to address climate change, promote resiliency, improve infrastructure and accelerate the use of clean energy.

A $3.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will assist in the effort.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the project “will help develop a framework that communities across Michigan can use to implement sustainable measures to address climate impacts.”

NextEnergy, a Detroit nonprofit, will guide Flint, Dearborn and Marquette in developing strategies to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
• Improve mobility and quality of life 
• Increase attraction and retention of workers and businesses 
• Enhance safety 
• Boost private sector and community investment.

In addition, the pilot program will develop a guide to help other communities tailor sustainability efforts to their own needs and challenges.

…

2 – Michigan is No. 20 when it comes to the best and worst states for climate change.

So says a political study by a group called Wise Voter. 

The study looks at how well each U.S. state copes with climate change using five key dimensions: Carbon Emissions, Green Tech Adoption, Landfill Usage, Recycling and Green Policies.

Michigan ranks 20 overall, with California in first place and one Great Lakes state, New York, at No. 3. 

Michigan ranks higher and lower in some categories. 

We’re the worst per capita, at No. 50, when it comes to “Most Individual Waste.”

But we’re in second place when it comes to “Most Recycled Plastics.”

…

3 – This year has been a record-breaking one for Great Lakes cruising.

Cruise the Great Lakes, a regional state and provincial marketing program, says cruise passengers will make nearly 150,000 visits to Great Lakes ports in 2022. That’s up by more than 25 percent from 2019.

Officials say cruising on the Great Lakes is a growth industry and brings economic value to the region’s ports and communities. 

This year, nine ships will be on the waters, generating an economic impact totaling more than $120 million.

Great Lakes cruises have fewer than 200 passengers on average and typically visit five-10 ports around the region. 

In Michigan, those include Detroit, Muskegon and Mackinac Island.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

-30-