For Jan. 13, 2023

…audio…

1 – How ready is Bay County for climate change? 

A company called Climate Alpha has a resilience index. It’s intended to help governments and others assess climate risks and how communities can adapt. 

For Bay County, under a business-as-usual scenario, the climate risk is classified as low, faring better than 47 percent of counties in Michigan. 

Vulnerability is considered to be medium, based on how exposed the county is to physical climate risks compared to other counties. 

On the high side, the index says 79 percent of buildings in Bay County were built before the year 2000 and a quarter of bridges and roads are in poor condition.  

Readiness is considered to be low, based on how well the county is preparing for future climate hazards. 

You can find out more at climatealpha.ai. Look for the Resilience Index (https://app.climatealpha.ai/mc/resilience).

…

2 – In Clare County, an energy storage manufacturer is reportedly raising $50 million to scale up production. 

According to MiBiz, a company called Advanced Battery Concepts says its lead-acid battery technology will be crucial to supporting more renewable energy on the electric grid. 

MiBiz says Advanced Battery Concepts, or ABC, has launched a $50 million Series funding round to support a new production facility in Clare. 

The company got its start in Midland. 

ABC says benefits of its Evergreen Seal Technology include batteries that are 100 percent recyclable. 

…

3 – A draft plan for Michigan state parks needs feedback. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking comments from visitors and residents on the Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. 

Comments are being accepted through Jan. 20.

The DNR manages 103 state parks and recreation areas, totaling more than 300,000 acres across Michigan.

The plan will guide the agency in the future. It’s expected to go into effect in the spring. 

Under goals and objectives, the plan includes recommendations aimed at waste and energy reduction and new sustainability initiatives.

To review and comment, visit Michigan.gov/StateParks. 

– 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-