For May 23, 2025

1 – Climate change is making Michigan summers more dangerous for pregnant women, according to new research from the nonprofit group Climate Central.

In the first global analysis to directly measure how climate change is increasing dangerously hot days during pregnancy, the group says it found troubling results for the Great Lakes state.

From 2020-2024, Michigan saw at least seven extra pregnancy heat-risk days per year. In Saginaw, that number was higher, averaging 10 additional days per year.

Pregnancy heat-risk days are when the high temperature exceeds 95 percent of historical local temps, a level linked to a higher chance of preterm birth.

Why does it matter? Extreme heat is one of the most serious climate-related risks to maternal and infant health. Exposure during pregnancy has been tied to complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, hospitalization, stillbirth and early delivery, all of which can have lasting effects.

Not everyone faces the same risk. A separate study from the University of Nevada, Reno found that Black and Hispanic people in the U.S. face twice the risk of preterm birth or stillbirth from heat exposure compared to white people.

You can read the full Climate Central report at climatecentral.org/report/pregnancy-heat-risks.

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2 – More than 27 million trees were planted across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region last year, including in Michigan.

It’s part of the Great Lakes Trees Initiative, a reforestation effort launched in 2023 by the region’s governors and premiers. The goal is to plant 250 million trees in 10 years.

The program exceeded its early expectations in 2024. It’s led by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.

Why plant so many trees?

Trees clean the air by storing carbon and filtering pollution. They help cool urban areas, reduce stormwater runoff and improve the quality of rivers, lakes and drinking water, including in the Great Lakes basin.

There are health benefits too. Studies show that being around trees can improve mental health, support cardiovascular health and even speed up physical recovery.

Trees also provide habitat for wildlife and create local economic benefits through recreation, tourism and tree care jobs.

You can learn more at greatlakestrees.org.

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3 – In Michigan cities, the nonprofit Conservation Fund is supporting projects that bring green space into neighborhoods. That includes trails, stormwater systems and small parks built where people live, work and go to school.

These spaces help reduce flooding, filter runoff and provide habitat. They also offer places for people to walk, meet and rest.

In Michigan, the work might look like a restored wet area that helps absorb rainwater, or a vacant lot turned into a community park.

The Conservation Fund works with local governments, organizations and residents to shape these projects. The aim is to improve both environmental health and day-to-day life in urban areas.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/conservation-michigan.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM WUCX in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes