Michigan has many natural resources, including expansive forests, diverse wildlife, and numerous lakes and rivers. However, the state is also confronted with environmental challenges threatening its ecosystems and public health. Pollution, climate change, deforestation, and invasive species are some of the ecological problems that Michigan is facing. These challenges impact the state’s natural beauty and the well-being of its residents. Addressing these environmental challenges requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government, industry, and citizens. By recognizing the nature of these challenges and working together to develop effective solutions, we can help safeguard Michigan’s environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of its natural resources. This essay will explore the significant environmental problems affecting Michigan, their causes, and the efforts being made to address them.
Existence, Magnitude, Urgency, And Relevance of the Problem
Michigan’s environmental problems are significant in terms of their existence, magnitude, urgency, and relevance.
Existence: The environmental problems facing Michigan are real and observable. Residents of the state can see and feel the impacts of pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species daily. For example, they may experience health problems caused by air pollution, notice changes in the timing or amount of precipitation, or witness the decline of certain species.
Magnitude: Michigan’s environmental problems are also significant in terms of scope and scale. For example, water pollution in the state affects not only the Great Lakes but also numerous rivers and smaller bodies of water. The impacts of climate change are also felt across the state, from more frequent and severe heat waves to increased risk of flooding.
Urgency: The urgency of addressing environmental problems in Michigan is also apparent. Many of these issues immediately impact public health, natural resources, and the state’s economy. For example, water pollution can lead to beach closures and fish advisories, impacting the tourism and fishing industries. Climate change can also affect the state’s agriculture, forestry, and tourism industries.
Relevance: The relevance of addressing environmental problems in Michigan is also significant. The state’s natural resources and ecosystems are essential to the health and well-being of its residents and its economy. Additionally, the state’s location on the Great Lakes means that its environmental problems can have impacts beyond its borders, affecting other states and even other countries.
Demonstration of the severity of the problem
The severity of Michigan’s environmental problems is reflected in the state’s history of ecological disasters and ongoing efforts to address these issues. For example, in 2014, Flint, Michigan, experienced a water crisis when lead-contaminated drinking water was supplied to residents for over a year (Graham Sustainability Institute, 2021). The crisis resulted in a public health emergency, with high levels of lead detected in the blood of many residents, especially children. The Flint water crisis is a clear example of the devastating impacts of water pollution on public health. In addition, Michigan has a long history of industrial pollution, with numerous sites across the state designated as Superfund sites by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to their hazardous waste contamination (Graham Sustainability Institute, 2021). These sites pose ongoing risks to human health and the environment, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and remediation efforts. Moreover, the effects of climate change in Michigan are already being felt, with warmer temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns leading to flooding and erosion (Graham Sustainability Institute, 2021). These impacts can cause significant economic and social disruptions, affecting agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
How many people does it affect?
It is difficult to estimate the exact number of people affected by environmental issues in Michigan as the impacts can vary depending on the specific issue and its location. However, it is safe to say that many people in Michigan are affected in some way by environmental problems such as air and water pollution, invasive species, and the effects of climate change. For example, according to the American Lung Association (2021), over 2 million people in Michigan are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. In addition, water pollution can impact the health of people who drink or use contaminated water and the health of aquatic life and the environment (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, 2022). The impacts of invasive species and climate change can also affect the health and well-being of Michigan residents, the state’s economy, and natural resources (Michigan Invasive Species Program, n.d.; Michigan Wildlife Council, n.d.).
Whom does it affect?
The people most likely to be affected by environmental issues in Michigan can vary depending on the specific problem. However, certain populations may be at higher risk due to age, location, and socioeconomic status. For example, children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which can have a lifelong impact on their health and development (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Low-income and minority communities may also be disproportionately impacted by environmental issues such as air pollution, which can lead to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease (American Lung Association, 2021). In addition, communities located near hazardous waste sites or industrial facilities may be at higher risk of exposure to toxic substances and pollutants (Graham Sustainability Institute, 2021). The effects of climate change, such as flooding and extreme heat events, can also impact vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).
How does it affect them?
- Water Pollution: Water pollution affects the health of people who swim, fish, or drink water from affected areas (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy [EGLE], 2022). Approximately 9.9 million people in Michigan rely on public water systems for drinking water, and many others use private wells. Water pollution can also impact the economy and livelihoods of those who depend on clean water for tourism, fishing, and other industries.
- Air Pollution: Air pollution affects the health of people who breathe polluted air. According to the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, 7.8 million people in Michigan live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, which can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and worsen lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (American Lung Association, 2021). Air pollution can also impact the economy by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs.
- Climate Change: Climate change affects people’s health through increased risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other weather-related illnesses. It can also impact the economy by affecting agriculture, forestry, tourism industries, infrastructure, and transportation (Graham Sustainability Institute, 2021). According to a report by the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, climate change is projected to affect the health of millions of people in Michigan over the coming decades.
- Habitat Loss: Habitat loss affects the health of ecosystems, leading to declines in plant and animal species. This can also affect the economy by reducing opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism (Michigan Wildlife Council, n.d.). For example, habitat loss significantly threatens the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, found only in Michigan, and requires specific habitat types to breed and nest.
- Invasive Species: Invasive species can affect the health of ecosystems and reduce the productivity of industries such as fishing and forestry (Michigan Invasive Species Program, n.d.). According to the Michigan Invasive Species Program, invasive species in Michigan are estimated to cause more than $2.5 billion in economic damage yearly. Invasive species, such as the highly toxic giant hogweed plant, can also affect the health of people who come into contact with them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the environmental problem in Michigan is a serious issue that demands immediate attention. The severity of the problem is demonstrated by its impact on the environment, wildlife, and the people of Michigan. It affects both the current and future generations, making it a matter of urgency and relevance. We must take action to protect and preserve the environment to ensure a sustainable future. We all have a collective responsibility to work towards a healthier and cleaner environment, and it starts with taking action to address Michigan’s environmental problem.
References
American Lung Association. (2021). State of the air – 2021. https://www.lung.org/getmedia/17c6cb6c-8a38-42a7-a3b0-6744011da370/sota-2021.pdf
Graham Sustainability Institute. (2021). Michigan environment and health portal. University of Michigan. https://graham.umich.edu/project/revised-lead-and-copper-rule
Michigan Department of Environment, State of the Great Lakes. (2022). Water pollution. https://www.michigan.gov/egle/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Reports/OGL/State-of-the-Great-Lakes/Report-2022-Widescreen.pdf?rev=495bfe3e9e3945148a7d8ee799559a56
Michigan Invasive Species Program. (n.d.). Impacts of invasive species. Michigan State University. https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/stateresponse https://www.canr.msu.edu/invasive_species/
Michigan Wildlife Council. (n.d.). Economic impact. https://hereformioutdoors.org/economic-impact/
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