This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
When the IPR news team heard that NPR had planned a week of national coverage of climate solutions stories, we thought, "Hey, we talk about climate change and solutions, so why not take this opportunity to feature local stories from northern Michigan and around the Great Lakes?"
NPR's focus is the ‘future of food,’ exploring how climate change intersects with what we grow, eat, and end up throwing away.
We'll have some local stories on food, and we're also going to air stories interviews on a few other climate solutions in the region.
Climate change is a big, daunting subject that can feel overwhelming, depressing, or anxiety-inducing. Looking at how people are working to address it can help reframe the conversation.
Solutions journalism shifts the approach of news coverage many listeners may be familiar with.
A solutions story focuses on the response to a social problem and offers insight into it. It also explores the evidence or lack of evidence behind an approach. And, since not every approach fits every situation, a key part of solutions journalism is looking at the limitations of a response.
We want to hear your questions, story ideas, and perspectives! Nothing's too small — is your neighbor doing something cool with their lawn? Has your town changed how they deal with trash pick up? Have a question about renewable energy? We'd love to hear about it.
You can call IPR at 231.276.4444, email questions or ideas for stories to iprnews@interlochen.org, or write us via our online form.
Here are a few examples of our climate solutions coverage
Citizen scientists can help count pollinators in northern Michigan
After a mild winter, some tribes aren’t tapping their sugar maples
Tribes urge U.S. to weigh in on Line 5 case as appeal sits in court
Elk Rapids students make prom more climate friendly with upcycled dresses
'It only makes sense': Houses of worship adding solar arrays
‘A valuable resource’: Traverse City restaurants aim to reduce food waste, greenhouse gases
We're also partnering with Grist to explore how people are approaching climate change
In Michigan: Climate change, bird flu, and dairy cows — and why ‘none of us saw this coming’
Northern Michiganders are getting off propane — and on to natural gas
In Michigan, not-so-sunny prospects for solar farms
And much more — read on here.
