Every American generation, it seems, has to get a crash course in government. By “crash,” I mean an emergency lesson, but also a crackup. We’re getting one now. It’s across the board, but for purposes of this essay, let’s focus on how government’s role in protecting the environment is both vital and irreplaceable. Last December, …
This week’s episode of the Great Lakes Unsalted podcast contains unsettling observations about the concerns of some U.S. Great Lakes scientists that they may be monitored. Some also are reluctant to discuss the situation, fearing chastisement or worse from the top of the bureaucracy down. Great Lakes science is internationally recognized. We know more about …
Those in the US who think Canadians are over-reacting to President Trump’s threat to make Canada the 51st state should consult a history book — preferably one that I didn’t have access to in my long-ago high school and college days. You see, some in the US (and its government) coveted Canada and its resources …
This space was going to be devoted to a long post about the harm that will be done to the Great Lakes by proposed (and implemented) federal budget and staff cuts, as well as the so far feckless opposition from Congress and elsewhere. But inspiration must come first. A post is one thing; remembering what …
Jim Olson, who has defended the environment on behalf of citizens for over 50 years, should be a statewide hero. He’s a hero in my book. This week, Jim turns 80. It’s a good time to recognize all that he’s done. Growing up in Traverse City, he was sensitive at an early age to the …
On a snowy day, drivers feel relief when road salt helps clear the way of slippery spots. But, though necessary under certain circumstances, road salt is a major polluter of Michigan’s rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Road salt has a number of undesirable effects: The Great Lakes are feeling the effects of road …
Unity. Don’t snicker. Unity is possible in these divisive times. I speak right now of unity behind protecting the Great Lakes. So many people love them, so many people appreciate them and use them, I simply have to believe we can come together and protect them. In one of my books, I pointed out that …
Slamming Canada is foolish and will boomerang back on the U.S. Living next door to Canada as I grew up didn’t make me an expert on Canada, but it enriched my understanding of a neighbor and partner. Working side by side with Canadians on Great Lakes environmental policy for 40 years didn’t make me an …
One of the questions I most often hear when discussing my book Great Lakes: Fact or Fake? is whether Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world. Well, yes and no. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world when measured by surface area. But measured by volume, Russia’s Lake Baikal is by …
Great Lakes Now recently interviewed me about my most recent book. The main attraction was the book’s premise — that they are attributes of the Great Lakes that are little known or misunderstood, and that a good way to learn more about them is via a guessing game. More readers, by far, have responded to …