89.1 WEMU: The Green Room

PFAS chemicals are being linked to more and more serious health problems. But still, it’s legal to use them in the U.S., with minor exceptions. And they can be imported from other countries. Manufacturers are not required to make the public aware of PFAS content in their products. Consequently, consumers are pretty much in the dark. In the fifth of our 5-part series on PFAS, we look at policies and perspectives on where we are, and we can go from here.

The chemical bonds of PFAS substances are virtually indestructible. That makes their complete disposal hard, if not impossible. Meanwhile, their usefulness to industry makes them hard to give up. This is a growing problem, because PFAS are associated with serious health issues. In the fourth of this five-part “Green Room” series on PFAS, we look at the challenges and opportunities inherent in preventing further spread of PFAS chemicals.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being found across the country in the drinking water of community water supplies, residential wells, schools and daycare centers. Where is it coming from? Factory waste is a major source. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down, and where PFAS-containing waste is dumped, it spreads. In Segment III of 89.1 WEMU's five-part “Green Room” serieson PFAS, we explore a few of these sites.

Over the last half-century, PFAS chemicals have been added to the formulation of innumerable products we use on a daily basis. The manufacture and disposal of these products releases them to our environment, where they can get into our food and water. Unfortunately for us, they can be harmful to our health, and they don’t biodegrade. These “forever chemicals” have become pervasive in our lives.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been highly valued by industry as useful in a wide variety of products. But, as more studies are conducted and more information comes to light, the more concerns grow. In this first of 89.1 WEMU's five-part series on PFAS, we explore the growing list of health issues associated with PFAS, in " The Green Room."

Everyone wants clean water and clean air, and most agree that human life is dependent on a healthy planet. In this segment of WEMU’s “The Green Room,” we hear about the beginning of the Earth Day movement in Ann Arbor. And we explore possible reasons for the current lack of progress on environmental issues, nationally.

Scientific reports about climate change tell us major challenges are not only likely but will happen sooner than we thought. Meanwhile, apocalyptic books and movies are all the rage. In this segment, we explore the current popularity of the dystopian genre.

According to the Association of Oil Pipelines, pipelines are energy “lifelines." They create jobs, keep costs down, and are the safest way to transport oil and gas. It’s easy to see they currently fuel the American way of life. But there’s disagreement on whether building more pipelines is in our collective best interest.

“The Green Room” series on pipelines continues. In the previous three segments we discovered the web of underground infrastructure is more complex and extensive than most realize. And, while pipelines are safer than other forms of energy transport, threats to water are high on the list of concerns. Where are the pipeline policy decisions being made? In this segment, we look for “the deciders.”

As the recent disaster in Massachusetts shows, pipeline problems can cause fatal explosions. But in Michigan, it’s the impact pipelines might have to our increasingly threatened water supplies that is drawing most of the attention. This is the third of our “Green Room” series on pipelines.

Whether crude oil or natural gas, once these fossil fuels are extracted from the ground, they can present flammable and toxic hazards. Safely transporting them is a major challenge. In this installment of "The Green Room," we have the second in our series on pipelines.

Why do some people feel oil and gas pipelines are a good and necessary part of our lives, while others fight against them? To tackle this question, first we need to understand the basics: We all know what a pipeline is. But what they carry, where they are, and why there are so many, are questions most of us aren’t so sure about. In this first part of a series on energy pipelines, Barbara Lucas gives us a bit of “Pipelines 101," in "The Green Room."

Driverless technology is here! Two fully-automated, 11-passenger, all-electric shuttles manufactured by French firm NAVYA will soon begin transporting University of Michigan students, faculty, and staff on a non-stop two-mile route between the Lurie Engineering Center and the North Campus Research Complex. As it grows, this paradigm-shifting technology promises to change our world in many ways. In the May edition of 89.1 WEMU's 'The Green Room,' we examine its potential to help, or hurt, in our challenge to reign in the energy costs and emissions of our transportation sector.

Inspired by the intense controversy over Ann Arbor’s deer cull, this two-part series focuses on underlying value systems that shape perspectives on wildlife management issues.

Centuries-old trees have many benefits: they provide habitat, absorb stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, and beautify the rural landscape. Many of our largest got their start when buggies or farm tractors were the fastest thing on the road. Now, in the age of speedy (and often distracted) driving, trees close to the road are being hit by drivers that lose control. Should they be removed for safety's sake? In the last few months, there has been much talk about this question in Washtenaw County. The controversy continues.

These days, it seems you can back up just about any point of view, depending on which facts you choose to cite. So, let’s take a moment to set aside the debate over data when it comes to Ann Arbor’s deer management plan, including sterilization and a lethal cull. In this first of our two-part series in “The Green Room,” Barbara Lucas focuses instead on the underlying perspectives and value systems guiding some of the voices in this contentious issue.

At the November climate talks in Bonn, Germany, an initiative called “America’s Pledge” put forth a commitment by U.S. states, cities, companies, and colleges to achieve the carbon cuts agreed to by the U.S. in Paris in 2015, despite Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement . But if the U.S. doesn’t pursue federal-level policies to reign in carbon emissions, can global efforts succeed, in light of the world’s highly interdependent economies? In this installment of WEMU’s The Green Room, Barbara Lucas explores this dilemma, with a focus on the US and Canada.

Sandhill cranes are perhaps the earth’s oldest living bird species. Measuring up to 5 feet tall, these iconic symbols of wilderness have rebounded from near extinction in our area. Has this conservation success story gotten out of hand? In this installment of WEMU’s Green Room series, Barbara Lucas explores varying perspectives.

No matter who we are or where we live, all human being have one thing in common: we all have the night sky above us. But can we actually see it? Studies say nowadays only 20% of the world’s population lives somewhere dark enough to see the heavens untouched by light pollution. Luckily, this is one form of pollution that can be reversed. Join Barbara Lucas as she explores how.

The City of Ann Arbor’s Climate Action Plan says walking reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, while improving our health. But, walking can be risky. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a pedestrian dies after being hit by a car every 1.6 hours in the United States. Understandably, many people feel safer behind the wheel, than in front of it. How can people get across the street safely? There is considerable debate over best strategies. In this installment of WEMU’s “Green Room” series, Barbara Lucas explores a tip that could be a complement to all.