U-M Sustainability Expert Perspectives

The ConversationU-M sustainability experts regularly contribute to The Conversation, a free and independent source of news and views from the academic and research community. This Blog has received international praise for promoting content from university scholars and researchers with deep expertise in their subject.

3/10/2025
Ann Arbor’s sustainable energy utility aims to build the electric power grid of the future − alongside the old one
Mike Shriberg, Professor of Practice & Engagement, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan

An experiment is underway in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that could change how communities generate and distribute power in the future. Read More.

2/3/2025
Drought can hit almost anywhere: How 5 cities that nearly ran dry got water use under control
Sara Hughes, Adjunct Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
Michael Wilson, Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Water scarcity is often viewed as an issue for the arid American West, but the U.S. Northeast’s experience in 2024 shows how severe droughts can occur in just about any part of the country. Read More.

1/6/2025
Another Arctic blast is here, but how much colder than ‘normal’ is it really?
Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor Emeritus of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan

A large part of the U.S. is getting hit with another Arctic blast, adding to an already cold January 2025. Forecasters expect temperatures to drop below zero in several states, and to plunge to more than minus 30 in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. More winter storms are expected alongside that cold polar air. Read More.

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