The Green Room

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

The U.S. is out of the Paris Climate Accord. Despite lack of support from the current administration, many are heartened by the growing interest in finding solutions emanating from other levels of government. In this installment of WEMU’s "The Green Room," Barbara Lucas explores a fundamental question: at what level will it be most effective to concentrate our efforts?

More and more people are opting to cycle rather than drive for at least some of their transportation, whether for personal health, or for the health of the planet. But safety is an issue, and emotions run high. Conflicts occur over who has a right to the roadway. Should we encourage bicycles in the street, or should we try to separate bikes from cars? In this installment of WEMU’s Green Room series, Barbara Lucas explores varying perspectives.

Because natural burial has environmental benefits over conventional burial, it is often favored by those who like to “go green.” But it also can appeal for other, more conservative reasons. It’s the choice of some independently-minded rural folks, and to many religious traditionalists. Additionally, it can help out the local businesses that serve the growing demand. In this installment episode of WEMU’s “The Green Room,” Barbara Lucas looks at natural burial benefits that go “beyond green.”

Many of our most cherished North American songbirds are in trouble. It’s primarily due to habitat loss—whether through development, agriculture, or climate change. But, cats and glass, i.e. collisions with buildings, are also huge problems for birds. Although there are definite challenges to reducing these threats, there also are solutions.

Carbon taxes are a seemingly simple way to deal with the climate crisis. As the price of fossil fuels goes up, consumption goes down. But fears of negative economic impacts have kept the idea from moving forward in the U.S. Now, a group of leading Republican elders has a proposal that goes a step further. They call it “Carbon Dividends,” because the taxes collected are returned to the public. What is the local reaction? In this installment of WEMU’s “Green Room” series, Barbara Lucas sets out to