The information below summarizes actions taken by Michigan to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Michigan has not adopted an official statewide adaptation plan, however, the state’s Climate Action Plan (adopted in 2009) calls for the development of an Adaptation Plan and state agencies have undertaken some efforts to assess climate vulnerabilities and identify adaptation strategies.

In November 2007, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued Executive Order No. 2007-42 establishing the Michigan Climate Action Council and calling for the development of a state Climate Action Plan. In March 2009, the Council released the Michigan Climate Action Plan focusing mainly on efforts the state can take to reduce carbon pollution, but also recognizing the risks that climate change will pose to the state and recommending the preparation of a statewide Climate Adaptation Strategy; however, no official adaptation plan has been adopted (as of August 2018).

Michigan state agencies have been creating plans to prepare for the impacts of climate change in specific sectors.

• The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is addressing the adverse health impacts of climate change. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MDCH has developed the Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP). MICHAP is working with local health departments and community organizations to help enhance the climate resilience of public health system within the state. As of 2018, MICHAP was working with communities on public health and climate resilience through initiatives to support: public education, emergency preparedness, local public health programs, external partnerships, and vulnerable populations. As described in the MICHAP Strategic Plan Update for 2016-2021, MDCH will be participating in CDC’s Climate and Health Adaptation and Monitoring Program (CHAMP). The updated plan includes initiatives for addressing priority climate-related health impacts (including extreme heat effects, respiratory conditions, and waterborne diseases) at the community-level with a focus on Michigan’s most vulnerable people and places.
• In September 2012, the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) worked with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to develop a white paper to help the state adapt coastal and inland wetlands to the impacts of climate change. Although not officially adopted as a state plan, this white paper was developed with financial assistance from the state to provide strategic recommendations for wetland restoration, management, and protection in the face of potential climate impacts. In addition, DEQ’s Water Resources Division indicates that it is considering climate change and adaptation in all of its programs, including the review of permit applications, and provides permit applicants with climate adaptation resources prepared by other organizations that they can consider when designing a project that affects wetlands.
• The Wildlife Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources assessed the climate change vulnerability of over 300 wildlife species in Michigan. The state’s Wildlife Action Plan 2015-2025 includes adaptive management options for addressing climate impacts to these wildlife species and their habitats.

This page highlights the actions Michigan is taking to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Other resources from the Adaptation Clearinghouse, which have been developed and adopted to help Michigan prepare for the impacts of climate change, are featured in the chart below.

The Georgetown Climate Center’s State Adaptation Progress Tracker, which tracks the progress states are making in preparing for the impacts of climate change, was supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

(Research last updated: August 22, 2018).