Over the past several years, Michigan, along with the rest of the world, has begun to experience more frequent and more extreme weather events due to climate change. As these climate change impacts worsen it is crucial to recognize that more political discussions need to be had and the priorities of governmental officials need to change (Gurney et al. 2022, p. 919-920). This research will focus in on significant climate related events that have impacted Michigan over the years to further understand the influence it has on state politics (Sampson et al. 2014, p. 34). The goal of this study is to highlight the need for political change that will mitigate the impacts of climate related weather events and instill a strong foundation of resiliency throughout Michigan. 

As the effects of climate change intensify, so has the level of concern in the political discourse as well as a focus of research. In 2012 the United States broke over 3,500 weather records through monthly levels of rain, snow, and heat (Sampson et al. 2014). This study also noted that these patterns will result in susceptibility to disease, possible death, increased violence and crime, and overall displacement of those impacted (Sampson et al. 2014). There is recognition that the increase of these impacts can motivate the local involvement in adaption efforts (Gurney et al. 2022). With that, the study above also discusses that as climate change is a very polarizing topic, an individual’s viewpoints are often correlated with their existing political ideologies. 

In 2014 and then two years later in 2016, Detroit, Michigan experienced record-breaking flooding, which led to political change. In effort to prevent the effects of this extreme weather event from reoccurring, the city began to switch to more sustainable infrastructure, such as green spaces, more vegetation, and more effective water draining systems (Carmichael et al. 2019). It can be difficult to differentiate whether a state government is taking climate action based on regionalized impacts, political affiliation, or both which results in a knowledge gap. A journal on climate change policies in Michigan states, “The State of Michigan has joined the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord (MGA), which calls for a number of interstate actions, including the design and implementation of a regional C&T [cap and trade] program covering Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, and the Canadian Province of Manitoba” (Rose et al. 2009, pp. 446). This initiative reflects Michigan’s proactive approach to addressing climate change by encouraging resiliency and adaption through active change. 

The knowledge gap between weather events and political idealogies emphasizes the need for more localized studies that investigate how the impacts of extreme weather events are influencing political beliefs within Michigan communities. A study by Julia M. Gohlke in 2023 that explored how place-based efforts can reduce environmental inequalities through different entities of power. The author explains that, “national, state, regional, and city government agencies, along with private companies, now have access to funding (and are subject to mandates) that welcome or require a focus on remedying health inequities” (Gohlke, 2023, pp. 131). A study by Qing Maio dives into how the political ideologies of elected officials in each state influence the urgency to instate adaption efforts. There are a multitude of factors that influence the reasoning behind implementing adaption efforts such as previous extreme weather events, economic benefits, party affiliation, and level of civil engagement (Miao, 2019, pp. 385). All of these influences provide insight to how direct experiences with extreme weather events due to climate change motivate political change. 

Oftentimes people know about climate change and are concerned about it but are uncomfortable talking about it. A study on community-based approaches to climate communication explains that understanding the human causes of climate change can increase support for climate policy. The author states, “… initiating climate conversations is important for climate action, including individual behavioral changes, community-centered action, business sustainability, or support for public policy” (United Nations, 2023). Overall, fostering these political discussions may inspire more individuals to discuss climate change more freely and further understand what they can do about it. 

This research works to address key questions regarding the effects of intensified weather events in Michigan on local politics. To strengthen climate adaption and resilience we must comprehend the dynamics behind politics, advocacy groups, and government agencies. Understanding the complexities of how individual political ideologies are shaped, allows us to highlight the relationship between climatic weather events and politics. Addressing this research question aims to fill these knowledge gaps and offer a better understanding of how extreme weather events experienced by Michigan influences political decisions.