(What did YOU do on Earth Day? - promoted by LiberalLucy)
Even though 70% of the Earth is covered in water, only 3% is fit for human consumption -- and two-thirds of that is frozen! Here in Michigan, we're fortunate to have access to the Great Lakes, containing 22% of the world's fresh surface water. That means we have a special obligation to protect our waterways -- but also a special opportunity to be the global center of transformative economic possibilities based around water.
Yesterday, for Earth Day, I announced the "Green Jobs for Blue Waters Initiative" to target opportunities for economic growth and environmental protection centered around our most precious resource: water. By developing new technologies to conserve water here in Michigan, we can export those technologies around the globe to places where water is far more scarce: helping Michigan's economy and global environmental protection. Michigan can, and will be the place where the water technologies of the future are developed, thanks to our access to the Great Lakes, university research, water management experience, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and our strong history of environmental stewardship. We can create the same sort of dynamic based around a Blue Water Economy that we've started to build in alternative energy here, with component manufacturers and researchers flocking to set up shop here in Michigan, diversifying our economy, creating jobs, and helping our environment. |
| As part of the Green Jobs for Blue Waters Initiative, the cities of Detroit and Farmington Hills will partner with Miya, an Israeli company recognized as the world leader in urban water management technologies, to run pilot projects with the potential of saving water and energy throughout the Southeast Michigan region. The global market for water technology is expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2020, and 36 states are estimated to face increasingly severe water shortages over the next five years. By leveraging Michigan's unique expertise in water management and our outstanding universities, Michigan will be at the center of this industry with explosive growth potential.
I was excited to announce this new initiative on Earth Day, and will continue my work to protect Michigan's most important natural resource: our water. We all have a part to play in water conservation, however. To learn how you can save water at home, visit Water - Use It Wisely's "100 Ways to Conserve". From lawn watering tips to ways to save water doing the dishes, it is a valuable resource to discover how you can play a part in protecting Michigan's water. |
