"If climate change isn’t stopped soon, the impacts of the change will become much worse in Michigan."

This article was first published in the “In This Climate” Newsletter, a periodical newsletter looking at the impact of climate change in Michigan. How is climate change impacting Michigan right now -- and how will it impact Michigan in the future? He has studied weather and climate for decades, and has been reporting on climate change since the early 1990s (before it was on other meteorologist’s radar). UN report : Humans are making Earth a broken and increasingly unlivable planet through climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Humans are making Earth a broken and increasingly unlivable planet through climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

"Michigan needs to become a leader in transitioning the state to low-carbon energy, and eliminating all forms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 or earlier."

Often, we think of climate change as a thing that will happen many years from now. But that’s no longer the case. Climate change is happening right now, and its impacts can be seen across Michigan.

MANISTEE, Mich. – The Michigan DNR relocated a historic shelter building to keep it safe from eroding shoreline on Lake Michigan. The DNR said after months of planning, Orchard Beach State Park’s historic shelter building now sits a safe 230 feet back from the eroding Lake Michigan shoreline. “I’m proud and excited that this community and the state joined together to save this historic building,” said Doug Barry, unit manager for Orchard Beach State Park. “So many families have held events here over the years because of the unique charm of this park shelter. High water has created the need to stabilize shorelines and historic structures around Michigan, including upcoming work at nearby Big and Little Sable lighthouses.

Surface temps on the Great Lakes have warmed to above average following a week-long stretch of hot, hot weather around Michigan. Surface temps on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario range between 75 and 85 degrees, according to measurements by Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. Great Lakes surface temps. Great Lakes surface temp data 1995-2015. (EPA)Related: Health officials: Avoid foam on Michigan lakes, rivers with PFAS contamination

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. Parts of Monroe could literally be seen underwater as the River Raisin overflowed in some places. Surprisingly, Geoffery Harrington, the owner of Vinces drive in -- right on the river isnt worried. READ: Heavy rain, high winds cause flooding in Monroe CountyBut what about the people living on the water? Both claim this its the highest and roughest theyve seen the water the entire time that theyve lived in the area. READ: High winds, lake levels cause flooding in Michigan

For the second time in less than 24 hours, families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered to leave home. The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland, according to Selina Tisdale, spokeswoman for Midland County. Dow Michigan Operations is working with its tenants and Midland County officials and will continue to closely monitor the water levels on the Tittabawassee River, Schikorra said. The Sanford Dam, which was built in 1925, received a fair condition rating. The Tittabawassee River was at 30.5 feet (9.3 meters) and rising Tuesday night - flood stage is 24 feet (7.3 meters).