Case Studies

The Industrial Heartland

THE INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND case study focuses on Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana and the contained Midwestern motor vehicles manufacturing region.

Ohio and Indiana are highly susceptible to future climate damages, particularly with respect to high heat, extreme rainfall, and water stress. Michigan’s environmental future is relatively less fraught, but the state could eventually shoulder the burdens of its southern neighbors as they face increasing climate damages. The region’s economic future is integrally tied to its motor vehicles manufacturing industry—any future planning should confront rapid changes in that sector accompanied by the electrification of transportation. All three states are densely populated, stand to retire substantial fossil infrastructure, and must consider a transition away from traditional energy sources across all sectors (electricity, transportation & buildings).