2025 Michigan Climate Summit
The theme of our 2025 Michigan Climate Summit, Climate Crossroads + Collective Commitment, reflected the urgency of this moment in our history and the powerful opportunity to bring together climate leaders from across Michigan to build a movement for bold, justice-centered solutions.
2025 Summit Schedule
SCHEDULE-IN-DETAIL
EXHIBIT HALL B
EXHIBIT HALL B
EXHIBIT HALL A
WELCOME: HOSTED BY MiCAN • 9:30 – 10:00 AMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
How the climate movement can meet the moment and the goals of today’s event.
KEYNOTE • 10:00 – 10:45 AMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
Get grounded in environmental justice, decolonization, and prioritizing relationships over profit.
Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability + Faculty Director of the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment
Bio
UTILITY ACCOUNTABILITY • 11:00 AM – 12:15 PMENERGY JUSTICE
BANQUET 5 & 6
Calling for a ratepayers’ bill of rights and tangible actions you can take in your community.
Capitol Area Friends of the Environment – Member of Board of Directors
Bio
Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition – Political Director
Bio
SOLAR ON FARMLAND • 11:00 AM – 12:15 PMCLIMATE FORWARD LAND USE
BANQUET 7 & 8
Status of renewable energy siting showcasing examples of the many benefits of agrovoltaics.
Graham Sustainability Institute’s Center for EmPowering Communities – Clean Energy Land Use Specialist
Bio
Farmer – Alma, Michigan – Siting Solar Project
GET MONEY OUT OF POLITICS • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
Learn about money in politics, and a ballot initiative to restrict contributions from regulated utilities to elected officials,candidates, and regulators
CREATIVE ARTS & CLIMATE JUSTICE CHANTS • 12:00 – 1:00 PMPOWERING THE NETWORK
EXHIBIT HALL A
Feel the power and significance of the creative arts in social movements while learning and creating chants to use at Capitol Day.
COMMUNICATING CLIMATE • 12:30 – 1:00 PMADVOCACY IN ACTION
+ LOBBYING 101 • BANQUET 1 – 4
Gain skills to lobby effectively and have meaningful climate conversations with anyone.
MOBILITY • 1:00 – 2:15 PMENERGY JUSTICE
BANQUET 5 & 6
Advances justice-centered approaches in mass transit, biking, ride-sharing, and walkability.
Electrification, Clean Transportation & Climate: Advocacy for Electric Vehicles & Electric School Buses
WMCAT – Director of Public Agency / Mobile GR Commission (DART EV Rideshare)
Bio
Public Mobility Beyond Cars: Mass Transit, Biking, Walking & Inclusivity
FOOD & FORESTS • 1:00 – 2:15 PMCLIMATE FORWARD LAND USE
BANQUET 7 & 8
Explores livelihoods in natural climate solutions that also feed our bodies and souls.
LINE 5 • 1:30 – 2:00 PMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
Seasoned activists give an update about how we got here and what we do next to shut it down.
NETWORK UPDATES • 2:00 – 3:00 PMPOWERING THE NETWORK
EXHIBIT HALL A
Members from across the network will give flash talks to spark action, lift up solutions, and inspire collective change.
List of Presenters
STATE POLICY: FALSE SOLUTIONS • 2:30 – 3:00 PMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
Exposes concerns with Carbon Capture, Utilization & Sequestration (CCUS) and Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) generators to meet clean energy standards.
DATA CENTERS • 3:00 – 4:15 PMENERGY JUSTICE
BANQUET 5 & 6
Understand the costs, energy, and water usage, and learn how communities can demand better outcomes.
Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment – Inaugural Director
Bio
SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS SYSTEMS • 3:00 – 4:15 PMCLIMATE FORWARD LAND USE
BANQUET 7 & 8
Youth discuss advocacy for sustainable choices in schools, including building decarbonization, dining practices, and divestment
DAYUM: Detroit Area Youth Uniting Michigan – Rising Junior, leader of DAYUM Climate Campaign
Bio
MYLES: MI Youth Leaders for Environmental Stewardship – International Academy of Macomb
Bio
Rising Senior at University of Michigan in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts; Representing Turn Up Turnout (TUT)
Bio
COMMUNITIES OF CARE • 3:00 – 3:30 PMPOWERING THE NETWORK
EXHIBIT HALL A
Co-create MiCAN’s Community Agreements and embrace the significance of culture and community in social movements.
STATE POLICY: JUST SOLUTIONS • 3:30 – 4:30 PMADVOCACY IN ACTION
BANQUET 1 – 4
Explores equitable access to renewable energy in its many distributed generation forms, including community solar, microgrids, and virtual power plants.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council – Director of Climate Solutions and Justice
Bio
CLOSING • 4:30 – 5:00 PMPOWERING THE NETWORK
EXHIBIT HALL A
CURATING A CULTURE OF COLLECTIVE ACTION AND HOW THIS CONNECTS WITH CAPITOL DAY
Sachs Media – Deputy Director of Public Affairs
Bio
RECEPTION • 5:00 – 6:00 PMPOWERING THE NETWORK
EXHIBIT HALL A
Enjoy light fare while networking to the smooth vibes of DJ Nique Love Rhodes.
Thank you to our 2025 Climate Summit Sponsors!
Activism Ally
Grassroots Guardian
Planet Protector
Community Pillar
