2019 Michigan Climate Action Summit

2019 Michigan Climate Action Sumit

Thursday, February 21, 2019 | Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids

Summary

The inaugural 2019 Michigan Climate Action Summit, held at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI, brought together leaders, advocates, and experts for a powerful day of action and collaboration.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Jonathan Overpeck, renowned climate scientist and Nobel Prize recipient, and Liesl Clark, Director of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality, who emphasized bold leadership and urgent climate action.

The Summit featured engaging panels and breakout sessions on climate justice, renewable energy, and local leadership, fostering dialogue and strategic planning for Michigan’s equitable, decarbonized future.

Summit Schedule

REGISTRATION & COFFEE • 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Welcome to the Michigan Climate Action Summit • 9:00 – 9:45 AM Mayor Rosalynn Bliss – City of Grand Rapids Introduction – Setting the Stage Kate Madigan – Director, Michigan Climate Action Network Chairman Bryan Newland – Bay Mills Indian Community Michelle Martinez – Statewide Coordinator, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition
KEYNOTE – Climate Science and the Need for Action • 9:45 – 10:15 AM Dr. Jonathan Overpeck Dean, University of Michigan School of Environment & Sustainability, climate scientist, and Nobel Prize recipient
KEYNOTE – Michigan’s Commitment to Climate Action • 10:15 – 10:45 AM Liesl Clark Director, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
KEYNOTE PANEL – Bold Leadership on Climate • 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Johanna Miller Energy & Climate Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council	Paul Getsos National Director, Peoples Climate Movement Kara Cook Policy Advisor, Energy, and Environment, Exec. Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer	Regina Strong Director, Michigan Beyond Coal Campaign, Sierra Club
LUNCH & NETWORKING • 12:00 – 12:30 PM
LUNCHTIME INTENTIONAL DISCUSSIONS • 12:30 – 1:00 PM	Jim Lively Program Director, Groundwork Center & Great Lakes Business Network	Bob Sutherland President, Cherry Republic
What are your or your organization’s climate priorities?	Let’s agree on a goal for Michigan – equitably decarbonize by 2040?	What does our state need most right now to decarbonize by 2040?
BREAK • 1:00 – 1:15 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS ONE • 1:15 – 2:30 PM
Cities & Universities Leading on Climate Dan Worth – Moderator Clean Energy Program Director, Groundwork Center Alison Sutter Sustainability Manager, City of Grand Rapids Dr. Jes Thompson Associate Professor, Northern Climate Network, Northern Michigan University Jim Carruthers Mayor, City of Traverse City Missy Stults Sustainability and Innovations Manager, City of Ann Arbor	Local Renewables: Building Support & Overcoming Challenges Laura Sherman – Moderator Senior Consultant, 5 Lakes Energy Sarah Mills Research Area Specialist, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, UofM Peter Sinclair Climate Videographer, Climate Denial Crock of the Week Matthew Wagner Manager of Renewable Energy Development, DTE Energy	Building Power: How to Grow Our Movement Seth Bernard – Moderator Community Organizer & Musician, Clean Water Campaign for Michigan and Earthwork Music Megan Collier Northern Michigan Coordinator, We the People Michigan Leah Wiste Executive Director, Michigan Interfaith Power & Light Frank Houston Michigan Regional Program Manager, BlueGreen Alliance Rachel Marco-Havens Solutionary, Various Organizations
BREAK • 2:30 – 2:45 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS TWO • 2:45 – 4:00 PM
Moving Off Oil: EV’s, Pipelines, and the Future of Transportation Margrethe Kearney – Moderator Senior Staff Attorney, Environmental Law & Policy Center Charlotte Jameson Energy Policy and Legislative Affairs Director, Michigan Environmental Council Shanna Draheim Policy Director, Michigan Municipal League Laura Sherman Vice President for Policy Development, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council	National Climate Work Paul Getsos – Moderator National Director, Peoples Climate Movement Denzel McCampbell Communications Director, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, U.S. House of Representatives Nicholas Jansen Lansing Regional Lead, Sunrise Movement Lisa Wozniak Executive Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Elizabeth Dell Great Lakes Regional Coordinator, Citizens’ Climate Lobby	Climate Justice and Equitable Transition Kathryn Savoie – Moderator Coordinator, Empower Michigan Rhonda Anderson Regional Organizing Manager, Sierra Club Maria Thomas Outreach and Organizing Coordinator, Soulardarity Dorthea Thomas Midwest Just Transition Organizer, East Michigan Environmental Action Council
Share results of lunch discussions, and cast a vote on climate priorities for Michigan. 4:00 – 4:30 PM CLOSING REMARKS – How do we build a bigger, more powerful movement? Seth Bernard – Community Organizer & Musician, Clean Water Campaign for Michigan and Earthwork Music
NETWORKING & HAPPY HOUR • 4:30 – 6:00 PM Featuring beverages from Brewery Vivant