2024 Michigan Climate Summit
The 2024 Michigan Climate Summit, held in September 2024 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in association with the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, was an in-person gathering dedicated to exploring the intersections of civic engagement, social justice, and climate action under the theme of Climate Civics.

September 25, 2024 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The event featured inspiring programming aimed at addressing the intertwined crises of democracy and climate justice, empowering attendees to become lifelong climate voters, and providing actionable ways to serve their communities.
Keynote speakers included Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who highlighted the importance of free and fair elections ahead of November’s critical ballot, and environmentalist and author Bill McKibben, whose closing address at Rackham Auditorium reflected his unparalleled influence on the fight for a livable planet. McKibben’s longstanding connection to Michigan includes his foundational role in the Oil & Water Don’t Mix campaign.
The Summit was designed to educate, inspire, and uplift attendees while fostering inclusivity and providing accommodations to ensure access for all participants. It served as a critical platform for community members to connect, learn, and take action for climate and democracy.

Summit Schedule
• MICHIGAN CLIMATE SUMMIT BEGINS •
Thursday, September 26, 2024
SPONSOR ORGANIZATION TABLING • Ingalls Mall (tented)
Tabling Instructions, Organization List & Map
CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION TABLE • Rackham Lobby
Also an Info-Only Station in the Michigan Union Lobby




Samuel A. Graham Dean; William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Environmental Education; Professor, Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering; Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Bio

UMICH Votes & Democratic Engagement Faculty Director, Year of Democracy initiative Co-Chair
Bio

KEYNOTE • Rackham Auditorium
Followed by an Election Integrity Panel Discussion

Sterling Heights City Clerk, 2020 Clerk of the Year, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) President

Ann Arbor City Clerk, 2019 Clerk of the Year, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) Immediate Past President

NETWORKING BREAK • Rackham Lobby
Art & Tabling @ Ingalls Mall. Refreshments in the Rackham Lobby
GETTING OUT THE CLIMATE VOTE • Rackham Auditorium
Making Your Voice Heard Through Climate Voter Campaigns








Voters Not Politicians & Voters Not Politicians Education Fund Executive Director
Bio



WAYS TO SUSTAIN: ROOTS THAT RUN DEEP • Pendelton Rm @ Union 2nd Fl
Sustaining Advocates
Sierra Club Detroit Field Organizer




Michigan State Sunrise Movement

MONEY ON THE TABLE • Anderson ABCD @ Union 1st Fl
What the Inflation Reduction Act Can Do for You (and the Climate)
Michigan League of Convervation Voters Federal Government Affairs Director
Bio


Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Chief Climate and Energy Strategist
Bio




UM Practice & Engagement Professor, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) & Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) Director of Engagement
Bio

UM Law School Lecturer, Former National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Conservation Partnerships Vice President, Former NWF Great Lakes Office & Action Fund Director
Bio


LUNCH • Rogel Ballroom @ Union
Networking. Plus Art, Tabling @ Ingalls Mall
INSPIRING MUSIC FOR ACTIVISTS • The Diag
Musical Performances by Seth Bernard & Friends





THE FOURTH ESTATE • Rackham Auditorium
The Role of Media in Climate Democracy














MichAuto Executive Director; Detroit Regional Chamber Vice President Automotive and Mobility Initiatives
Bio



EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES • Anderson ABCD @ Union 1st Fl
The Fight for Energy Democracy and Resilient, Localized Power
SEAS Lecturer and Inaugural Director of the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment
Bio







NETWORKING BREAK • Rackham Lobby
Art & Tabling @ Ingalls Mall. Refreshments in the Rackham Lobby
Rising Junior at University of Michigan in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts; Representing Turn Up Turnout (TUT)
Bio

Sophomore at University of Michigan, PitE Major with specialization in Environmental Justice & Activism, Community Action and Social Change Minor, President Elect of UM Sierra Club Chapter

Senior at University of Michigan, PitE Major, Energy Sciences Minor, Students for Clean Energy Policy Chair
Freshman at Western Michigan University, Enviro Geology & Sustainability Major, 2023 Youth Climate Leader of the Year, Former MiCAN Influencer, Current Climate Voting Intern at WMU, National Youth for the Climate Emergency (NYCE) Founder

Accelerated Master’s Student (4+1) at UM-SEAS, Energy Equity Project Energy Justice Research Assistant, Student Sustainability Coalition Co-President
Bio

A PEOPLE POWERED CAMPAIGN • Kuenzel Rm @ Union 1st Fl
For Public Power in Michigan


Freshman at University of Michigan in the College of Language, Science, Sociology; PitE Major, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition Clinic Advocate & Campaign Volunteer
Bio

WAYS TO SUSTAIN: THE ART OF US • Pendelton Rm @ Union 2nd Fl
Building Community Action Through Culture and Creativity











THE FUEL THAT FAILED US • Wolverine Rm @ Union 3rd Fl
The Urgency Behind Shutting Down Line 5




Michigan Technological University PhD Candidate in Energy and Environmental Policy
Bio


NETWORKING BREAK • Rackham Lobby
Art & Tabling @ Ingalls Mall. Refreshments in the Rackham Lobby


































































