2026 Michigan Climate Summit
The theme of our 2026 Michigan Climate Summit, Collective Courage, uplifted the power of solidarity and collective action, and the courage it takes to keep speaking up and defying the status quo.

Why Collective Courage?
This recap of the 2026 Michigan Climate Summit recap outlines the day.
Keynote and Plenary Sessions
The Keynote session grounded us in the summit’s theme. Speakers share their stories of standing strong for climate action and how collective courage drives the fight forward at every level. Part 2 starts with a musical performance, followed by the panel discussion, “Rewiring the Regulatory System: Data Centers, Utilities, and Energy Justice.”
Part 3 includes the session “Taking Back the Grid: Building the Bold Future We Want.” Part 4 includes the session “Nature-Based Solutions: Food, Forests & Our Climate Future.” Part 5 closes out Summit on a high note, with a no-holds-barred panel on climate justice and how to put it at the center of the fall election, the announcement of our Public’s Choice Art Prizes, followed by a Singing Resistance singalong.
2026 Summit Schedule
Activism Ally Sponsor
Friday, June 12
8:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Big Ten AB
Registration Open
8:00 am
–
10:00 am
Big Ten AB
Continental Breakfast
9:00 am
–
10:30 am
Big Ten AB
Courage of Our Convictions
Courage of Our Convictions
- Attorney General Dana Nessel2023 Climate Champion Award Winner
10:00 am
–
5:00 pm
Red Cedar AB
10:00 am
–
5:00 pm
Red Cedar AB
10:30 am
–
11:00 am
Morning Break
11:00 am
–
12:15 pm
Big Ten AB
Courage of Our Convictions
Data Centers, Utilities & Energy Justice
- Wesley WatsonMichigan Environmental Justice Coalition
11:00 am
–
12:15 pm
Big Ten C
Collective Courage
- Saiabhiram AkkarajuMYLES
- Jihyun KoMYLES
11:00 am
–
12:15 pm
Lincoln
11:00 am
–
12:15 pm
Nook 106
12:15 pm
–
1:15 pm
Big Ten AB
Lunch
1:30 pm
–
2:45 pm
Big Ten AB
Courage of Our Convictions
Building the Bold Future We Want
- Jeff SmithGroundwork Center for Resilient Communities
1:30 pm
–
2:45 pm
Big Ten C
Collective Courage
1:30 pm
–
2:45 pm
Lincoln
1:30 pm
–
2:45 pm
Nook 106
2:45 pm
–
3:15 pm
Afternoon Break
3:15 pm
–
4:30 pm
Big Ten AB
Courage of Our Convictions
3:15 pm
–
4:30 pm
Big Ten C
Collective Courage
3:15 pm
–
4:30 pm
Lincoln
Practicing Courage
3:15 pm
–
4:30 pm
Nook 106
4:30 pm
–
5:30 pm
Big Ten AB
Courage of Our Convictions
- Samantha CooperCultural Engagement Advisor
5:30 pm
–
6:00 pm
Big Ten AB
Reception
7:00 pm
–
9:30 pm
Kellogg Auditorium
Saturday, June 13
8:00 am
–
12:00 pm
Offsite
8:30 am
–
4:30 pm
Offsite
10:00 am
–
12:00 pm
Jack C. & Susan Davis Amphitheater
10:00 am
–
11:00 am
MSU BEAL Botanical Garden
11:00 am
–
12:00 pm
MSU BEAL Botanical Garden
Planet Protector Sponsor

















































