The University of Michigan is set to launch its inaugural Climate Week, an initiative to foster collaboration and action towards a sustainable future. This event, running from Sept. 27 to Oct. 5 on the Ann Arbor campus, is organized by the Office of the Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, in collaboration with the School for Environment and Sustainability and the Office of Campus Sustainability. Climate Week aims to provide a platform for innovative solutions and meaningful climate action.
Climate Week will gather U-M students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Liesl Clark, SEAS director of sustainable climate action engagement, emphasizes the importance of collective action for shaping a healthier world. “U-M’s inaugural Climate Week grew from an interest in elevating and amplifying the amazing work that is happening all over campus to create solutions for communities,” Clark stated.
More than 25 U-M units, including Student Life Sustainability, Michigan Medicine, and the Global CO2 Initiative, will take part in the week-long activities. The event features speeches, art performances, and hands-on activities, starting at noon on Sept. 29 at Ingalls Mall, with Shalanda Baker, inaugural vice provost for sustainability and climate action, among the speakers.
The week will showcase three keynote speakers. Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, will discuss “Creating Equitable Climate Solutions Together” at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29 in the Michigan Union Pendleton Room. Jennifer Granholm, former U.S. energy secretary, will present “Powering Tomorrow, Together: Uniting for a Clean Energy Future” on Sept. 30 at Rackham Auditorium. Diana Hernandez will speak about her book “Powerless: The People’s Struggle for Energy” on Oct. 1 in the Michigan League Ballroom, followed by a chat with Tony Reames.
Events are open to the public with required registration for select keynote addresses. Live streaming will be available for those who cannot attend in person. Other highlights include the Harvest Fest and Refugia Festival on Sept. 28, Earthfest on Sept. 30, and Nigamon/Tunai from Oct. 2-5, all emphasizing sustainability and community engagement.
Amid governmental rollbacks on climate regulations, Jonathan Overpeck, the Samuel A. Graham Dean at SEAS, stresses the urgency of climate research and action. “Climate change is accelerating, and it’s supercharging disasters and hitting most harshly the poor and powerless — yet it’s solvable,” Overpeck remarked, highlighting the necessity of collective action for a sustainable future.
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