MC²: Michigan and the Climate Crisis
Global climate change is one of the most pressing problems affecting humans in the modern age. The University of Michigan has played an active role in contributing scientific research on the topic of climate change, as well as serving as a site for activism and public awareness.
To celebrate the 200 years of service the University of Michigan has rendered the local community and the world, and to reflect on the University’s role in combating global climate change, the university’s Bicentennial Michigan Horizons celebration will include a week-long series of events entitled “MC²: Michigan & the Climate Crisis.”
Throughout the week events will discuss not only the science of global climate change, but also how climate change affects us politically, economically, socially, and culturally.
This week-long celebration of the University’s bicentennial is aimed at confronting the present and future of the climate crisis. As such, we have developed activities that not only inform the public, but also allow the community to immerse themselves as active participants fighting against global climate change. Activities include: keynote address by Bill McKibben, a science cafe (Oil and Soil: Forces of Climate Change) by UM professors Jennifer Blesh and Juan Cole; Saturday morning physics discussion with Professors Ivette Perfecto, George Kling and the community about the science behind climate change; a political panel bringing together student groups and those who have successfully advocated for divestment of fossil fuels; an art installation where we communicate climate change issues through art led by activist, scientist, and writer Sandra Steingraber; and an informal poetry slam.
October 2, 2017 – MC²: Michigan & The Climate Crisis Opening Ceremony
“The People Against Climate Change: Resistance Through Art”
Exhibit Unveil: “For The Climates They are A-Changin’ “
Location: Dana CommonsTime: 4:00-6:00pm*; refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served during event
Performers and Speakers:
Cello performance by Kayla Mathes, Senior Undergraduate, School of Music, Theater and Dance & Program in the Environment
Poetry performance by Sandra Steingraber, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Alum
Art exhibit created and curated by Sara Adlerstein Gonzalez, Art & Environment Gallery of the School for Environment and Sustainability
*Exhibit open to public Monday-Friday, October 2-November 30 from 9am-7pm
October 3, 2017 – Davis, Market, Nickerson Lecture on Academic and Intellectual Freedom
“The Madhouse Effect: Climate Change Denial in the Age of Trump”
Location: Honigman Auditorium, Law School BuildingTime: 4:00-5:15pm
Speaker: Michael E. Mann, Distinguish Professor of Atmospheric Science, Pennsylvania State University
October 3, 2017 – Discussion Panel: History and Politics of Climate Change
Location: 1040 DanaTime: reception at 6:00 PM; discussion 7:00-8:30pm
Speakers:
Ben Iuliano, Divest Invest group member representative, University of Michigan
Stephen Mulkey, Unity College President Emeritus
Theresa Ong, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Alum
Sandra Steingraber, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Alum
October 4, 2017 – Special Lecture
“Higher Education During the Great Disruption”
Location: 1040 DanaTime: 12:00-1:00pm; lunch provided
Speaker: Stephen Mulkey, Unity College President Emeritus
October 4, 2017 – Museum of Natural History Science Café
“Oil and soil, forces of climate change”
Location: Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann ArborTime: Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 PM; program 6:00-7:30 PM
Speakers:
Jennifer Blesh, Assistant Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability
Juan Cole, Richard P. Mitchell Professor of History, History Department
October 5, 2017 – 16th Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability
“Down to the Wire: A Hot Fight in a Hot World”
Location: Hill AuditoriumTime: 5:00-6:00pm; book signing with Literati after lecture
Speaker: Bill McKibben, Environmentalist-Educator
October 7, 2017 – Saturday Morning Physics
“The Arctic and the Tropics: Worlds Apart, Both Amplifying Climate Change”
Location: 170 & 182 Weiser HallTime: 10:30-11:30am; refreshments served from 9:55-10:20am
Speakers:
George Kling, Robert G. Wetzel Collegiate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Ivette Perfecto, George W. Peck Professor of Ecology, School for Environment and Sustainability
October 8, 2017 – Performance
Climate change through poetry and music
Location: Silvio’s Organic Ristorante e Pizzeria, 715 N University Ave, Ann ArborTime: 6:00-8:00pm; refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served during event
Performers: Open to the student and Ann Arbor community
Click here for additional information.