The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) hosted a town hall discussion on January 14 focused on climate action and our roadmap for the path ahead. 

The event, “Climate Action in 2025 and Beyond: Creating a Resilient and Just Future in Michigan and Across the Globe,” featured a panel of SEAS experts and local sustainability leaders who discussed climate work at the university, local, state and federal levels. It also offered tangible ways individuals can get involved. 

The event was heavy on audience engagement; the stage included empty seats so that attendees could join panelists to pose questions and be part of the dialogue. The event also was live streamed. 

Shalanda H. Baker, U-M’s vice provost for sustainability and climate action, moderated the event and kicked it off by noting the urgency of the climate crisis, as illustrated by recent extreme weather events.

Other panelists included:

Jonathan Overpeck, Samuel A. Graham Dean and William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Education, SEAS

Geoffrey Henderson, assistant professor of environmental policy and planning, SEAS

Dennis Black, political director, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition

Denise Keele, executive director, Michigan Climate Action Network

Missy Stults (PhD ’16), Sustainability and Innovations Director, City of Ann Arbor

Andrew van Baal (MS ’26), accelerated master’s student, SEAS and the Program in the Environment

Watch the full video