Dean's Letter
Dear Friends:
While the seasons shift and change, there’s been one constant: We’ve all experienced extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Though it’s easy to focus on the problems associated with our warming world, I prefer to look at our pressing environmental challenges with hope and optimism.
That’s because we are at a pivotal moment in time—a transition into a new world where we are creating and implementing solutions for a just and sustainable future, including a clean energy world where ALL people and our planet can thrive.
Our entire University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) community of alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends is empowered more than ever to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
At SEAS and the Program in the Environment, we are advancing action through research, engagement, innovation and expertise. We’re all about impact and collaboration, a theme you’ll see throughout this issue of Stewards, which focuses on big solutions like improving energy access in Malawi, addressing stormwater overflow in New York City and building climate resilience.
We only get one shot to save our planet for future generations. How lucky are we to be alive in this moment where we have the tools and solutions to make a difference? We all have a role to play and can take steps to make this happen. Talk about climate change in your own communities. Support climate action initiatives with your time and resources. Work to elect politicians who will lead on clean energy. And, most importantly, don’t lose hope.
As always, I am grateful for your collective partnership and support.
Jonathan Overpeck
Samuel A. Graham Dean
William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Environmental Education
P.S. Please join me in celebrating the 120th anniversary of our beloved Dana Building, where countless dedicated students have pursued their passion for making our planet more sustainable and just. Happy birthday, Dana!