We wanted to know how members of our University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) community are making a difference for our planet, so we asked: How are you fighting for the future of our planet and for the betterment of society through your work and career? This is what they had to say.
“Harnessing all the energy that we demand to power our daily lives and economy takes a huge toll on our natural resources. We are perilously close to breaching climate tipping points that will downgrade all ecosystems’ capacities across this great planet. We need better ways to harness energy (as well as use less of it), all the while improving the lives of our fellow humans. It has thus been my ambition for the last two decades of my career to advocate for
—and directly implement—clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and programs in the energy utility industry sector. It’s been a fulfilling and enriching career to do what I can to rapidly evolve our energy utility sector that fosters a more energy efficient and equitable economy that no longer pollutes our atmosphere.”
—Pierre Bull (MS ’05), senior program manager of commercial energy efficiency programs, Pacific Gas and Electric
“Consulting for civil society organizations, I have spent my 30-year career researching and providing data to push governments and public development banks, like the World Bank, to do more to protect our climate. Most of my work focuses on the energy sector and revealing how much public money and policies continue to subsidize fossil fuels. It has resulted in stronger commitments from these institutions, but there is now backsliding. Over the years, my research has been covered by The Financial Times, Bloomberg News, The New York Times, Reuters and The Guardian, among others. My research on greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes has also been used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.”
—Heike Mainhardt (BS ’95), consultant/senior adviser
“I work with an incredible team to teach people about the Great Lakes through hands-on educational programs, inspiring environmental stewardship of our freshwater ecosystems. 
The Laurentian Great Lakes contain nearly 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, and it is imperative to protect them for the future. A key part of protection is inspiring love for and connection with the natural world through educational experiences.”
—Juliana Lisuk (MS ’19), associate director, Inland Seas Education Association
“Growing up I was fascinated by humanity’s interest in exploration, from the deepest ocean to the far reaches of outer space. The Blue Marble photo taken by Apollo 17 deeply impacted me by reinforcing the importance of the actions we take on our one precious planet. Having children heightened this realization that I had to do everything in my power to enable a better future. My entire career has been combining this drive with my professional acumen around public policy and the clean energy transition to be a force for change. That default towards action is needed now more than ever.
As director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), I was honored to lead in the
elevation of policy coordination to accelerate the clean energy economic transition in Michigan including as the chair of Michigan’s Council on Climate Solutions. The team at EGLE carefully crafted the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan (MI HCP) through extensive listening sessions, public engagement, intentionally structured workgroups and, of course, deep expertise from the Council. The plan then became the foundation for our ambitions in Michigan including the 2023 legislative changes and government implementation.
Coming to SEAS was a no-brainer to further the work of the economic transition in Michigan. SEAS is a community-forward school that centers interdisciplinary action and impact. I’ve learned that successfully imagining a different future is done together and creating a different future happens with the next generations.”
—Liesl Eichler Clark, U-M director of climate action engagement
SEAS Professor Michael Moore died unexpectedly in May 2025. The SEAS community shares remembrances of the man known for his warmth, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care for students and colleagues alike.
