Environmental Action in Michigan
Most of the time when people think of green cities, they think of San Francisco. Here in the US we tend to praise California for the progressive actions the state, and its cities, have taken to protect the environment. When we think of the Midwest, however, we don’t often think green or sustainability. Surprisingly though, Ann Arbor is one of the greenest cities in America:
- 700 streetlights run on LEDs;
- 90% of single families participate in recycling programs; and
- Both a sustainability board and a climate action plan are in place.
Coming from the East Coast, where climate change is projected to severely impact our towns and cities, but many lack climate action plans, it is impressive that a Midwestern city has already thought about and implemented a climate action plan.
It is not just the city that is thinking about sustainability and the effects of climate change, the students of Michigan are also actively involved in environmental issues. Several colleges and universities are represented in the Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition, where students push for sustainable development and environmental protection. Students run campaigns, go to rallies, raise environmental awareness, and fight for important environmental issues in Michigan and the country.
Ann Arbor Leadership Training
With Michigan as a hotbed for environmental action, the C2C Fellows program is coming to the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor to run a weekend-long leadership workshop. Undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduates are invited to attend to practice and develop their skills in public speaking, fundraising, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The C2C Fellows workshop runs March 15th-March 17th. Attendees will learn from local environmental leaders and Dr. Eban Goodstein, Director of Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy and MBA in Sustainability program. The weekend will include:
- Public speaking
- Small group exercises
- Speeches by environmental leaders
- Fundraising activities
- Discussion of international climate change issues.
Apply now! Questions? Email Jess Scott at [email protected] or [email protected].
Check back here in the coming weeks for more information on speakers and event details.
Posted by Serafina Zeringo, MS’14 Environmental Policy candidate and C2C Program Assistant at Bard College Center for Environmental Policy
