If the 12 states that make up the Midwest were a country, it would be the fifth largest greenhouse gas emitting nation on the planet. On average, Midwestern states lag behind the rest of the country in energy efficiency, electricity sector decarbonization, transportation electrification, and green building.
At the same time, the Midwest is home to states, cities, businesses, foundations and organizations that are national leaders on climate and can serve as models for others to raise ambition and action.
Working together to develop a cooperative and coordinated response to the climate crisis in the Midwestern region is the top goal of the upcoming Midwest Climate Summit, developed by Washington University in St. Louis in close collaboration with several leading Midwestern organizations.
The event, presented with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, was first announced during Michael Bloomberg's visit to St. Louis in May 2019, when he served as the university's commencement speaker.
“The Midwest has the potential to play an important role in the coming critical decade to reduce emissions, build a thriving green economy, and ensure a fair and just transition that leaves none of our rural, suburban, and urban communities behind,” Phil stated. Valko, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability. “We are excited to join forces with more than 20 other Midwestern universities, nonprofits and local governments to bring the Climate Summit to life, and we look forward to working together on meaningful climate solutions for our region.”
The first part of the Midwest Climate Summit consists of a virtual series of events called Think Tanks. The Think Tank kick-off starts at 10am. CDT, Oct. 2 and includes a keynote speaker Robert Bullardinternationally renowned, award-winning environmental researcher, scholar and author.
A set of 13-minute TED-style talks will also be presented by speakers including:
- Isra Hirsico-founder of US Youth Climate Strike;
- Chris Caldwellpresident and director of the Institute for Sustainable Development at Menominee Nation College.
- Kathryn Wilkinson, writer, strategist, teacher and editor at Project Drawdown. and
- Heather McTeer Toneynational field director at Moms Clean Air Force;
Four additional Think Tank sessions will be held on October 9, October 23, November 6 and November 20. teaching and training, and outreach and engagement.
“We are excited about the opportunity to have in-depth conversations with the Midwestern community and academic experts around our key topic areas,” said Beth Martin, professor of environmental studies in Arts & Sciences and interim director of the University's Climate Change Program. Washington. “These conversations will allow us to share best practices, identify gaps and facilitate meaningful debates about outcomes that will help us advance climate action locally and across the region.”
The Think Tank sessions—which are free and open to the public—will lay the groundwork for a high-profile spring 2021 summit, where cross-sector organizations across the Midwest will reconvene to announce new tangible climate actions, expanded commitments and new cross-sector partnerships.
“We see the spring summit as an opportunity to reflect on our progress and as a platform to catalyze additional climate partnerships and commitments that will help establish the Midwest as a leading center for climate efforts,” said David Fike, professor of Earth and Earth and planetary sciences and director of environmental studies, both in Arts & Sciences, and interim director of the International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.
The Midwest Climate Summit also seeks to actively engage students in both the sessions and a Climate Stories contest. The Climate Story Contest is an art contest that invites students to tell the story of climate change in the Midwest and how it affects them or their communities through artwork, film/photography, written work, and performing arts. Submissions will be accepted from the end of September. instructions will be provided on the summit website.
A student systems conference and virtual job and networking fair is also planned for November, giving undergraduate and graduate students a platform to learn about and connect with organizations leading sustainability and climate across the Midwest.
To learn more about the Midwest Climate Summit and to register for the inaugural Think Tank and subsequent sessions, visit summit website.
