April, 2025

Staying engaged.


There are many ways to stay engaged in the face of proud proclamations of "the largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history" and a "180-degree pivot" on climate change.


There are almost too many ways to stay engaged. That in itself becomes overwhelming.


But in a way, it doesn't really matter what you do -- as long as you are doing something. That's what grassroots movements are all about. That's collective action.


In the current environment, some climate activists are getting more involved in broader grassroots organizations like Indivisible, MoveOn, and Common Cause -- which are pushing back against the policies and actions of the current administration.


It's all good -- as along as we are staying engaged.


Looking ahead to May


Registration is now open for the Third Annual A2 Climate Teach-in: From Climate Distress to Climate Action -- scheduled for Sunday, May 4. Hear from those who are taking climate action -- and learn how to find your niche in climate action. Click here for more information (and to learn about a special session for youth).

Thursday, April 3

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.


Climate Happy Hour: Citizens' Climate Lobby


Join fellow climate advocates and worrywarts for some fun, food, and refreshments! York, 1928 Packard St. Free (pay for own food/drinks).

annarbor@citizensclimatelobby.org 

(734) 657-3150

Friday, April 4

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


2025 Water@Michigan Symposium: The Water-Climate Nexus


Water@Michigan 2025 will highlight the urgency of coordinated efforts and community-based research. Attendees will gain new skills in storytelling, communicating impact, and understanding Indigenous perspectives. They will also gain a better understanding of climate impacts on transboundary waters and policymaking in Michigan for future water priorities. Featured Speakers: Stacie Sheldon Chitwaadewegekwe (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Co-founder of Ojibwe.net), Debbie Dingell (U.S. Representative), Phil Roos (Director, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)), Shalanda Baker (VP for Sustainability & Climate Action, U-M). Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Room and Atrium, 100 Washtenaw Ave. Free. Pre-registration required. Click here for registration. milsar@umich.edu (734) 763-4035.

Sunday, April 20

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.


Buhr Park Pocket Forest Dedication Celebration


PocketForests.org is a project of the Tree Town Urban Forest Team, which is made up of volunteers from the Ann Arbor chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Ann Arbor Wild Ones, and the Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow Project. Pocket forests are created when native trees and shrubs are planted in dense groupings, with no grass underneath. They sequester carbon faster, increase biodiversity, lower temperatures, require less maintenance, and absorb more stormwater than trees planted solo, surrounded by grass. This is a dedication, celebration, and volunteer appreciation event. There will be fun for the whole family, including games and snacks. You can bring a picnic if you like. Related groups will be staffing tables. Buhr Park, 2751 Packard St. (last parking lot, past ice arena). Free. lissaspitz@gmail.com (734) 657-6108.

Thursday, April 24

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.


Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (SA²T) Neighborhood Grant Program


The Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (SA²T) neighborhood grant program provides financial support for community-based activities that align with the City's sustainability and climate action goals. Join Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability & Innovations and past SA²T grant recipients to learn more about the process and lasting benefits of these projects—and learn how your organization can apply for up to $10k of funding!


We hope to see you there in person, but if you would prefer to attend virtually, a livestream of the event will be played on the library event website. Link will be provided here prior to the event. Ann Arbor District Library -- Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., 4th Floor Meeting Room. Free.

Saturday, April 26

1:00-5:00 p.m.


Ann Arbor for Public Power Celebrates Earth Day


Celebrate Earth Day with Ann Arbor for Public Power and over a dozen regional organizations fighting for a better planet. You and your neighbors will contribute to an analysis of the Ann Arbor human ecosystem, you will meet people taking on a variety of campaigns for a habitable thriving future, and you will hear perspectives from local leaders including a keynote address from Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Clonlara School, 1289 Jewett Ave. (Clonlara is accessible with a no-step entry). Free -- $20 recommended donation. Click here to register. annarborpublicpower@gmail.com

(734) 330-3795.

MONTHLY CLIMATE ACTION MEETINGS

Citizens' Climate Lobby -- Ann Arbor


Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. Second Saturday of every month. National CCL call at 1:00 p.m., followed by monthly chapter meeting at 2:00. Free. Downtown Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., also click here for Zoom. Passcode: 123 annarbor@citizensclimatelobby.org 

(734) 657-3150

City of Ann Arbor Energy Commission


The City of Ann Arbor Energy Commission is a group of residents, including youth, charged with advising City Council on energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and programs. Meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m, open to the public, and broadcast live on CTN Cable Channel 16, ATT Channel 99, and online at a2gov.org/watchCTN. Agendas are posted here the Friday before the meeting along with records of past meetings (meeting materials, minutes and recorded videos). To provide public comment call (877) 853-5247 or (888) 788- 0099 and enter Meeting ID 956 8718 7876.

Washtenaw Climate Reality


Take action. Inspire Action. Washtenaw Climate Reality works for effective climate action in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and worldwide. Second Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. Free. Click here for Zoom meeting.Meeting ID: 823 3352 3056. Passcode: 088990 dgurk@hotmail.com

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The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA calendar of climate action events is brought to you by the same people who present the A2 Climate Teach-in.


The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA website, which includes a list of local climate action organizations; action steps individuals can take; and past issues of the newsletter can be found here.


For information or to submit calendar events: info@climateactioncityusa.com