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This month, right here in Ann Arbor, we have lots of opportunities to transform climate distress into climate action.
Plenty of climate action activities, and two major events, give us opportunities to:
- Seek out leaders who are taking climate action, so we can join them.
- Be inspired by others taking climate action and making a change.
- Pay attention not just to disasters in the news -- but also to climate activist successes.
Now is the time. We cannot do it alone -- staying at home and recycling -- and worrying.
We can only do it together.
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Wednesday, January 8
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Garden Design with Native Plants presented by Adapt: Community Supported Ecology
Come discuss strategies for landscaping with native plants, including grouping, bloom time, and plant characteristics! Draw your own garden plans, brainstorm what species you'd like to see in your yard, and chat with Adapt's native landscaping team! Argus Farmstop -- Packard Café, 1200 Packard St. Free. Register here. events@argusfarmstop.com (734) 585- 5441.
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Sunday, January 12
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Save Money and Save the Planet
Learn about home energy efficiency and electrification, how they’ll reduce your energy costs and the multitude of incentives – federal, state, local & utility – that will lower the cost of your investments. We’ll also discuss what to expect with the change in presidential administrations. Westgate Branch Library, 2503 Jackson Ave. Free. Click here for optional preregistration. annarbor@citizensclimatelobby.org
(503) 341-9798.
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Tuesday, January 14
4:30-6:30 p.m.
(Networking reception at 6:00 p.m.)
Climate Action in 2025 and Beyond: Creating a Resilient and Just Future in Michigan and Across the Globe
The University of Michigan community understands climate change is an existential threat that will exacerbate inequality and make our planet unliveable. In this community conversation on climate action, we bring Michigan and community voices together to amplify our shared commitment to tackle the climate crisis, create sustainable and just systems and center environmental justice. How can we come together in this critical moment, and what is our roadmap for the path ahead? Join us in this unique conversation structured as a town hall and information session to learn what is happening at the university, local, state and federal levels and how you can get involved.
Help us plan for a sustainable event. RSVP today to ensure we have an accurate food count, minimizing waste and maximizing the impact of our gathering. Together, we can lead by example in sustainable event practices. Registration required by Friday, January 10. Rackham Amphitheater, 915 E. Washington St. For more info, click here. Click here to register by Friday, January 10. This event will also be live-streamed. If you check off the “watch via livestream” option on the registration form, we will email the livestream link before the event.
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Join us for a town hall-style discussion with:
- Shalanda H. Baker, Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, University of Michigan
- Dennis Black, Political Director, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition
- Denise Keele, Executive Director, Michigan Climate Action Network
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Geoffrey Henderson, Assistant Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
- Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director, City of Ann Arbor
- Andrew van Baal (MS ’26), Master’s Student, Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
- Jonathan Overpeck (Moderator), Dean, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
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Wednesday, January 15
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Venue Connect: Visionary Voices with Dr. Missy Stults
Venue Connect, in partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK, is pleased to welcome Dr. Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director for the City of Ann Arbor. Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore accessible renewable energy using Sustainable Energy Utilities (SEU) and how community-owned energy solutions can transform our neighborhoods into models of resilience and sustainability. Venue by 4M, 1919 S. Industrial Hwy. Free. Click here to register.
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Monday, January 27
5:30 p.m.
Paving the Way: Taking Bold Action Toward Environmental Justice
Join the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy for an event that’s more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. In alignment with the University of Michigan’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium's 2025 theme of "Restless Dissatisfaction: An Urgent Call for the Pursuit of Justice and Equality," we invite students, staff, faculty and the greater community to a powerful and inspiring gathering.
Why Attend?
This event is an opportunity to engage deeply with leaders who have fought against systemic inequalities in their fields and are shaping the future of sustainability. Whether you’re a student passionate about environmental justice, a professional seeking inspiration or a community member eager to make a difference, this event is for you. You'll leave feeling empowered to challenge existing norms, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
Be part of a movement toward justice and sustainability. Connect with like-minded peers, engage with groundbreaking leaders and reflect on how you can contribute to a better future. For further info, click here. To register, click here. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St. Free.
seas-communications@umich.edu
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Featured speakers:
- Shalanda H. Baker, U-M’s first vice provost for sustainability and climate action, who served as the director of the Office of Energy Justice and Equity at the U.S. Department of Energy, is leading the movement for climate justice and pushing for inclusivity in policy and practice.
- Tony G. Reames, SEAS associate professor, who served as deputy director for energy justice and principal deputy director for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, U.S. Department of Energy, is a driving force behind energy justice initiatives that ensure all communities have access to clean energy.
- Carla Walker-Miller, CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, who is reshaping the energy landscape with a focus on equity and sustainable solutions.
- Jalonne L. White-Newsome, the first federal chief environmental justice officer at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, has helped deliver President Biden’s ambitious environmental justice agenda while elevating environmental justice work across the federal government and beyond.
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Maddie Miller (Moderator), SEAS PhD Candidate; founder and CEO of NexTiles, a Detroit-based textile recycling company that converts textile waste into building insulation and other eco-friendly products.
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Thursday, January 30
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Sustainability Forums: Natural Features and Me – Promoting and Protecting Nature in the City
Finding ways to connect with nature in an urban landscape can be challenging. Luckily, we have many amazing individuals in the Ann Arbor community who are working to make this task much easier. Please join us for the first session of the 2025 Sustainability Forums series and hear directly from the people who are expanding Ann Arbor's urban tree canopy, creating beautiful rain gardens to manage storm water and reduce pollution, and establishing native plant gardens to support our local pollinators—and learn how you can be a part of these initiatives as well! Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free.
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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
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