U-M Climate Week 2026 View Other Sessions

The conference “Responding to Federal Retreat: Reimagining Environmental and Energy Law in the Great Lakes Region” will convene students, professors, lawyers, government representatives, and industry leaders to reflect on the latest developments in environmental and energy law in response to the withdrawal of federal regulation and enforcement. The conference, which is free and open to the public, will focus on pressing issues in the Great Lakes region, with an emphasis on opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments to advance environmental protection and energy goals and mandates.

Explore the connections between nature, creativity, and well-being through the living language of willow. Join artist and farmer Howard Peller, botanist Dr. Selena Smith, and invited Indigenous and campus voices for a conversation on willow's cultural history, ecological importance, materiality and role in fostering resilience and human well-being. Prior experience is not required. Free and open to the public.
Attendance at both events is not required. Limited space available.
Registration is requested for the talk. Participants are welcome to join at 9 a.m. for refreshments; the talk will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Separate registration required for the workshop. 

The state of Michigan is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in the emerging mass timber economy and become a regional leader in low-carbon construction. Building on the momentum generated by the leadership of MassTimber@MSU (Michigan State University) and co-developed in partnership with them, this event convenes leaders from policy, industry, design, and education to explore the innovations needed to scale mass timber adoption across the Great Lakes region. Additional details about the event, including the schedule and speakers, can be found here. This event is co-sponsored by Climate Futures & MassTimber@MSU (Michigan State University).

Registration is not required to attend.

Connect with fellow U-M community members in a safe space to pause, connect, and talk about their experiences regarding the environment and climate change, a.k.a. Climate Café. In this small group, we encourage participants to share their stories and discover connections between our experiences. During this event, participants will bridge gaps between climate emotions and sustainability action in our lives, and learn how to care for ourselves and others. Light refreshments will be provided.

We wish to provide uninterrupted discussion time, and make sure that everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Due to the nature of this activity, participants should arrive at the start time promptly.

The event is free and open to any U-M community member, but registration is required. Please email pba-information@umich.edu with questions. The Climate Café structure utilized is inspired by Dr. Michaela Zint’s EAS581 course and the Climate Psychology Alliance-North America (CPA-NA) café framework. This event is brought to you by LSA Sustainability, Student Life Sustainability, and the Planet Blue Ambassador program.

The workshop will introduce the Living Willow Structures future campus wide project, through a hands-on willow weaving workshop where participants can experience the mindful, restorative process of creating with this remarkable material. Following the earlier talk with artist and farmer Howard Peller and guests, Peller will lead a separate hands-on willow weaving workshop where participants can experience the mindful, restorative process of creating with this remarkable material.

Registration Required due to limited space.

Join U-M Health Sustainability Leaders for a conversation with Victor Dzau, MD, Immediate Past President of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), Chancellor Emeritus and James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Duke University, Past President and CEO of the Duke University Health System, and U-M Health Board Member to discuss the critical role of the healthcare sector in driving meaningful climate action. Come learn about national efforts to decarbonize healthcare systems and what these sustainability movements mean for U-M Health’s clinical practices, facilities, and procurement processes. Discover how our faculty and staff can champion climate-resilient care and lead the way toward a greener future for Michigan Medicine.

The Planet Blue Ambassador Training is your entry-point to sustainability on campus. Learn more about UM-Flint's campus sustainability initiatives and U-M's commitment to carbon neutrality. You'll become a certified Planet Blue Ambassador at the end of this training, something you can put on resumes and CVs!

This will be a Shark Tank style competition where students can pitch their sustainability improvements for the Residence Halls
at the University of Michigan. We are still working on the details, but we are hoping to fund the winning improvements if it is
feasible.

Join LSA Sustainability and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology staff for a sustainability tour of the Museum! Have you ever wondered what reuse and recycling looked like in the ancient Mediterranean world? Learn more about how people repurposed old building materials, glass lamps, and shipping containers to give them new life. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Speakers to be announced soon!