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CLIMATE WEEK 2025

News

Stay informed about Climate Week at U-M. Catch up on news, stories, and updates from the University of Michigan’s annual Climate Week as we highlight events, research, and action toward a more sustainable future.
A panel discussion at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy features four speakers seated at the front of a lecture hall, with a backdrop displaying the Ford School logo. Audience members fill the room, many taking notes on laptops, while cameras record the event. The discussion appears engaged and interdisciplinary, focusing on energy and climate policy.

Build and power: Abundance debate at U-M Climate Week

10/20/2025
By: Aruzhan Kaparova

The Abundance debate at U-M Climate Week explored how expanding clean energy infrastructure can help meet rising power demand while advancing decarbonization.

oderator Brian Griese and panelists Dr. Sara Soderstrom, Dr. Brian McCullough, Natalie DeSarbo, Paul Dunlop, and C.Y. Cheng discuss sustainability in Ann Arbor, MI on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 (image credit to Cooper Sykes).

Multifaceted and interconnected: How sustainability in Michigan Athletics is changing the game

10/20/2025
By: Cooper Sykes

At the ‘Sidelines to Solutions’ panel, Michigan Athletics leaders, faculty, and former student-athletes explored how sports can drive sustainability.

At U-M’s Climate + AI Panel, experts explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the fight against climate change

10/20/2025
By: Nikitha Sai Gudapati

At U-M’s Climate + AI Panel, experts examined how artificial intelligence can both accelerate climate solutions and exacerbate energy, equity, and ethical challenges in the digital age.

Still from the performance “Nigamon / Tunai” shows three artists seated in a circular arrangement marked by stones, surrounded by plants and warm stage lighting. One performer in the foreground plays an instrument made from a large stone and copper horn, while others sit with drums and ritual objects, creating a contemplative atmosphere that evokes connection between land, sound, and spirit.

Artistic approaches to an environmentally just world: where creative practice lives within Climate Week

10/15/2025
By: Julia Radhakrishnan

Artists and scholars explored how creative practice can advance environmental justice, highlighting art’s power to reimagine material life cycles, sustainability, and reciprocity with nature.

A piece of artwork shaped like the University of Michigan block "M," filled with bright yellow flowers. Several orange-and-black monarch butterflies are placed on top of the flower-filled "M," with additional butterfly cutouts scattered on the surrounding dark blue tablecloth.

Harvest Fest is a celebration of student and community efforts to achieve a just and sustainable food system

10/08/2025
By: Gwenny Burrows

Students and community members celebrated sustainable food, climate action, and creativity at U-M’s 13th annual Harvest Fest.

A large crowd of students gathers outdoors under rows of white canopy tents at the University of Michigan’s EarthFest. People are smiling, chatting, and visiting tables with displays about sustainability on a sunny day.

Acts of joy and persistence at Climate Week’s EarthFest

10/08/2025
By: Mary Nelson

Nearly fifty organizations came together at EarthFest to spread joy, persistence, and a shared commitment to environmental justice and sustainability.

Panelists sit on stage at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library during a Climate Week event, speaking to an audience seated in rows of chairs. An American flag and podium are visible to the left, with banners for the library on either side of the stage.

University faculty and organizational leaders evaluate the structure and state of the energy sector and discuss pressing challenges

10/08/2025
By: Steven Warda

Faculty experts and industry leaders came together at Climate Week’s Energy 101 and Electric Utilities panel to unpack grid challenges, rising costs, and equitable clean energy solutions.

Diana Hernández, associate professor at Columbia University, and University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability Associate Professor Tony Reames sat down for a fireside chat during the University of Michigan's inaugural Climate Week. Before the fireside chat, Hernández gave a talk about her work, which is focused on building a more equitable energy system.

‘This is the software that powers our lives’: Diana Hernández on building a more equitable energy system

10/08/2025
By: Nayiri Mullinix
External

Hernández argues that energy infrastructure must be redesigned to ensure affordability, justice, and climate resilience for vulnerable communities.

Wawa Gatheru stands at a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone in a formal indoor setting with paneled walls and stone columns.

Wawa Gatheru: “Rehearing revolution” to achieve an equitable future

10/02/2025
By: Lori Atherton
External

Wawa Gatheru argues climate change exacerbates inequities and calls for “rehearsing revolution” through storytelling and activism to reimagine a just and inclusive future.

Jennifer Granholm, left, former U.S. Energy Secretary and governor of Michigan, takes a question from Shalanda Baker, U-M’s inaugural vice provost for sustainability and climate action, during the 23rd annual Wege Lecture on Sept. 30.

Granholm urges climate leaders to adopt ‘warrior ethos for planet’

10/02/2025
By: Lori Atherton
External

Granholm called on climate leaders to embrace a ‘warrior ethos for the planet’ as a bold rallying call for action.

The Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building, U-M’s first all-electric academic facility, heated and cooled by ground source heat pumps and geo-exchange. (Photo by Jeffrey Smith, School of Information)

U-M sustainability report reflects 150 years of progress, sets stage for next era

10/02/2025
By: Kim Broekhuizen
External

The U-M sustainability report celebrates 150 years of progress while laying the groundwork for a bold new era of climate leadership and implementation.

Six people stand together smiling on a stage under a white tent, with University of Michigan “Climate Week” banners and a podium displaying a large yellow block M in the background.

U-M Climate Week Kickoff Event

10/01/2025
By: Sarah Meadows

U-M kicked off its first Climate Week with music, student voices, and bold commitments to climate leadership and action.

The University Record

U-M’s Climate Week to feature Granholm, numerous activities

09/22/2025
By: Lori Atherton
External

The University of Michigan is gearing up to host its first Climate Week, a series of engaging and innovative events focused on collaboration, engagement and collective action.

Book cover with bold red text reading "THE MIGHTY RED" across the center, and smaller white text beneath reading "A Novel." The background is a textured dark surface with small golden flecks, bisected vertically by a thick, jagged white line.

Climate Week community read: “The Mighty Red”

08/25/2025
External

This fall, as part of Climate Week, the entire university community is invited to read “The Mighty Red,” a novel by Louise Erdrich.