More than 150 students, faculty, and staff from the University of Michigan convened at Huntington Place in Detroit for the 2025 MI Healthy Climate Conference, held in celebration of Earth Day. Representing all three U-M campuses, the delegation—composed primarily of students—joined nearly 1,000 attendees from across the state, affirming U-M’s strong commitment to climate action.
Coordinated by the Office of the Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action (OVPSCA), the U-M delegation exemplified the university’s pledge to work alongside Michigan communities to build a sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future.
The two-day conference, held April 22–23, centered on the theme "Road to 2030," aligning with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP), which charts a path toward statewide carbon neutrality by 2050. The agenda featured plenaries, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities exploring the MHCP’s six key areas: environmental justice, clean energy, electrified transportation, building decarbonization, industrial innovation, and land and water protection.
Highlights from the event included major policy announcements from Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, reinforcing the state’s momentum toward a clean energy future. For many students, it was particularly meaningful to hear from U-M’s own Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, Shalanda Baker, who helped open the conference with a plenary keynote presentation discussing the unique environmental challenges faced by rural, urban, and indigenous communities in the state of Michigan, as well as the state’s opportunity to create a future in which all Michiganders can thrive, regardless of zip code.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces the launch of the statewide Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program to help families lower their energy costs.
U-M student and OVPSCA intern Arielle Smith shares a table with colleagues from EGLE during a plenary session..
Members of the U-M delegation gather in front of the Huntington Center for a group photo.
Vice Provost Shalanda Baker and Sustainability Programs Coordinator Aboli Dahiwadkar join students on the bus ride to Detroit.
U-M attendees pause for a photo and reflect on a productive day at the conference.
Vice Provost Shalanda Baker addresses an audience of nearly 1,000 to help kick off the 2025 MI Healthy Climate Conference.
Graham Sustainability Institute Director Jennifer Haverkamp shares a laugh with a student as a plenary session begins.
A full room listens as Vice Provost Shalanda Baker speaks about building a future where all Michiganders can thrive.
Staff and students smile together during a well-earned break.
“The State of Michigan has set bold climate goals and built strong, cross-sector partnerships to achieve them—and the University of Michigan is proud to be part of that momentum,” said Baker. “As a premier public research university, we’re committed to leveraging both our scholarship and our public mission to support this work. By bringing a large delegation to the MI Healthy Climate Conference, we’re signaling that U-M is here to listen, learn, and contribute our resources where they’re needed most. We’re working to shape a just, sustainable future—and to prepare the climate and energy leaders who will carry that work forward.”
Students embraced the opportunity enthusiastically. Bryan Harkins, an Engineering student, noted, “Allowing students to attend and meet with people who are advocating for climate reform is crucial to helping them understand how to continue the fight.” Jessica Soulliere, studying Landscape Architecture, found relevance in green workforce development: “Understanding state support for green jobs is essential for future sustainability leaders.”
Reflecting on the conference, Engineering student Katie Watson found inspiration and knowledge. “I really enjoyed meeting so many partners that are part of the climate solution in so many different ways. I was able to expand my network and learn more about opportunities in my intended career field while also learning about work being done in tangential sectors that are equally important. Meeting other professionals in the sustainability space was inspiring, uplifting, and filled me with determination and passion.”
Students overwhelmingly expressed interest in similar future opportunities. “Having young, passionate people at conferences like this is important so they are well-educated on the professional world of climate action,” noted Lindsay Harvey, an LSA and SPH student.
As the university and state continue their intertwined paths toward carbon neutrality, the MI Healthy Climate Conference underscored key imperatives: deep partnerships, interdisciplinary integration, community support, and a foundation in justice. The University of Michigan delegation arrived as eager collaborators and departed with renewed dedication to these principles, equipped with new skills, enthusiasm, and valuable relationships to advance our collective climate goals.