A local leadership climate change conversation
Climate change policy in 2021 has been punctuated by the United Nation’s International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report raising alarm bells and the newly reached global climate agreement at COP26. While the deal reached in Glasgow includes several important developments, many say leaders have failed to meet the urgency of the moment – both in terms of emissions reductions and climate justice.
As changes at the Minnesota state level to incorporate climate change into environmental review begin, leaders shared their work to proactively incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation into the planning and implementation of local projects.
Speakers
- Adri Arquin – Youth Member, Saint Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board
- Robert Blake – Founder and CEO, Solar Bear
- Kevin Bright – Energy and Sustainability Director, Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and City of Rochester
- Dan Katzenberger – Member, Eden Prairie Sustainability Commission
- Jamez Staples – President and CEO, Renewable Energy Partners
Resources
Below are links to resources mentioned by speakers during the session.
- Braver Angels Minnesota
- Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
- Climate Reality Leadership Core (The Climate Reality Project)
- Congress for the New Urbanism
- Destination Medical Center Community Co-design Process
- East Side Employment Xchange
- EcoDistricts
- Eden Prairie Community Solar Project
- Fresh Energy
- Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
- Net Impact
- Next City
- Saint Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board
- Twin Cities Rotary Eco Club
- Urban Sustainability Directors Network
- U.S. Green Building Council
Thank you Dorsey & Whitney, LLP and Wenck, now part of Stantec for sponsorship of the 2021 Policy Forum Series. Thank you also to Great River Energy, WSB, and Xcel Energy for supporting sponsorship for this event.