Central Michigan University

Climate change's effect on state economy focus of CMU Griffin Forum

Monday, March 24, 2008

Topics in this story: American politics and society, College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Political Science

Central Michigan University's spring 2008 Griffin Policy Forum will explore climate change as an answer to improving Michigan's ailing economy.

The forum, "Can Climate Changes Heat Up Michigan's Economy?" will take place April 9 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in CMU's Warriner Hall Plachta Auditorium. A reception will be held prior to the forum in Warriner Hall's second floor lobby from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Admission to both the forum and the reception is free and open to the public.

"Climate change represents a significant global threat to our environment but along with this threat comes potential opportunity," said Gary Peters, CMU's Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government. "Michigan businesses are in a unique position to develop technologies that can address the threat of global climate change while expanding our state economy."

Steven E. Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, will moderate the forum. Panelists will include:

• Jon Allan, manager of environmental and laboratory services for Consumers Energy;
• James A. Croce, president and chief executive officer of NextEnergy;
• Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council; and
• Michael E. Witt, project director of climate change, energy policy and sustainability for The Dow Chemical Company.

Discussion topics will include how Michigan can be transformed into a leader in clean energy, the possible mandating of a renewable electric standard, the question of whether or not a climate action plan should be created for Michigan, the cost of climate change and the actions that state government should take now.

"Each of the Griffin forum panelists are at the forefront of the alternative energy debate and their insights should be of great interest to anyone concerned about the future of Michigan," said Peters.

The Griffin Policy Forums are hosted twice yearly by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government, the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the department of political science at CMU. The forums help to raise political awareness and participation among students, faculty and community members, along with preparing political leaders for Michigan's future.

For more information, visit the Griffin Policy Forum Web site at http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/griffin/forums/2008_spring_energy/default.htm.