A podcast series exploring how to propel a clean energy transformation in the Great Lakes State. Hosted by Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities and the Michigan Climate Action Network.
Join host Kate Madigan for a series of interviews with experts to explore how we transition Michigan to a clean energy economy to help solve the climate crisis while creating economic stimulus in this changing landscape. If you care about protecting Michigan from an overheated future, and want to rebuild the economy to be more resilient, just, and sustainable, this is the podcast for you.
EPISODES
PODCAST HOSTS
Kate Madigan
Jim Lively
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EPISODE 21:
Climate Action: What can we expect from Congress?
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In the recent Michigan Climate & Clean Energy Summit, co-hosted by Michigan Climate Action Network and Groundwork, we invited Michigan’s U.S. Senators Peters and Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib to discuss the likelihood and scope of potential congressional action to stop global warming. This episode of our podcast is a recording of their comments edited into a single broadcast. The legislators express a genuine understanding of the urgent need to transition to a clean energy economy, and a commitment to do what’s needed to pass legislation that will deploy the full might of the U.S. government to create the essential renewable energy infrastructure we need—and the jobs that will be created as the nation moves beyond fossil fuels.
EPISODE 20:
Michigan climate & clean energy summit preview
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These are historic days in the arc of Michigan’s clean energy transformation, and to give momentum and inspiration to that transformation Groundwork and MiCAN teamed up to present the Michigan Climate & Clean Energy Summit, May 24–27. In this brief episode Summit organizers share highlights and their thoughts on what we can expect!
EPISODE 19: nancy wang
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Our guest today is Nancy Wang, executive director and a founding member of Voters Not Politicians, the organization that led the successful ballot initiative to end gerrymandering and draw fair districts in Michigan. Nancy led the policy committee that wrote the constitutional amendment language with input from the public. Nancy is an attorney, and prior to leading Voters Not Politicians, she was the Director of the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. We talk about redistricting, climate policy, and how gerrymandering threatens our democracy.
EPISODE 18: Esosa Aimufua
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In this episode we interview Esosa Aimufua, an attorney at Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). Enbridge is trying to keep climate impacts from being considered as the state reviews the company’s proposed oil tunnel. Esosa is one of the attorneys leading the fight to convince the state of Michigan to consider the climate impacts of Enbridge’s massive oil tunnel as part of its review.
EPISODE 17: Laura schmidt
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This episode of Speaking of Resilience features LaUra Schmidt, co-founder of the Good Grief Network, a nonprofit organization that creates community space to process the painful feelings and realities of our time, and to help participants orient their lives toward meaningful action.
EPISODE 16: Jim MacInnes
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We invite Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort, in Benzie County, Michigan, to discuss the impact of warmer winters on the people, culture and business of Michigan—and what we must do now to slow global warming. Jim is among the best people in the nation to explore this topic because prior to running a ski resort he was an electric power engineer working with some of the nation’s largest electric utilities.
EPISODE 15: douglas jester
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Douglas Jester is a partner at 5 Lakes Energy and one of the most knowledgeable energy experts in the state. We talk with him about what achieving carbon neutrality for Michigan’s entire economy means, and what we need to do in the shorter term to be on track to meet that goal. We also discuss the devastating power outages that happened recently in Texas, and his work on the UP Energy Task Force — including how the UP can transition to clean electric heat sources and save money.
EPISODE 14: GILLIAN GIEM
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Gillian Giem is the Program Manager for the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, where she works to accelerate equitable investment in Michigan's carbon drawdown through smart energy management, mobility, and the adoption of high-performance buildings. We talk about how green buildings not only make a huge impact on reducing climate pollution but also save money and can enormously improve people’s quality of life. And we talk about specific programs Gillian works on like the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, bilingual Energy Assistance Program, and Grand Rapids Zero Cities Project.