Climate Week Events

Win prizes by getting involved with Climate Week! Complete four activities in a row, column, or diagonal on the tri-campus bingo card, and choose a sustainability prize from the Planet Blue Ambassador Program. Access the card here.

Visit the Law Quad throughout Climate Week for a self-guided walking tour featuring exhibits that explore timely developments in climate law and their impacts on the natural world. This event is free and open to the public.

Ground yourself through an immersive, outdoor environmental art experience! In this independent engagement opportunity, you are encouraged to explore Maya Lin's Wave Field anytime during Climate Week. North Campus' Wave Field explores both the formal and experiential qualities of ocean wave formations by translating them into large-scale, site-specific earthworks.

Take the self-guided online Planet Blue Ambassador training to get an overview of U-M Campus Sustainability initiatives and opportunities to get involved on your campus! Offerings include: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, and Ann Arbor-Lab trainings.

Come tour the Recycle Ann Arbor facilities! There will be 6 station stops and 8 tour groups running every 30 minutes from 8:30 to 12:30. Tour groups will consist of 20 people per group. Registration required.

Join the U-M School of Social Work for a service day at Keep Growing Detroit to learn more about a Detroit-based urban farm and organization working to cultivate a food-sovereign city. Registration required.

Get a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Michigan Football Stadium is working to divert 90% of waste from the landfill with this walking tour. This event requires some walking and stairs. Registration required.

Come explore the local thrift store, Kiwanis Thrift Sale, with Zero Waste Club! Kiwanis staff will give a tour of the store, explain the environmental impacts of shopping sustainably, and allow participants to thoroughly explore the store and all the hidden gems they may find! Registration required.

Get to know local Ann Arbor vendors who are hosting fun, zero-waste activities to promote waste reduction in the community. Shop and explore the Kiwanis Thrift Store while there! This event is free and open to the public. Registration required.

Join RSSL and Growing Hope for a hands-on afternoon of urban gardening, community, and cooking. Tour the garden, learn about Growing Hope's mission, and work alongside a local chef to help prepare a meal for their annual fundraiser. Registration required.

Join this event to become a community scientist for Project Protect Avian Travel (Project PAT) - a UM-Dearborn initiative that monitors bird-window collisions to inform future investment in bird-safe window treatments.

Explore what it means to build disaster preparedness that centers, rather than overlooks, LGBTQIA+ communities left out of policy and practice. The first half of the session will share findings on flooding and extreme heat experiences among Ohio’s queer communities. The second half turns from research to practice as attendees will work through a short, hands-on climate emergency preparedness activity. Registration required.

Join U-M’s Trash Club and the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovation on the Diag for an A²ZERO Clothing Swap and build-your-own mending kit. This event is free and open to the public.

Stop by the monthly workshops hosted in partnership with the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. Repair a beloved item while learning new skills and enjoying refreshments. Registration required.

Learn the basics of climate resilience and explore how to apply these concepts to art by using recycled materials. After learning some brief visual storytelling techniques, attendees will tell their own climate stories by creating their own collages/junk journals.

Join the Graham Sustainability Institute and OVPSCA to learn more about the Michigan Community Climate Action Fellowship - a co-curricular fellowship that connects U-M students to grassroots climate organizations across the state. Hear from current participants about what it's like to be an M-CCAF Fellow, and learn about the application process from program staff. Light refreshments will be served.

Learn how a 440-million-year-old animal that has survived five extinction events is now being threatened, and what a coalition of scientists, lawyers, activists, bankers, teachers, and biomedical scientists is doing to save it. Check out informational tables before and an interactive panel after. Doors open at 3:45, and the film starts at 4:30. This event is FREE and OPEN to the GENERAL PUBLIC,Reservations are recommended but required.

This premiere film screening event includes informational tables and materials in the theater lobby
before and after screening with a brief film Introduction by the film makers followed by post screening
panel presenting and interacting with the audience. The Expert Panel includes Director Patrick Kirby
(Kirby Media Co.), and film stars Susan Linder (Wildlife Restoration Partnerships), Jay Bolden (Eli
Lilly and Company), Professor Ravi Anupindi (UofM Ross Business School), Moderated by Tim
Cernak (UofM College of Pharmacy). Theater Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. (the Theater Barton Pipe
Organ will be playing) and Film Screening starts at 4:30 p.m. UMCW26 Film Event Sponsors include
UofM Office of the Provost Climate Week 2026, UofM Ross Business School Technology and
Operations, UofM Erb Institute, UofM Pharmacy College, and Rotary Club of Ann Arbor.

Climate change is a systemic problem and requires systems-level thinking, so join the Systems Change Studio and see what role you play and how cross-sector collaboration can save the world. This event is also offered virtually at 3:30 pm. Registration required.

Join us for “A Breath of Fresh Air” and learn practices to refresh energy and reduce stress through mindful nature engagement. Meet at the grassy area outside the Biological Sciences Building and Natural History Museum. Registration encouraged but not required.

Take a moment to unwind and decompress through guided meditation and mindful observation of the fascinating plants, animals, habitats, and gardens found at UM-Dearborn.

Learn about the campus sustainability features and spaces that make U-M Dearborn a truly special place to learn, work, and grow. The tour begins at the west entrance of the Engineering Lab Building and ends at the Environmental Interpretive Center. Registration required.

Come to the grand opening of the Lab Swap Shop in its new location in the NCRC! Celebrate the Swap Shop's commitment to sustainable lab reuse practices and get free supplies and giveaways. This event is free and open to the public.

Explore the many water-related research opportunities at the University of Michigan! This event will feature a lightning panel of five people involved in Michigan water issues research so that students can get a better idea of the research opportunities available to them and how to get involved. Registration required.

Come learn about efforts to amplify and accelerate Campus as Lab activities, linking research and academic activities of the institution to our own land, buildings, and infrastructure. This event will include some informal tabling, lightning presentations highlighting examples of CAL projects underway, and an opportunity to tour Nancy Love’s lab for urine-to-fertilizer technology and research. Registration encouraged but not required.

Energy justice, the principle that all people should have access to affordable, clean energy and a say in their energy future, is fundamentally a social justice issue. Yet, the systemic intersection between energy systems and human well-being is rarely taught in traditional social work curricula. This panel brings together environmental advocates based in Oregon and Michigan to bridge this gap. Panelists will introduce what energy justice and energy democracy are, how they are impacting communities they work with, and how these issues connect to varied social justice issues. Register by 9/21.

Join Professor Denia Djokić, an Assistant Research Scientist at UM's Fastest Path to Zero Initiative, for a talk on advanced nuclear power's environmental and social impacts. Light refreshments will be provided.

Enjoy a free drink at the Student Sustainability Coalition's monthly coffee chats. Chat about sustainability topics (water conservation, AI, carbon neutrality, transportation, anything!) and share your passions and interests while helping contribute to a more sustainable University of Michigan. Also offered on 10/2 from 3- 4 PM at Maizie's Kitchen.

Climate change is a systemic problem and requires systems-level thinking, so join the Systems Change Studio and see what role you play and how cross-sector collaboration can save the world. This event is also offered in-person at 10 am. Registration required.

Join students, faculty, staff, and international partners for a conversation about reducing the carbon emissions of education abroad, incorporating sustainability into program design, and fostering meaningful global learning that goes beyond tourism.

Learn how Detroit is combating landfills one garment at a time and emerging as a quiet but mighty global epicenter, transforming fast fashion through new manufacturing technologies and talent.

Learn from U-M Flint students who are actively engaged in sustainability on and off campus and how you can be part of the change! Food will be provided. Registration required.

Watch an episode of 50 States of Sustainability, a PBS series highlighting people and communities across the country developing practical solutions to environmental challenges. The episode brings together three compelling stories: a solar farm, the founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, and an 11-year-old beekeeper. Afterward, a diverse panel will explore the connections among clean energy, agriculture, land use, energy efficiency, and biodiversity. Registration encouraged but not required.

Join Rebecca Weston for a keynote address on Climate Psychology and the vital role social workers can play in addressing the profound and intersecting challenges of our time. Framing our role as “witnesses” and placing the climate crisis in the context of an overlapping array of existential threats, Rebecca will also speak on the very specific mental health impacts of extreme weather and the complex ways in which individuals, groups, communities, and societies manage exceptionally hard feelings about climate change. Referencing both the dangerous rise of authoritarianism and the hopeful emergence of a collective, democratic response, she will conclude with a perspective on finding meaning, the power of our voice, and an approach to activism that is both sustainable and hopeful. Registration required.

Explore how U-M Library spaces, services, collections, and operations support environmental sustainability across campus. Visit participating library locations to learn about conservation, mending, creative reuse, sustainable digital preservation, energy conservation, seed sharing, and climate-related library resources. This event is free and open to the public. Buhr Building open house will be between 10AM - 12PM and Hatcher-Shapiro open house will be 12PM - 2PM.

Celebrate Michigan’s local flavors at Michigan Dining’s Welcome to Michigan Meal! Enjoy Campus Farm produce, locally sourced seafood, classic Detroit-style coney dogs, and offerings from vendors across the state. It’s the perfect event for anyone who loves a delicious meal and supporting a more sustainable future.

The Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Program is excited to welcome three recent alumni, Tyler Baird (MPP/SEAS MS '25), Ana Boyd (MPP/SEAS MS '25), and Zack Quirk (Earth and Environmental Sciences PhD '24) for an engaging conversation about their educational paths and current work in energy and environmental policy.

Connect with inner and outer landscapes with guided awareness exercises and creative prompts to bring attention to bodily sensations. Experiment with ways of being with kin from the more-than-human world by spending time with indoor and outdoor plants. There will be space to share responses and experiences in an atmosphere of support, curiosity, and play. Bring your desired writing/art materials. Space is limited to 40 people, please register by September 23.

Walk around central campus to view and learn more about exciting sustainability features in U-M's buildings and grounds. This event will be outdoors and require walking approximately 1 mile on paved surfaces. Please meet outside at the Hatcher Library steps.

Turn climate awareness into meaningful action by learning how to advocate for healthier communities through a hands-on workshop that guides participants in writing to elected officials on climate and public health issues.

Find out about UM-Dearborn's new interdisciplinary major on sustainability in the Social Sciences and meet faculty!

Building on the momentum of last year’s event, the 2026 Climate-Health Mixer will bring together U-M researchers from across campus who are working at the intersection of climate and health. The event will showcase the breadth of climate-health research occurring across campus, create opportunities for meaningful interdisciplinary connections, and help strengthen a vibrant, collaborative climate-health research community.

Learn about the University's tune-up program for our HVAC systems and how it fits into our carbon neutrality goals. You'll hear how we dream up energy conservation retrofits for existing buildings and how we know when a building's HVAC is working well. This event is free and open to the public.

Join us for a fireside chat with Tim Mohin, CEO of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and former CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative. Tim will unpack how standardized carbon accounting became the backbone of corporate and government climate action—and where it still falls short. Attendees will get a candid insider's look at the gap between sustainability pledges and actual emissions reductions. Registration required.

Join us for a conversation with renowned Brazilian primatologist Dr. Julio Bicca-Marques before a screening of the award-winning documentary We Are Guardians, exploring how science, community leadership, and collective action can help protect the Amazon. Registration required.

Learn how climate change influences mental health and wellbeing with a brief overview of the psychological responses to climate change and climate-fueled extreme weather events. Other topics covered include eco-emotions, environmental justice, and therapy for climate distress. Please register by 9/21.

Drop in for an informal conversation that explores the importance of telling Indigenous stories in public places, how that story relates to the environment, and current efforts on campus to bring more awareness to a people whose voice is often neglected, the Anishnaabek.

Come shop produce grown by students at the weekly pop-up market and education project. In addition to fresh, local produce, the Farm Stand offers hands-on food system education by creating opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to engage with farming, food, and sustainability at U-M. This event is free and open to the public.

Join experts and community leaders for a discussion on how climate change is affecting human health, from extreme heat and air quality to mental health and environmental justice, and learn what actions we can take to build healthier, more resilient communities.

This presentation explores the intersection of climate change, forced migration, refugee resettlement, and culturally meaningful nutrition. Participants will examine how displacement disrupts traditional food systems and why access to familiar foods is deeply connected to health, identity, dignity, and belonging. Through the story of Refugee Garden Initiatives (RGI), participants will learn how community-led approaches can help rebuild connections between people, culture, and food while strengthening community resilience. Following a brief presentation, participants will engage in an interactive activity that invites them to reflect on their own food traditions and consider how the loss of culturally meaningful foods might affect physical health, mental well-being, identity, and community. Please register by 9/21.

Join us at the Lab Swap Shop to repurpose surplus lab supplies into fun art activities! This is a great way to reduce waste, rehome lab equipment, and unite departments across campus. This event is free.

Join an interactive negotiation role-play exploring how communities, industry representatives, and public decision-makers navigate complex choices surrounding data-center development. Participants will take on the roles of diverse stakeholders and explore whether and under what conditions a shared agreement is possible. Participants will practice moving beyond zero-sum thinking, framing issues strategically, building coalitions, and navigating compromise without sacrificing core priorities. The simulation recognizes that not everything is negotiable and reaching an agreement is not required. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the trade-offs, interests, and power dynamics shaping this timely, local topic, along with practical collaboration and negotiation skills applicable in other settings. No prior negotiation or data-center expertise is required. Appetizers and refreshments provided.

A note about participation: This is a skills-building exercise intended to foster learning across different perspectives and does not advocate, promote, or endorse any particular position, policy, company, or project. The scenario and roles are fictional and should not be interpreted as descriptions of any specific project. Because each role is essential to the simulation, please register and attend only if you can stay for the full session. Please note that this event is not related to the U-M LANL which will be hosting a town hall the same day in Ypsi. If your plans change, please cancel promptly so someone else can participate. This event is free and open to any U-M community member, but registration is required.

Join a discussion with a panel of global partners discussing global nursing and sustainability either virtually or in-person.

Explore the connections between nature, creativity, and well-being through the living language of willow. Join artist and farmer Howard Peller, botanist Dr. Selena Smith, and invited Indigenous and campus voices for a conversation on willow's cultural history, ecological importance, materiality, and role in fostering resilience and human well-being. Refreshments are available at 9am. Registration is encouraged. A separate hands-on weaving workshop is to follow.

Join leaders from policy, industry, design, and education to explore the innovations needed to scale mass timber adoption across the Great Lakes region. The symposium is organized into three thematic sessions: Policies and Incentive Structures, Educating Future Professionals, and A Full Systems Values Approach.

Connect with fellow U-M community members in a safe space to pause, connect, and talk about their experiences regarding the environment and climate change, a.k.a. Climate Café. Registration required.

The workshop will introduce the Living Willow Structures future campus wide project, through a hands-on willow weaving workshop where participants can experience the mindful, restorative process of creating with this remarkable material. Following the earlier talk with artist and farmer Howard Peller and guests, Peller will lead a separate hands-on willow weaving workshop where participants can experience the mindful, restorative process of creating with this remarkable material. Registration required.

Learn more about UM-Flint's campus sustainability initiatives and U-M's commitment to carbon neutrality. Participants will become certified Planet Blue Ambassadors at the end of this training and can put it on their resumes and CVs!

Join U-M Health Sustainability Leaders for a conversation with Victor Dzau, MD, to discuss the critical role of the healthcare sector in driving meaningful climate action. Learn about national efforts to decarbonize healthcare systems and the implications for U-M Health’s clinical practices, facilities, and procurement processes. Discover how our faculty and staff can champion climate-resilient care and lead the way toward a greener future for Michigan Medicine. This event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Pitch your boldest sustainability idea for greener living in a Shark Tank-style showdown! Compete for funding and help shape the future of environmentally friendly residence hall living on campus. Registration required.

Join LSA Sustainability and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology staff for a sustainability tour of the Museum! Have you ever wondered what reuse and recycling looked like in the ancient Mediterranean world? Learn more about how people repurposed old building materials, glass lamps, and shipping containers to give them new life. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Enjoy a free drink at the Student Sustainability Coalition's monthly coffee chats. Chat about sustainability topics (water conservation, AI, carbon neutrality, transportation, anything!) and share your passions and interests while helping contribute to a more sustainable University of Michigan. Also offered on 9/29 from 3- 4 PM at Palmer Commons.

Join us for this inclusive, day-long excursion as we build community with each other through kayaking, hiking, and learning about outdoor activities that will enhance your time in the elements. This is a full-day event, and you must be available for all of it. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Open to Flint students only. Registration required.

Join us as we run towards a sustainable future. The Office of Campus Sustainability & Innovation, in partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, will be sponsoring the 5K and 10K portions of the Ann Arbor Marathon race course. Register to participate in the race and take note of the efforts Epic Races has put into making this an eco-friendly event. Participants can enjoy an exciting downtown finish celebration and will have the opportunity to discover more about the many aspects of sustainability throughout the U-M campus and the City of Ann Arbor. Registration required.

Kick off the STEMM Festival by exploring how communities are responding to climate challenges and building resilience through research, innovation, and collaboration. This event is free and open to the public.

Explore the importance of oaks in Michigan, the ecosystems they support, and why their stewardship matters in a changing climate. Participants will have the opportunity to take home a free oak seedling. Space is limited; registration is required.

Celebrate the intersection of sound, art, and ecology at the Refugia Festival. This public event features performances by musicians working with ambient sound and non-traditional instrumentation, creating immersive experiences that respond to the surrounding landscape. Explore booths and activities hosted by local environmental organizations, and take part in nature-based experiences for all ages. Come early or drop by anytime. Tickets are required.