GLIN==> Michigan State University to host climate change symposium April 26 and 27

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Scientists say global warming is already making its mark on Michigan, and more changes are on the way for the Great Lake State.  What does this mean for the local climate?  How will those changes affect the state's top industries?  Can the emerging bioeconomy make Michiganders more prosperous while protecting our natural resources? 

Prominent policymakers, researchers, business officials and journalists will tackle those questions and more as Michigan State University hosts "Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Opportunities: Michigan and Beyond," a symposium to be held at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing on April 26 and 27. 

"Climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of our lives, from where we live, work and play to the crops we grow and the vast array of natural resources we enjoy," said Steve Pueppke, director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, which is sponsoring the event.  

"Understanding the potential impacts of global warming in Michigan will be critical to the continued economic and environmental well-being of Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes states."  

Symposium sessions will examine climate change from various perspectives, including agriculture, energy supply, environmental policy, transportation, public health, energy efficiency, the "smart grid," biofuels, public opinion, community development and the media. The symposium will engage with the Michigan Climate Action Plan, developed in 2009 to guide the state. 

"This symposium offers a prime opportunity for academics, policymakers and stakeholders to obtain frontier knowledge, exchange important ideas, and actively engage in discussions that will move the state forward in formulating and implementing sound climate change and renewable energy policies," said Jinhua Zhao, an MSU economist who leads the bioeconomy and climate change research in the College of Social Science. 

The public is welcome to attend this free event, but registration is required.  Online registration and a full symposium agenda are available at http://www.espp.msu.edu/climatechange/symposium.php. 

The symposium is organized by MSU's Environmental Science and Policy Program.  
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