February, 2026

Wednesday, February 4

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SEAS Community Conversation: Centering Resilience & Joy

Join the SEAS Collective Impact Committee (CIC) for a conversation to discuss the role of resiliency and joy in our work and lives. Reflecting on the University of Michigan's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium’s 2026 theme, “Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice,” we’ll explore the connection between finding joy and maintaining resilience, and reflect on why doing so is necessary to our ability to be impactful through our work.

Resiliency and joy are crucial to our ability to engage meaningfully and effectively in our work, but these ideas can often be overlooked, difficult to center, or even taken for granted. Where have you found joy? How have you remained resilient in the face of complex challenges and stress?

Join us to share your perspectives and experience and connect with fellow students, staff, faculty, and community members! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Dana Building, 440 Church St. Room 2315. Free. Click here to register by January 28.

Tuesday February 10

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Implementing the A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan: Countdown to 2030

The built environment is the single largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions—making our industry a key player in the fight against climate change. As identified by Architecture 2030 in 2006 and adopted by the AIA 2030 Commitment, 2030 is a pivotal deadline for emissions reductions. This presentation charts the Countdown to 2030: where we started, where we stand, and how we accelerate toward a zero-carbon future. Attendees will explore built environment climate targets, celebrate industry progress, and discuss the path to 2030 and a decarbonized built environment. Speaker: Vincent Martinez, Hon. AIA, EIT, CEO Architecture 2030. Virtual. Free. Click here for registration.

Tuesday February 10

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Data Centers, Energy, and Water Systems: Modeling the Impacts on Infrastructure, Environment, and Affordability

Speaker: Rabab Haider, University of Michigan Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Michigan League. 911 N. University Ave. Hussey Room. Free and open to the public. Click here to register.

Tuesday, February 10

7:00 p.m.

Climate Changemakers: Allison Tovar

Sometimes it’s hard to make the leap from worrying about climate change to actually doing something about it. The Climate Reality Project has recently teamed up with Climate Changemakers, a group with a tested method of engaging climate advocates to help enact real systemic change. At our February Washtenaw Climate Reality meeting, we’ll have Allison Tovar from Climate Changemakers join us and take us through the Climate Changemakers process, step by step. So please join us and let’s start making change!  Zoom. Free. Click here for Zoom link. Passcode: 811619. dgurk@hotmail.com

Wednesday, February 11

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Overcoming The Economic and Legal Barriers to Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects

David Adelman, Harry M. Reasoner Regents Chair in Law at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, will present his paper entitled, "Overcoming the Economic and Legal Barriers to Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects." Part of the University of Michigan Environmental and Energy Law Program Lecture Series. Jeffries Hall. 701 S. State St. Room 1020. Free and open to the public.

Monday, February 16

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Renewable Energy Funding for Tax-Exempt Organizations: It's Not Too Late!

Join Lissa Spitz, with the Washtenaw 2030 District, to understand how to deploy renewable energy systems before the ITC deadlines, including multiple funding options for houses of worship, non-profits, and other tax-exempt groups. 

Elective Pay - Tax Credits for Tax Exempt Entities

Tax-exempt entities can still take advantage of federal tax credits, receiving payment for a percentage of eligible clean energy projects. 

Eligible Entities: 

• Local and Tribal governments
• Non-profits
• Rural electric co-ops
• Houses of worship
• Public School Districts
• Community Colleges & Public Universities 

Eligible projects can include:

• Solar power
• Geothermal & Wind 
• Energy storage/batteries
• EV chargers installed before 6/30/26

Zoom. Free. Registration required. Click here for registration. Michigan@ThirdAct.org

MONTHLY CLIMATE ACTION MEETINGS

Citizens' Climate Lobby -- Ann Arbor

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. Second Saturday of every month. National CCL call at 1:00 p.m., followed by monthly chapter meeting at 2:00. Free. Downtown Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., also click here for Zoom. Passcode: 123 annarbor@citizensclimatelobby.org 

(734) 657-3150

Washtenaw Climate Reality

Take action. Inspire Action. Washtenaw Climate Reality works for effective climate action in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and worldwide. Second Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. Free. Click here for Zoom meeting.Meeting ID: 823 3352 3056. Passcode: 088990 dgurk@hotmail.com

Promotional Partners

The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA calendar of climate action events is brought to you by the same people who present the A2 Climate Teach-in.

The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA website, which includes a list of local climate action organizations; action steps individuals can take; and past issues of the newsletter can be found here.

For information or to submit calendar events: info@climateactioncityusa.com