Summit On Energy Innovation, Resource Scarcity, Preparedness, Sustainability

GRAND RAPIDS ? West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum?s Climate Resiliency Framework Initiative will host the West Michigan Climate Resiliency Conference October 6 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids.

The full-day event will introduce participants to national and local thought leaders on climate resiliency in the public and private sectors, a line-up of experts in climate change adaptation, emergency preparedness, stormwater management, organizational vulnerability and energy innovation.

The conference will also serve as the pilot for a Toolbox for philosophical intervention to communication issues inherent in climate change adaptation and related topics, designed for the National Science Foundation?s Research Network for Sustainable Climate Risk Management and developed through a series of meetings with West Michigan stakeholders hosted by WMSBF earlier this year. This part of the summit will help define shared opportunities for local organizations to respond to the key issues associated with climate change.

Registration includes all program materials, continental breakfast, lunch and one complimentary drink during post-conference reception.

Speakers Include:

David Titley, Director of the Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk at Penn State University.

Larissa Larsen, University of Michigan Associate Professor and co-author of the USGBC climate resiliency study.

Dan Scripps, president of Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council

Michael O?Rourke, Michigan State University Professor, Director of the NSF-Sponsored Toolbox Project

Mayor George Heartwell, City of Grand Rapids

Chuck Lippstreu, Michigan Agri-Business Association

Haris Alibasic, Director of the City of Grand Rapids Office of Energy & Sustainability

Jim Patchett, Founder and President of Conservation Design Forum

Aaron Ferguson, Project Manager & Health Educator, Climate & Health Adaptation Program, Michigan Dept. Community Health

Alison Sutter, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Key Green Solutions