DATE: May 8-10, 2007.

EVENT: The National Summit on Coping with Climate Change, hosted by the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment, will bring leading scientists and scholars together with key decision makers in a structured discussion that will address the options available to institutions, firms, and societies in the United States for adapting and responding to climate change.

Invited experts will identify adaptation needs in four critical areas: public health, energy industry, water quality and fisheries. Experts will develop cross-cutting options for actions that can be taken in anticipation of changes at the local, state and national levels to help prepare cities, counties and states as well as government, business and industry.

The summit is part of the Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan catalyst for action, established by former President Bill Clinton and the William J. Clinton Foundation for the purpose of bringing together global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to pressing world challenges.

Rosina Bierbaum, professor and dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, is hosting the summit. Participants include: Thomas Karl, director of the National Climatic Data Center; Susan Teirney, former assistant secretary of energy; and Robert Corell, director of the Global Change Program, The Heinz Center.

PUBLIC: The university community and the public are invited to attend plenary sessions on the first and the third day, May 8 and 10. Wednesday, May 9, will be a private working session for experts from around the country who have been invited to participate.

PLACE: Biomedical Science and Research Building. Auditorium, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor.

SPONSOR: The University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Summit websiteSchedule and speaker list (.pdf)