Students walking on campus during Fall.
Fall Into Sustainability: Upcoming Coffee Chats and Climate Literacy Events

This fall, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability is brewing up some of exciting and educational events to deepen your understanding of sustainability, climate change, and tips to implement on campus. These Coffee Chats and our Climate Literacy Teach-in are a perfect way to engage with experts, learn from your peers, and take action for our planet. Mark your calendars and join us!

☕ Friday, September 27th from 10-11am (Zoom):  
Ice Cores & Climate Change Coffee Chat 

Hear from renowned Climate Scientist, Dr. Peter Neff, and PhD candidate in the Neff Lab, Julia Andreasen. This discussion will dive into the fascinating world of glaciology and ice core research to better understand our changing climate. Dr Neff is also the Director of Field Research and Data for the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX), a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center that seeks to find the oldest possible ice core records of past climate preserved in Antarctica. Peter shares widely about ice core climate science via X/Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram 

To register, click here

☕ Tuesday, October 1st from 10-11am (Zoom):  
Solar for Home and Business Owners Coffee Chat 

Join three local solar professionals to learn more about the solar industry in Minnesota and the role solar energy plays in greening the grid. This session will provide diverse perspectives on topics including financial incentives, a just transition to renewable energy, and practical guidance for anyone considering solar power for their residence or business.

Panelists: Jennifer Lindahl (CERTs Regional Coordinator, SE Regional Office Rochester, UMN Extension RSDP), Bob Blake (Owner, Solar Bear), and James Ayer (Minnesota Solar Professional).

To register, click here.

 ☕ Friday, October 18th from 9:30-10:30am (Zoom): 
Impacts of Climate Change on MN Agriculture Coffee Chat

This discussion will take a look at Minnesota's changing climate and how these changes are impacting local agriculture. We will hear from a panel of experts coming from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives including two local Minnesota farmers. We will also touch on the role of artificial intelligence and how AI intersects with climate-smart agriculture.

Panelists: Katie Black (Extension Educator, Climate Adaptation and Resilience), Craig Laplante (Farmer from Fisher, MN), Shawn Haag (Executive Director, AI-CLIMATE Institute), and Anne Schwagerl (Farmer; VP of the Minnesota Farmers Union).

To register, click here.

 ☕ Thursday, November 7th from 10-11am (Zoom):  
Food Security on Campus Coffee Chat  

This session will look at the issue of food insecurity and its impact on local communities. Dinkytown has often been described by UMN students and other locals as a food desert. We will take a look at campus food security issues and their impacts on our student population.

Panelists: Dr. Michael Boland (Professor; Agricultural and Food Business Management Major Coordinator), Jenny Breen (Faculty in Culinary Nutrition, Food Educator, & Chef), and Priscilla Bunday (Undergraduate Student; Member of the UMN Food Recovery Network).

To register, click here.

For more details on all of our Coffee Chats, click here

🌎 Thursday, November 14th:  
Climate Literacy Teach-In 

 Join us for an interactive Climate Literacy Teach-In event at the University of Minnesota this fall! Engage in hands-on activities and discussions with topic experts from across the U to deepen your understanding of climate change and learn what meaningful action looks like.

What is Climate Literacy?

NOAA Climate.gov defines Climate Science Literacy as:

"...an understanding of your influence on climate and climate’s influence on you and society. A climate-literate person understands the essential principles of Earth’s climate system, knows how to assess scientifically credible information about climate, communicates about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and is able to make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate." Source: NOAA Climate.gov

The Goal: Everyone walks away able to talk about climate change and apply their knowledge to their lives!

For more details on the Climate Literacy Teach-In, click here. 

 

These events are free and open to all members of the University of Minnesota. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability advocate or just beginning your journey, these sessions are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet like-minded individuals, and learn how to make a difference!

Let’s come together over coffee and conversation to create a more sustainable future!

All Sustainability News

Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program? 

"Illicit discharges are considered 'illicit' because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes." (EPA) As water runs down the street into storm drains, contaminated with illicit discharge (such as cigarette butts, trash, salt, vehicle fluids, or yard waste) from the street, it flows back down through the stormwater system and back into the river. Learn how you can help or report illicit discharge on campus.

Facilities Management’s Landcare team is the primary snow removal service provider for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, responsible for clearing nearly 100 miles of streets and walkways, and over 100 acres of parking surfaces. Learn more:

Climate Literacy 101 with Mayor Melvin Carter and Dr. Heidi Roop

Thursday, 11/14 from 11am-2pm: The Climate Literacy 101 interactive workshop is designed to interpret the science and impacts of climate change for broad action, on campus and beyond. 

We will be joined by special guests Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. Paul, and Dr. Heidi Roop, Assistant Director for Climate Services, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership.

Thursday, November 14th, 11am-2pm. Coffman Union, Mississippi Room (3rd floor). M Food Co is providing a "Climate Cool" lunch.
Register

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities continues to show its leadership in sustainability, earning recognition in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition. UMN Twin Cities received a perfect Green Rating score of 99, making it one of the top eco-friendly institutions. This rating evaluates universities based on campus sustainability, student life, and how well schools prepare students for careers in the clean-energy economy. This achievement emphasizes UMN's dedication to creating an environmentally conscious campus and providing students with a sustainable future. Discover how UMN Twin Cities is making a positive impact on campus and our planet!

The University of Minnesota's upcoming Climate Literacy Teach-In event is on November 14th from 11am-2pm. This events aims to engage students and faculty in meaningful discussions about climate change. With interactive activities, expert-led discussions, and a kickoff breakfast hosted by the Learning Abroad Center, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of climate issues and learn practical actions they can take. Additionally, a self-guided climate conversation activity allows individuals to facilitate discussions anywhere and anytime, emphasizing the importance of personal climate stories to drive climate awareness and change.

Green Labs Open House.png
Green Labs Open House events

Are you interested in learning more about lab sustainability efforts on campus and the new UMN Green Labs Certification Program and how to green your lab? Have you wondered how you could save energy in your lab and lower costs? Join one of two upcoming Green Labs Open House events co-hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the College of Biological Sciences. Learn more
 Register

This fall, the University of Minnesota’s FM Landcare team is planting 105 climate-adaptable trees across campus to diversify the landscape and increase resilience against pests. The trees being planted include a mix of borderline hardy species, new varieties for the campus, and reliable or native trees. Sourced from the campus gravel bed nursery, these trees are easy to plant and acclimate quickly to their environment. Learn more about the tree varieties and discover climate-resilient options for your own yard in this story map publication from the UMN Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

This fall, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability is hosting a series of educational and engaging events to help deepen your knowledge of sustainability, climate change, and actions you can take on campus and beyond. With insightful Coffee Chats featuring experts and a hands-on Climate Literacy Teach-In, these events provide a great opportunity to connect with professionals, learn from your peers, and take steps toward a greener future. From ice core research to food security on campus, each session provides a new insight on different sustainability topics.

All events are free and open to the anyone that attends the University of Minnesota. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars, grab your coffee, and join us in working toward a more sustainable campus!

Resilience Plan now available

The Climate Resilience Plan, addendum to the 2023 Climate Action Plan, is now available.

Learn more   See the Plan