CCESS 2020
Welcome to CCESS 2020!
The Climate Change Education Solutions Summit (CCESS2020) will be held Thursday, October 22, 2020 on Zoom and include virtual presentations and panel discussions. Attendees, including academics, K-12 faculty, environmental scientists, and community leaders will share and discuss the latest developments in climate action and education in Michigan, nationally, and internationally. "Climate Change and Land" is the main theme of the CCESS2020 culminating with a workshop on climate change, land changes, and Earth observations.
Meet the CCESS 2020 Honorary Chair, George Heartwell
During his 12-year tenure as Mayor of Grand Rapids, the City was recognized by the United Nations as the country’s first Regional Center for Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development, by the US Chamber of Commerce as the nation’s most sustainable mid-sized city, and Heartwell was recognized by the US Conference of Mayors with the first place award for climate protection in the large city category.
Heartwell has received Gubernatorial appointments from both Democrat and Republican Governors of Michigan, including his current appointment as State Transportation Commissioner, and was appointed by President Obama to serve on the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Resilience. He has a professional background in business, government, and higher education. He completed his undergraduate studies at Albion College and holds the Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary. Heartwell is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.
This event is sponsored by the GVSU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Regional Math and Science Center, Michigan Space Consortium, GVSU Geography and Sustainable Planning Department, GVSU Career Center, Padnos International Center, Koeze Business Ethics Initiative, and GVSU Office of Sustainability Practices.
For more information, please contact the CCESS2020 Planning Committee Chair, Dr. Elena Lioubimtseva at [email protected]