Voices for Carbon Neutrality
Accelerating the University of Michigan towards carbon neutrality
Voices for Carbon Neutrality (VCN) is a group of University of Michigan faculty, staff, and alumni leaders actively advocating for carbon neutrality at U-M. The mission of VCN is to serve as a catalyst and accelerant to drive U-M toward carbon neutrality.
AI Data Centers: A Key Focus for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
VCN submitted a letter to President Grasso and provided insights during the September Regents meeting, addressing concerns related to the proposed data center’s energy, water usage, and environmental justice impacts. Engagement with the President’s office and UM’s administration is ongoing.
Click here to read the letter to the President and click here to read VCN Member Regent comments.
Click here to read about the energy and water challenges associated with data centers in Michigan.
VCN Member Juan Cole Honored as Distinguished Faculty by the Regents
Juan Cole, the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), has recently been honored as one of only six distinguished faculty members by the Regents. This recognition celebrates Cole’s exceptional teaching, dedicated service, and significant contributions to the University. Read more here. Congratulations, Juan!
VCN Recognized at U of M’s Inaugural Climate Week
VCN, along with PCCN and SCNN, was honored during the University of Michigan's inaugural Climate Week kickoff. All three groups were acknowledged for their contributions to advancing the university's goal of carbon neutrality. VCN would like to extend its gratitude to Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action Shalanda Baker, Associate Vice President for Campus Sustainability Shana Weber, and Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer Tony Denton for their leadership in this important initiative.
Pictured left to right: Shalanda Baker, Shana Weber, and Tony Denton.
University of Michigan Climate Week 2025
Mark your calendars for the University of Michigan's inaugural Climate Week! September 27 - October 5, 2025, is dedicated to climate action and sustainability, showcasing a diverse range of campus programming. Click here to see featured events.
UofM Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program Announces New Report on Advanced Nuclear Energy Futures
This study explores the social, environmental, and equity impacts of advanced nuclear technologies, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs), through an innovative case study approach. A webinar with the authors to learn about their findings and policy recommendations for SMR governance and uranium supply chain management is scheduled for Dec 11, 2025, 12:00 PM. Register for the webinar here.
Alumni Association Staff Push for Carbon Neutrality at U-M
Alumni Association advocacy staff spoke with two VCN members and published an article about VCN’s work advancing carbon neutrality at the University of Michigan. Click here to read the article!
Join VOICES FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY TO HOLD THE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTABLE TO ITS NEW GOALS
Recent News
(Image credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Friends of the Earth)
