Forum: Sustainability Here and There

Forum will by by Zoom only.

The term “sustainability” is everywhere. It’s hard to find a product or a company that isn’t touting some sustainability accomplishments or commitments. Right here at Michigan Tech, there is a person (me!) with “sustainability” in their job title! But what does it mean and why does it matter? We’ll explore some foundational concepts and trends around sustainability and discuss how “sustainability thinking” can alter trajectories at the individual, organizational, community, and global levels. It will be an interactive session with some live Zoom polls and moments for personal reflection, so please plan on engaging with your thoughts and ideas.

Alan Turnquist is the Director of Sustainability and Resilience at Michigan Tech. Previously, he held various positions at Michigan Tech and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, mostly managing programs focusing on sustainability and food systems. He studied at the UW-Madison where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies, a Master’s in Applied Economics, and a Juris Doctorate with a focus on environmental policy. He lives in Houghton with his wife, Erin Syth, and two curious children (Lila, 7 and Sami, 3).