Rising fuel prices and the mortgage crisis are taking their toll on Michigan’s economy. Michigan relies on low fuel prices to support its economic foundation of automobiles, agriculture and tourism.
- How will rising fuel prices impact Michigan in the future?
- How can Michigan insulate itself from global economic turmoil?
- How can individuals, businesses, industry, and governments best prepare for the growing uncertainties and risks?
Michigan must take steps to mitigate risks and uncertainties in order to increase security, create jobs, and strengthen Michigan's economy.
Individuals and organizations must prepare for challenging times and work effectively to smoothly transition a new Michigan of tomorrow.
"The Conference on Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy and Environment" examines the challenges facing Michigan, examines strategies for turning things around, and seeks to create a new vision for the future of Michigan.
The conference program includes multiple focus areas:
- Michigan’s Energy Production: Past, Present & Future
- The World Oil Situation (Peak Oil)
- Instability and Uncertainty in the Global Economy
- Electricity Generation Challenges & Solutions
- Automotive and Transportation Opportunities
- Food Production & Distribution Systems
- High Efficiency Home and Building Design
- Climate Impacts and Future Scenarios
- Community, Municipal & State Level Planning
- Individual, Corporate, and Governmental Solutions
The conference kicks off with a status report of Michigan's energy supply,
the state of the U.S. auto industry, impacts of climate change on Michigan,
an overview economic crisis, and a look into the future of energy with world renown lecturer Richard Heinberg.
(Full agenda)
Conference Organizer Aaron Wissner, Peak Oil Educator Richard Heinberg, Crystal Mountain CEO Jim MacInnes
Heinberg is the world's foremost author of books exploring the energy situation. His books include "The Party's Over: Oil, War, and the Fate of Industrial Societies", "Powerdown: Options and Actions for a Post-Carbon World", and "Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines". Heinberg is a Senior Fellow of Post Carbon Institute and considered the world’s foremost peak oil educator and speaker.
Ellen Hodgson Brown (Web of Debt), Paul Murray (Herman Miller), Tony Earley (DTE Energy), Albert Bates (Ecovillage Network) and Jerry Norcia (MichCon) will also provide keynote addresses.
Over
forty speakers will present including Jim MacInnes, Richard Koldziej, Jim Bernier, Knut
Simonson, Bill Wilson, Tom Stanton, John Sarver, Kathleen Law, Steve Smiley, T.J.
Brown, John Richter, Tim Hudson, John Barrie, Christina Snyder, Kurt Cobb,
Thaddeus Owen, Mark Bauer, Patty Cantrell, Eric Baker, Richard Gilbert,
Stephanie Mills, Michael Brownlee, Dave Barnes and Aaron Wissner. (Full
speaker list)
Available now are analysis of Michigan's
future from peak oil experts Matthew Simmons, Julian Darley, and Richard
Heinberg. (Videos)
You are invited to join Michigan's brightest thinkers, foremost leaders, and early adopters to learn and plan for "Future Michigan".
Register now to reserve your seat.
The conference is organized by Local Future,
a nonprofit community education organization which also hosts
The International Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change.
