get tickets

Climate Solutions Series
 

Sat, Jan 27, 10 am–6 pm
Sun, Jan 28, 11 am-6 pm
American Swedish Institute*
 

Join The Great Northern at the American Swedish Institute for an engaging and thought-provoking series of dynamic discussions that offer expansive perspectives on innovative climate solutions. The sessions will touch on a wide range of topics and their intersections with the climate crises—including sustainability in Northern architectural design, fashion industry regulation, arts’ role, the nature of food, sustainability innovation in corporate systems, emerging careers in the climate field, learning from nature to guide activism, climate change’s impact on bird migration, winter sports as a site for community building, and Minnesota leadership in climate solutions, among others. The robust Climate Solutions Series aims to create a space for dreaming and envisioning a greener and more sustainable future for all.
 

FIKA will be open for lunch service from 11 am to 3 pm with Grab-N-Go options available at the FIKA counter 10 am to 4 pm (Nordic inspired items with vegan and vegetarian options, Swedish bakery, and espresso bar).

An additional Coffee Bar will be open outside of Larson Hall from 10 am to 5 pm featuring FIKA's specialty HOT SWEDE (house brew, cardamom syrup and cardamom whip cream) and Traditional Red Glögg (red wine, warming spices, port wine, ginger, citrus, cognac). Full bar will offer regular and spirit-free options.


*Excludes Project Drawdown: Storytelling as a Climate Solution, which will be hosted at Open Book Performance Hall (not American Swedish Institute). 

The Climate Solutions Series is made possible through the generous support of The McKnight Foundation.

Birds and the Changing Climate: Lessons From Across the Western Hemisphere10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWhat can we learn about climate change and bird species from their migratory patterns? Join us as international representatives of the National Audubon Society delve into the migratory patterns of several bird species.
Curating Climate Change11:30 AM - 12:30 PMExplore climate-focused curatorial positions in contemporary art institutions with John Kenneth Paranada (Sainsbury Centre Curator of Art and Climate Change), Soren Brothers (Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto), and Miranda Massie (Founder and Director, Climate Museum in New York).
Trend Alert: How the Fashion Act Could Change the Fashion Industry1:00 PM - 2:00 PMJoin fashion law and policy expert Betina Baumgarten and award-winning writer and editor Kate Nelson to explore how The Fashion Act can serve as a regulatory and legislative framework for driving systemic change in the fashion industry.
Minnesota Climate Leadership2:30 PM - 3:00 PMVisionary state leaders will speak on the profound implications of historic new environmental legislation and policy changes in Minnesota.
Emerging Careers in Climate3:30 PM - 4:30 PMJoin us for a series of “spark talks”—short presentations by experts in their field—that highlight a wide range of climate-related career options.
Gloria Walton: Solidarity Philanthropy, For the Love of Humanity5:00 PM - 6:00 PMHear from Gloria Walton (President and CEO of The Solutions Project) as she shares her insights on the importance of community-led climate justice solutions, what it means to be in solidarity with frontline communities, and her ceaseless commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
Sustainability in Northern Design11:00 AM - 12:00 PMHalifax-based award winning architect Omar Gandhi will join MCAD President Sanjit Sethi for a conversation about environmental inspiration and sustainable design in Northern climates.
Andrew Zimmern and Sam Kass: 2 Degrees12:30 PM - 1:30 PMFormer Obama White House chef and political advisor Sam Kass and Minnesota-based, James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern will discuss food systems and cutting edge climate solutions.
Sustainability at the Intersection of Growth and Impact: How Companies Are Addressing Climate2:00 PM - 3:00 PMA panel discussion on corporate sustainability initiatives that create positive impact and progress for business, people, and planet.
Building Community and Connection Through Winter Sports3:30 PM - 4:30 PMExplore the opportunity of the outdoors and how winter sports in Minnesota and beyond are impacted by climate change with professional climber Graham Zimmerman and Melanin in Motion founder Anthony Taylor.
Pattie Gonia: How We Can Learn from Nature to Be Better Advocates for Our Planet (Sold Out)5:00 PM - 6:00 PMCritically acclaimed drag queen, environmentalist, and Outdoorist Oath co-founder Pattie Gonia will share how we can advocate for inclusivity and diversity and highlight ways in which we can learn from nature to be an ally to our planet and the environmental justice movement.
Project Drawdown: Storytelling as a Climate Solution (Sold Out)7:00 PM - 8:30 PMThis immersive, multidisciplinary event will feature live storytelling, artistic performances, and video clips of everyday Minnesotans sharing reflections of climate change and climate solutions, demonstrating the tremendous impact of addressing climate change through personal narrative.