Intense flooding, higher temperatures, and more extreme storms – Minnesotans are already feeling the effects of our changing climate. As leading climate scientists urge swift and decisive action to safeguard our future, Minnesotans are engaging at all levels to advance leadership on climate change. The Congress is a space to harness the energy and hopes of fellow Minnesotans and cooperatively build a healthy future for our communities, wildlife, lands, and waters.
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The Environmental Congress provides people a unique space to discuss important environmental issues, particularly those that are cross-programmatic and interdisciplinary. The Congress serves as a forum for state leaders, Tribal and local governments, and communities to talk to each about what matters so that Minnesota has healthy, sustainable and equitable environmental quality.
This year’s Environmental Congress is hosting four meetings, each in a different region of Minnesota, where state agency members will share what they’re doing to address each regional issue. Participants will then have small group discussions and share their insights, perspectives, and ideas on the state’s goals. The intended outcome for each meeting will be for agency members to hear important perspectives that they can consider in their goals and strategies. There will be a publicly shared report on key themes that come from the discussion.
- September 23 – Brainerd: Climate resiliency and adaptation in key habitats (DNR)
- September 24 – St. Cloud: Developing Minnesota’s Green Economy (DEED, Commerce)
- September 25 – Saint Paul: Supporting local actions through the Climate Action Framework (MPCA)
- September 26 – Mankato: Managing Water Pollution on agricultural lands (MDA)
Goals
- Advance mutual learning among community members, state and local leaders, and a broad range of professionals on pressing climate policy issues
- Highlight innovative work taking place across Minnesota
- Create opportunities for dialogue and shared understanding
- Inspire meaningful climate action at the individual, community, and local and state government levels
2019
On Tuesday, December 3, the Environmental Quality Board hosted the 2019 Environmental Congress at Minnesota State University – Mankato with the theme: The Climate for Action is Changing. This free, public event focused on strategies and innovative approaches for building prosperous, equitable, and resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Environmental Quality Board is thankful to the many partners and participants who helped make this event successful.