What does the Midwest have to do with Copenhagen, and more specifically national and international climate policy?

The Midwest is rich in natural resources, biodiversity and agriculture production in addition to containing one of the largest freshwater sources in the world, the Great Lakes. However with climate change, the possibilities of crop failure and invasive species could be devastating for the country’s food and water supply.

While the Midwest holds significant resources, it is a large contributor to the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions, which result in global warming. The Midwest is a heavy polluter, particularly in the power sector since the predominant source of energy comes from coal-fired power. In 2005, it was determined that if the Midwest were a country (with the addition of states such as Indiana and Ohio), the Midwest would be the 4th largest C02 contributor, after the US, China and Russia!

On the other hand, the Midwest has enormous renewable energy potential, from cutting-edge wind technology, to rich biomass resources, to huge solar energy opportunities. With its excellent wind and solar capacity and first-rate research universities, the Midwest has the resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its agriculture and manufacturing sectors. By investing in these resources, the Midwest can stimulate investment in cleaner and more efficient energy technologies and grow its economy.

Believing that the Midwest is a key player in driving national climate policy, public opinion, and the renewable energy revolution, the Will Steger Foundation is committed to engaging young emerging leaders across the Midwest in national climate policy and the international climate negotiations. We have selected twelve dynamic youth leaders representing diverse communities from each of the following Midwest states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.