Fate of The Earth Symposium

Exploring complexity, embracing collaboration, driving action 

This event invites students, faculty, staff, and partners to engage with the complexity of sustainability and the messy, collaborative work of turning vision into action. Leveraging the power of partnerships and the campus as a living lab, the summit explores how research, community partnerships, operations, and innovation collide, creating space for unexpected insights and practical solutions for sustainability. Designed to spark collaboration and build momentum around shared goals, the event aims to strengthen networks and empower participants to take meaningful action toward a sustainable future in uncertain times. This event is hosted by the Environmental Science and Policy Program and the Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with university partners.

Day 1: Big Ideas & Action

• Plenary sessions featuring the untold, complicated stories of sustainability in action and inspiring speakers who challenge us to think differently
• Concurrent sessions on Energy, Food, Natural Resources, and Circular Economy blending research and applied insights, operational perspectives and external voices
• An interactive afternoon exploring the work of the Sustainability Systems Think Tank, charged with developing MSU’s sustainability framework, and how participants can shape the next phase of this effort.

Day 2: Generation Green – Supporting Students in Leading for Change

• Panels on careers in sustainability from the perspective of recent graduates and seasoned professionals
• Be Spartan Green Challenge: Student competition focusing on solutions for reducing waste generated by takeout meals
• Optional sustainability tours (open to all, pre-registration required)

Event Goals

• Explore practical, scalable solutions to sustainability challenges, inspired by real-world examples of impact
• Engage students through leadership development and hands-on opportunities that foster real-world problem solving
• Strengthen a campus-wide sustainability network to support institutional initiatives 

Questions? Please contact msugreen@msu.edu