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The University of 51С�Ƴ� is hosting the Maine “Solve Climate by 2030 Dialog” on April 7, 2021, from 6–8 p.m. Panelists from state government, tribal, and non-profit groups in Maine will share ambitious solutions to combat climate change in Maine. The Q&A and discussion will focus on how to translate those solutions into tangible actions. How can ordinary citizens advance climate solutions? Come talk with Maine leaders to find out.

The Maine Dialog is one of more than 100 such events taking place in every state and across the globe as part of the led by Bard College. The discussion is non-partisan and free and open to the public.

Agenda

6:00–6:05 p.m.

Welcome to Global Dialogue - Solve Climate by 2030 

Dr. Eban Goldstein, Bard Center for Environmental Policy (via video)

6:05–6:45 p.m.

Climate Solutions Panel

• Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and Co-Chair, Maine Climate Council 
• Maulian Dana, Penobscot Nation Ambassador 
• Ania Wright, Sierra Club of Maine and Youth Representative, Maine Climate Council 
• David Costello, Climate and Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine 

6:45–7:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

Moderator: Charles Tilburg, Ph.D., Academic Director, School of Marine and Environmental Programs, University of 51С�Ƴ� 

What can individuals do to help “move the needle” on climate change? How do we translate the solutions identified by the state experts in the panel discussion, to actionable items on the ground?

Speakers

Hannah Pingree

Hannah Pingree was appointed to lead Governor Mills' Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in January 2019 and is Co-chair of the Maine Climate Council. Ms. Pingree previously served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the Maine House Majority Leader, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs during her terms in Maine Legislature from 2002 to 2010. Ms. Pingree spearheaded successful legislation on energy, broadband, housing, environmental health, and health care during her time in office. Ms. Pingree has worked for a technology start-up in New York City; managed several family small businesses; led the development of rural housing, energy efficiency, and eldercare projects for a coalition of community non-profits; chaired her local school board; and served on numerous state and community non-profit boards.

Maulian Dana

Maulian Dana was appointed to be the first Penobscot Nation Ambassador in September 2017. As Ambassador, Dana is responsible to act as a representative of the Penobscot Nation and serve as a liaison for the Nation at the local, state, and federal levels of government to educate and advocate for policy and laws that impact and protect the Penobscot Nation’s sovereignty, culture, natural resources, and general welfare of the Penobscot people. Prior to serving as Ambassador, Ms. Dana served as an elected member of the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council, was the Human Resources Director for the Penobscot Indian Nation Enterprises, and worked at the Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department. Ambassador Dana graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a degree in political science.

Ania Wright

Ania Wright is Grassroots Climate Action Organizer for Sierra Club Maine and the Youth Representative to the Maine Climate Council. While serving on the Maine Climate Council, Ms. Wright has organized opportunities for youth to mobilize, network, and aid in the policy process. A recent graduate from College of the Atlantic, she has been extensively involved in climate justice activism in the State of Maine and has attended international climate summits in support of the Paris Climate Accord. Ms. Wright is a founding member of Maine Youth for Climate Justice and the Downeast Climate Emergency Action Coalition, sits on the board of Maine Climate Action NOW, and co-authored the Climate Justice Syllabus. Wright hopes to continue growing the climate movement in Maine by mobilizing and empowering youth to play a role in addressing the climate crisis.

David Costello

David Costello, director of Climate and Clean Energy and director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), has more than 25 years of senior-level government management and policy experience. Prior to serving at NRCM, Costello directed two non-governmental climate change projects in Maryland and served as deputy secretary at the Maryland Department of Environment. Prior, he served concurrently as director of the Governor’s Delivery Unit and director of Maryland’s Office of Smart Growth, served as director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Investment in Baltimore City, and as a regional and country program manager with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Costello attended the University of Maine and is a graduate of The George Washington University and the London School of Economics.

Resources

• 51С�Ƴ�Climate Action Plans