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Michigan Appoints First Chief Climate Resilience Officer

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/11 .. ints-first-chief-climate-resilience-officer.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 6:57 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Lansing, MI - February 11th, 2026 - Michigan is increasingly focused on proactively addressing the mounting challenges posed by a changing climate. The creation of the Chief Climate Resilience Officer position and the ongoing work led by Jill Greenberg represent a significant shift in the state's approach - from simply acknowledging climate change to actively preparing for and adapting to its impacts. This isn't simply an environmental issue; it's a matter of protecting communities, bolstering infrastructure, and ensuring the state's economic future.

Greenberg, appointed as Michigan's first Chief Climate Resilience Officer, detailed the scope of her role in a recent interview (available at [ https://www.inforum.com/video/mOjET81F ]). Her responsibilities are multi-faceted, extending far beyond traditional environmental concerns. She is tasked with a comprehensive assessment of climate-related risks across the diverse landscapes of Michigan - from the Great Lakes shorelines and urban centers to rural agricultural regions and the Upper Peninsula. This assessment isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it demands a nuanced understanding of how climate change will disproportionately affect different communities and sectors.

One of the most critical aspects of Greenberg's work is identifying these specific vulnerabilities. Michigan's location makes it uniquely susceptible to a range of climate impacts. Rising lake levels and increased frequency of severe storms threaten coastal infrastructure and communities. Inland, more intense rainfall events are overloading stormwater systems, leading to flooding in urban areas. Agriculture, a cornerstone of Michigan's economy, is facing challenges from changing growing seasons, increased pest pressure, and water scarcity in certain regions. The state's vast forests are also at risk from increased wildfires and invasive species exacerbated by climate shifts.

However, Greenberg stresses that simply identifying these risks isn't enough. The core of Michigan's climate resilience strategy is built on community engagement. This means actively listening to the concerns of residents, businesses, and local governments. Resilience planning cannot be imposed from the top down; it must be a collaborative effort, tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each community. Town hall meetings, workshops, and online forums are being utilized to gather input and ensure that resilience projects are effective and equitable.

"It's about more than just building seawalls," Greenberg explained. "It's about understanding what communities value - their history, their culture, their livelihoods - and finding solutions that protect those things." This holistic approach recognizes that climate resilience is intertwined with social and economic well-being.

Data and technology are playing an increasingly important role in Michigan's adaptation efforts. The state is leveraging advanced modeling and forecasting tools to predict future climate scenarios and identify areas at greatest risk. This data is being used to inform infrastructure planning, prioritize investments, and develop early warning systems for extreme weather events. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are proving crucial in mapping vulnerabilities and identifying potential solutions. Furthermore, the integration of 'smart city' technologies, such as real-time monitoring of stormwater systems, is helping communities respond more effectively to flooding events.

Securing funding for these resilience projects is a significant hurdle. Michigan is actively pursuing a mix of state, federal, and private funding sources. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act have provided substantial resources for climate resilience initiatives, and the state is working to maximize its share of these funds. Public-private partnerships are also being explored to leverage private sector expertise and investment. A key focus is demonstrating the economic benefits of resilience projects - for example, by highlighting how investments in flood protection can reduce insurance costs and prevent economic losses. The state is also aggressively applying for grants from foundations dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The long-term success of Michigan's climate resilience strategy will depend on sustained commitment and collaboration. Greenberg emphasizes that climate change is not a problem that can be solved overnight. It's a long-term challenge that requires ongoing adaptation and innovation. Michigan's proactive approach, however, positions it as a leader in the Midwest, demonstrating that it is possible to prepare for the future while protecting the state's natural resources and economic vitality. The work is far from over, but the foundation for a more resilient Michigan is being laid, one community at a time.