Jonathan Jackson

Last week, I got to do something I never imagined: I attended the Michigan Healthy Climate Conference in Detroit from April 22–23, 2025. As a 16-year-old from Flint, this was my first time attending a statewide event focused on climate change. It was also my first time staying overnight in Detroit. I came back with new ideas, new connections, and a new sense of purpose.

Even before the sessions started, I could tell this experience would be special. Just walking into the conference center and seeing so many people, from across Michigan and all walks of life, who care about the environment was inspiring. There were scientists, activists, farmers, organizers, youth leaders, and government officials all in one space, working toward a common goal: protecting our communities from the impacts of climate change.

Sitting Close to the Governor

One of the most exciting moments of the conference was hearing Governor Gretchen Whitmer speak and my group got to sit really close to the stage! It felt surreal. She talked about the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan and the importance of acting now to protect our land, water, and people. It was powerful to hear her recognize the role that people play in climate solutions. Being that close made it feel like I wasn’t just there to observe, I was part of the conversation.

Meeting Real Changemakers

We also got to meet staff from EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy, the people actually leading Michigan’s statewide climate planning efforts. They asked us about the environmental justice work we’ve been doing in Flint through the Youth Environmental Justice Council. I didn’t expect that. I thought we’d just listen and learn, but they really wanted to hear from us too. That meant a lot.

Another cool moment was meeting members of the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps. They had a showcase where we got to walk around and talk to people about the projects they’re working on across the state. One member I spoke with is working on dam removal and river restoration. We had a good conversation about how dams affect ecosystems and how reconnecting rivers can help reduce flooding and protect fish habitats. I never really thought about dams before, but now I want to learn more about how water infrastructure impacts the environment, especially with all we’ve gone through in Flint.

My Favorite Session: Michigan the Beautiful

The session that stuck with me the most was called Michigan the Beautiful. It focused on protecting our parks, green spaces, and natural lands, and making them accessible to everyone. I’ve seen how important green space is, especially in cities like Flint where vacant lots and crumbling parks are a reality. We don’t always have safe places to gather, play, or just breathe fresh air.

One of the panelists was Tepfirah Rushdan, the City of Detroit’s first Director of Urban Agriculture. She shared how Detroit is turning vacant land into gardens, farms, and community gathering spaces. Hearing her speak made me see how land that looks forgotten can be transformed into something beautiful and useful. It made me think about the potential in Flint. We have so many empty lots, and now I’m wondering what it would take to create a youth-led green space or garden in one of them.

She also talked about how urban agriculture is about healing, healing the land, healing our communities, and even healing ourselves. That message stuck with me. I want to explore how we can bring some of that energy and creativity to Flint, where we need healing in more ways than one.

Outside the Conference: First-Time Moments and Big Burgers

Outside of the conference, it was a really nice experience for me since I’ve never stayed in Detroit before. There was a long walkway that my peers and I walked next to the river, called the Riverwalk. It was very peaceful, and there were nice people who walked past and greeted us along the way. It was a calm and beautiful moment after a long day of learning and meeting people.

Our meal choices were also very nice. We stopped at a restaurant called the Basement Burger Bar, and they had very good burgers that you could create and customize yourself. Personally, I made the biggest burger I could—and it was delicious.

As far as where we stayed, I was at the Wyndham Hotel, which had a very good Riverview. It was a very nice hotel, and I felt lucky to be there. This was my first time staying in a hotel like that with my peers, and it made the whole trip feel like something special. It wasn’t just about the conference, it was a chance to experience the city, bond with others, and see what’s possible beyond my everyday environment.

Bringing It Back to Flint

Now that I’m home, I’ve been thinking about what I can do next. I want to take what I learned and turn it into action in my own community. I’d love to help start a project that maps out vacant lots in Flint and reimagines them as gardens, gathering spaces, or even youth-designed parks. I also want to learn more about how to connect urban agriculture with public health, like how growing fresh food can help fight food insecurity, something we struggle with in Flint.

The MI Healthy Climate Corps inspired me to consider joining a similar program one day, perhaps even right after high school. It would be cool to serve my community while learning more about energy, water, and climate solutions hands-on.

Final Thoughts

Attending the Michigan Healthy Climate Conference was more than just an event, and it was an experience that opened my eyes. It showed me that people across Michigan are working hard to build a more sustainable and just future, and it reminded me that youth have a role to play right now, not just someday.

I got to hear the Governor speak, connect with state leaders, meet climate workers, walk the Riverwalk, eat one of the biggest burgers of my life, and stay in a hotel with a view of the Detroit River. But more than that, I left Detroit with a fire in me to bring that same energy back home.

To other young people reading this: don’t wait for permission to care or to lead. Start where you are, with what you know, and grow from there. Our cities, our climate, and our futures need us.