The start of the 2020s brought a new sense of commitment and optimism that a clean energy transition in the next generation was possible. Just four months into the decade, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic turmoil have disrupted every part of daily life. This crisis has exposed the level of disruption that global climate change can cause. As businesses, governments, and people adjust to the economic realities of this moment, it is crucial society does not lose sight of long-term structural changes we need to make to tackle climate change. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Zpryme sat down with a roundtable of leaders from the Sierra Club to discuss the impacts that COVID-19 has had on environmentalism, utilities, and the energy transition.

Mike Berkowitz is the Michigan Representative for the Beyond Coal Campaign

Tim Minotas is the Legislative and Political Coordinator for the State of Michigan

Andrew Sarpolis is an Organizer for the Beyond Coal Campaign.

PART 2

The Federal Government passed a $2.2 trillion emergency relief package, but it is clear that this will not be sufficient to meet the economic challenge. Andrew, Tim, and Mike discuss what was left out of the first package and what should be a future stimulus bill to incentive an equitable and sustainable recovery.