The Midwest Carbon Leadership Project is a collaborative, agenda-setting forum, where private sector leaders and University of Minnesota experts come together to identify, explore and co-create research projects to overcome long-range unknowns in achieving carbon neutrality.
Our Most Recent Meeting
A Space to Explore Long-Range Unknowns
The Carbon Project Explained
Achieving our goals will require new ideas, exploration and experimentation, along with direct collaboration among researchers, innovators and decision-makers.
To avoid catastrophic climate change, we know we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030; many corporations have committed to go even further, setting their sights on complete carbon neutrality.
There’s a challenge: Existing approaches get us only halfway there. Longer-range strategies to reach carbon neutrality are elusive. In many cases, we lack not only political will and financial resources to make deep cuts, but also the technology and policy solutions. In other words, complete carbon neutrality involves not only an implementation gap but also a knowledge gap.
The purpose of the Midwest Carbon Leadership Project is to build a cross-sector, interdisciplinary network of experts – and support them in working on these long-range unknowns.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
IonE Executive Director Jessica Hellmann welcomes attendees to the 2025 MWCLP convening.
At the 2025 conveying, a variety of experts shared the stage, presenting 7-minute lightning talks. Nick Jordan, professor of agronomy and plant genetics, led a focus on sustainable aviation fuel.
In addition to presentations, the MWCLP provides space for industry and academia to build connections and collaborate through small group sessions.
The second convening of MWCLP gathered 100+ cross-sector collaborators.
The MWCLP aims to build long-lasting connections and to foster both the research and innovation needed to address long-range unknowns in carbon neutrality.
Why the Midwest?
Conditions in the Midwest demand action. We are a leading emitter of greenhouse gasses and are challenged by a cold climate, disparate urban centers, issues related to water quality and complex emissions in our agricultural sector. We also face a number of interconnected racial, economic and risk injustices including differences in access to education and nature, and exposure to climate hazards.
At the same time, conditions in the Midwest also provide opportunities for carbon leadership that can be translated around the world. We supply some 20 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product as home to major manufacturing, mining and managed forests, and as the headquarters for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, many of which have made commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their own operations.
Why the University of Minnesota?
The University of Minnesota, a globally recognized public research university, is a leader in developing sustainable solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges, including in environment and climate-related innovation. Recently, the University was recognized as the top public research university in the United States for interdisciplinary science.
As an engine for interdisciplinary and boundary-spanning collaboration, the University's Institute on the Environment is uniquely positioned to convene the Midwest Carbon Leadership Project – drawing on its strengths as a trusted facilitator and catalyst for sustainability outcomes.
How to Get Involved
The Midwest Carbon Leadership Project invites leaders in business, industry, and academia to contribute to closing the carbon neutrality knowledge gap.
Present Your Work
In advance of the biennial convening, an open call is put out inviting an array of disciplines to present 7-minute presentations on key carbon neutrality knowledge topics, in addition to the opportunity to host breakout sessions. Stay tuned for the open call for the 2027 convening.
Be Part of the Network
A key objective of the Midwest Climate Leadership Project is to foster long-lasting collaborations. Participants are encouraged to bring new ideas and invited to engage directly in sensemaking and ideation. These new connections lead to working groups, workshops, and other collaborations.
The Midwest Carbon Leadership Project’s next major convening is expected to place in 2027. Stay tuned for our save-the-date announcement and call for proposals.
Key Contributors
Reach out to our team if you have any questions.