MEDC unveils “Michigan’s Roadmap to a Sustainable World” short film during World Economic Forum

LANSING, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) unveiled ‘Michigan’s Roadmap to a Sustainable World,’ a short film on the state’s leadership and initiatives in clean energy and sustainability.

The film debuted during the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, an event held each year in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland to gather global leaders to address key regional and global challenges. 'Safeguarding the Planet' is one of the key themes at this year’s annual meeting.

In order to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, Michigan has taken bold, proactive steps to encourage sustainability throughout the state, spurring economic opportunities, creating more good-paying jobs and improving public health.

This is brought to life through the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which lays out a pathway for the state to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, with an intermediate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 52% (from 2005 levels) by 2030.

The short film, which aired on CBSNews.com, details how Michigan has become a top state for clean energy job growth, as well as federally funded clean energy projects. Hydrogen, battery development and semiconductors are all industries that have seen significant growth in Michigan since the MI Healthy Climate Plan was introduced in 2022.

The film highlights Michigan’s combination of industrial prowess and R&D-friendly environments through partnership with cutting-edge companies such as Australian-based company Fortescue Zero and innovation accelerator Orange Sparkle Ball. Earlier this month, another MEDC partner, Corning Incorporated, was recognized in the Clean Energy Manufacturing category of Business Facilities’ 2024 Impact Awards for their $900 million investment to construct a new manufacturing facility for solar components in Saginaw County.

“We must ensure we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable planet for future generations not just here in Michigan, but around the globe,” Quentin L. Messer Jr.,CEO of the MEDC, said within the film. “Michigan is leading in sustainability through business and policy, which is creating more opportunities for investment, job creation and cleaner communities for our citizens.”

Michigan is home to nearly 128,000 clean energy jobs, outpacing 44 states’ job numbers, with clean energy jobs continuing to grow nearly twice as fast as economy-wide employment. As these job opportunities grow, so too must the talent pipeline. Throughout the film, Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer for the State of Michigan with the MEDC, highlights Michigan’s robust STEAM talent pool, along with efforts to attract leading minds who strive to do purpose-driven work. This includes a robust recruiting effort of talent from within and outside the state, as well as the establishment of reskilling and upskilling programs for professionals to transition their skills from adjacent industries, such as automotive to clean energy. The MEDC works closely with higher education institutions to create new college programs and pipelines aligned with evolving industry needs.

Learn more about how Michigan is a national leader in clean energy investments and initiatives.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.