Toby Thorleifsson at Calvin College
Bunker Interpretive Center

Marquette, MI

We have now been on the road for almost a week. The tour has so far been a success and I am impressed by the activism, engagement and friendliness that we have met at every event so far. During the events I usually deliver a ten to fifteen minute eyewitness account from the Ellesmere Expedition 2008 followed by an encouragement to foster international cooperation towards the Copenhagen Summit 2009. There is much to gain from cooperation between Norway and the Midwest. Not only do we share cultural and historic ties but we are sharing the same potential for a successful development of the green economy.

The drive north from Chicago took us through Indiana and up to northern Michigan. On our way north I saw the remains of the enormous industrial powerhouse that dominated and characterized these parts of the U.S. Although these regions are now referred to as the "rust belt," I would say that there is a lot of promise in rust. Having once been the center of steel production, boasting the Midwest work ethic and having a great potential for wind power, these regions could be a powerhouse again in the new green economy. The signs are very encouraging. I was particularly impressed by the developments in Grand Rapids that now have succeeded in reducing emissions by 20% and in doing so became a leader in emission reductions in the U.S. The example of Grand Rapids is also one that I will take with me back to Norway as a source of inspiration. It is great to be in a city where the elected officials and students seem to be on the same page about the future. This bridging of generational divides is very encouraging.

The other main observation that I have made so far is that the student based environmental movement in the Midwest has grown since I was last here in 2007 to become a unified and stronger force with significantly growing momentum. It seems quite clear that the student movements have been successful in reaching outside the university campuses and that they have started a real movement that will have great influence in the upcoming federal election and also in local elections all over the Midwest.

The general feeling that I am left with after a week on the road is one of optimism. I do believe that we can get a working international agreement as a result of the Copenhagen Summit and that with a combination of local and regional engagement in both the U.S. and Norway can continue our journey towards the solution of our common problem of a warming climate.

All my best,

Toby