In Our Nature

Join this riveting lecture on how clean energy has transformed Minnesota—creating economic and employment opportunities while addressing climate change. Guests will hear Team Hamilton’s inspiring and unexpected stories about energy and climate leadership at all levels of government and across every sector of the economy. Learn how Minnesota, a national leader in clean energy, continues to advance its revolution—and how individuals and communities can contribute to its progress. 

In Our Nature, an annual program hosted by ASI that draws upon the expertise of leading scholars, environmental historians, artists, writers, and other practitioners to nurture humanity’s connectedness to our Earth and to inspire meaningful action by people of all ages at the individual, local, and regional levels.

This lecture is part of ASI’s In Our Nature initiative, an annual program that examines humanity’s deep connection to the natural world. In 2023, ASI dedicated In Our Nature to His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf in honor of the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. That same year, ASI Trustees and staff met with the King and Queen at the Royal Palace in Stockholm to formally present the gift. 

Speakers

Drake Hamilton. J. directs science policy at Fresh Energy, a nonpartisan nonprofit that has been championing climate action and clean energy policy in Minnesota for over 30 years. Fresh Energy’s current focus is on devising policies for how Minnesota achieves big greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 in five key sectors: electricity, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and heavy industry. J. is one of 15 fellow Minnesotans serving on Governor Walz’s Advisory Council on Climate Change and advising him on next steps on how Minnesota realizes its ambitious climate and clean energy goals. 

Patrick Hamilton. After a 40-year career developing climate, energy, and environmental projects for the Science Museum of Minnesota, Patrick Hamilton retired in 2024 and now holds the honorary title of Museum Fellow. Patrick is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a member of the Leaders Circle of America Is All In—a coalition in all 50 states of over 5,000 entities at all levels of government and across all sectors of the economy working to address the climate crisis and secure a prosperous, equitable and healthy future for all.