If you haven't yet registered for Powershift 2011, the nation's largest youth conference on climate change, here's one more reason to do so: Lisa Jackson will be speaking this year! Jackson spoke at Powershift in 2009 as the newly-appointed, first black administrator of the EPA. According to her page on the EPA's website, Jackson is committed to "low-income communities that are particularly susceptible to environmental and health threats." So it looks like we will hear some fantastic rallying for outdoor education in cities and the relief of urban food deserts. Here's hoping.

 

Powershift promises a slew of fantastic speakers and events this year. In 2009, political activist and musical artist Santigold gave a concert and though they haven't yet announced this year's act, I'm certain it will measure up. Not to mention the thousands of creative and motivated youth that will convene on the Capitol.

 

Dates for Powershift have been changed to April 15-18 because coordinators were able to book the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (as opposed to holding the event in a "tent city" outdoors). Check in at Powershift's website for updates about the weekend's events!