What is Industrial Transformation?
Industrial Transformation is a coordinated effort by the industrial sector, environmental advocates and policy makers to move away from production practices, such as fossil fuel burning, that contribute to air and water pollution and instead invest in clean manufacturing that mitigates harmful environmental and public health impacts.
How does industry impact the environment?
Industrial facilities are responsible for nearly a third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. These emissions contribute to air and water pollution and negative public health impacts. Air pollution exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma and contributes to cardiovascular disease while water pollution contributes to chronic diseases, waterborne illnesses and drinking water contamination.
How has industry impacted Michigan?
For decades the industrial sector provided good paying jobs, federal trade policy and globalization have led to outsourcing of manufacturing overseas. Since 1990 Michigan has lost nearly 250,000 manufacturing jobs. Many states lost as many or more jobs than Michigan during this period that have been able to replace those jobs and maintain a high-earning workforce. This was achieved not by retaining old industry, but through investment in growing sectors (1). Now, Michigan has an opportunity to become a leader in clean industry and stay competitive in the new world of manufacturing.
What will Industrial Transformation Take?
Transitioning the industrial sector in Michigan will take a coordinated effort by environmental advocacy groups, state and local policy makers, industry and community members to create policies that incentivize clean industry and protect vulnerable communities from environmental harms.
1. Smith, J. (2026, July 6). It’s not what we lost. It’s what we failed to gain. Michigan Future Inc. https://michiganfuture.org/2026/07/its-not-what-we-lost-its-what-we-failed-to-gain/
To learn more about how you can get involved with our work in Michigan contact zjalyn.carter@sierraclub.org
Learn more about Sierra Club's National Industrial Transformation Campaign Here
Join us for Activist Night: Industry & Environment
Sierra Club Michigan's Activist Night is a forum to engage the community around current issues, priorities and goals related to environmental protection in Michigan. This is a great place to learn more about what were working on, how you can become a volunteer or stay up to date on actions and events where we need public participation. October's Activist Night is Industry & Environment, a teach-in and community discussion about the environmental impacts and future of industry in Southeast Michigan.
Activist Night: Industry & Environment
Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Detroit Public Library Campbell Branch
Join us to be part of the conversation!