Michael Shank

Michael Shank, Ph.D., holds a B.F.A. in Theater from Kent State University and is the Communications Director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, a group of international cities committed to achieving aggressive long-term carbon reduction goals, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, a peer-to-peer network of local government professionals from cities across the United States and Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment, economic prosperity, and increased social equity.

Michael’s professional career includes leading press and/or policy shops at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Climate Nexus, Friends Committee on National Legislation, U.S. Congress (Mike Honda), Institute for Economics and Peace, Biodiversity Northwest, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and more.

Michael’s academic career includes a Ph.D. from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and is focused on climate conflict. Michael is adjunct faculty at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, where he teaches graduate courses on Sustainable Development, Power and Politics and Climate and Security. Shank is also adjunct faculty and a board member at George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, where he teaches graduate courses on Communicating Conflict, and a senior fellow at the JustJobs Network.

Michael is a former columnist for the Washington Post and US News & World Report and a regular contributor to USA Today, The Guardian, TIME Magazine, MSNBC, Fortune, and Fast Company.

Michael lives in the Hudson Highlands and serves on the City of Peekskill’s Conservation Advisory Council and the Board of Contributors for Journal News.