EXPERTS ADVISORY

The slowing global economy is expected to be one issue discussed this weekend when world leaders gather for the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia.

The G20 also plans to endorse proposed changes to tax rules—part of a crackdown on multinational tax evasion by big companies. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is using the forum to protest Western sanctions against his country.

The summit comes in the wake of the surprise announcement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference that the U.S. and China have inked an agreement on climate change. The pact may refocus attention on the issue among G20 nations.

Although it’s not on the formal agenda, the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa seems to be an issue that can’t be ignored in Brisbane.

Professors from the University of Michigan are available to discuss these issues. During the weekend, it’s advisable to use e-mail to send them queries.

TAX AVOIDANCE

James Hines, professor of law and economics, is an expert on tax avoidance and reform at the international level. He serves as the research director of the Office of Tax Policy Research at the Ross School of Business. Contact: 734-936-5669, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1oVX4E7

ECONOMICS

Jim Adams, professor of economics, can discuss the eurozone’s economic woes. His research ranges broadly, from European integration to public policy toward businesses in the U.S. Contact: 734-764-5273, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1Bou5yl

RUSSIA AND DIPLOMACY

Melvyn Levitsky is a retired career minister in the U.S. Foreign Service and professor of international policy at the Ford School of Public Policy. He can discuss Russia and issues of diplomacy at the G20. During his 35-year career as a diplomat, Levitsky served as officer-in-charge of U.S.-Soviet bilateral relations and was also a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Contact 734-615-4262, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1tWS3M3

CLIMATE CHANGE

Barry Rabe, a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy, can address the domestic politics and policy of the U.S.-China agreement. He can also discuss evolving U.S. levels of support for various climate policies. Contact: 734-765-1677, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1sMDTce

Andrew Hoffman, director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, can talk about climate change as a market shift and the strategies that companies use to adjust to a carbon-constrained world. He can also field questions about the social debate over climate change, why people reject the scientific consensus and how to communicate and frame the issue for public and political audiences. Contact: 734-763-9455, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1EE9PoO

Rosina Bierbaum, a professor at the School of Natural Resources and Environment and at the School of Public Health, is an expert on environmental policy, sustainable development and climate change adaptation. Contact: 734-763-8675, [email protected]. Bio: http://bit.ly/1u9Z2Qv

EBOLA

Dr. Arnold Monto, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, is an internationally known expert who can discuss transmission, prevention, mitigation and social response to outbreaks and pandemic planning. Contact: 734-764-5453, [email protected] Bio: http://bit.ly/1yEY6UU