“As Iowa City’s climate changes, the impacts will affect some people more adversely than others.” —From the Iowa City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
In a nutshell, that’s why equity is such an important concern for the City’s Sustainability Program. The first two stories below share work being done in this area.
 This summer, Iowa City is benefiting from a prestigious, full-time fellowship provided by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN). Known as the Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) fellowship, it is one of only seven awarded across the country. The local recipient: Kuann Fawkes, a recent UI graduate with a BA in Global Health Studies.
As a child, Kuann thought she would become a doctor. But growing up in Great Inagua, Bahamas—where her mom was the Senior Nursing Officer—gave Kuann a special perspective. Her hometown was lacking in health personnel and infrastructure, limiting patient care. Kuann decided that she wanted to address health inequity on a large scale and she found that public health was the perfect fit.
As Kuann says, “Public health addresses those disparities.”
In her fellowship with the City, Kuann will look at extreme weather through the lens of equity. That is, how do heat, cold, high winds and heavy rain affect people with limited resources? How do they affect marginalized people? How do they affect people of color? Individuals who are cost-burdened, very young or very old, living with disabilities of living with language barriers may have few options for preparing or responding to such extremes. Kuann's work and her final report will help ensure that the City’s sustainability efforts include and support all community members.
In the fall, Kuann will enter a master’s program in UI’s College of Public Health. She hopes someday to create measurable health goals for her community and others like it.
The Urban Sustainability Directors Network is a peer-to-peer network of more than 200 local government officials. Members are working to create a healthier environment by sharing best practices across North America.
In spring 2019, a group of UI graduate students gave their time and expertise to fill a need for the City’s Sustainability Program. The ten students, studying Urban and Regional Planning, researched and wrote “Iowa City Climate and Action Adaptation Strategies” as part of the Environmental Policy and Management class.
The report focused on several areas, including “front-line populations.” These are community members who are most vulnerable to climate hazards such as extreme heat, extreme cold and flooding.
Many thanks go to the students involved, instructors Scott Spak and Lucie Laurian and the UI Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement.
The entire report can be read online at: [where].
 More than 120 species of butterflies are believed to live in Iowa. But according to staff at Reiman Gardens in Ames, more than one quarter of them are endangered, threatened or “of special concern.”
Here’s the good news: “Citizen scientists” around the state are playing an active role in conservation by gathering information for the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network (IBSN). These are volunteers of all skill levels who monitor habitats and collect data for yearly butterfly population surveys. No experience is needed. Volunteers receive training in butterfly identification, survey techniques and data submission.
In Johnson County, there are 12 routes being surveyed—usually by one volunteer per route. The routes include Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Waterworks Prairie Park, Hickory Hill Park, Turkey Creek Preserve, and Ciha Fen.
Using a library card is a great habit for kids to learn. So is riding the bus. And this summer young people up through 12th grade can use their Iowa City Public Library card for free rides on the Iowa City Transit system—along with any accompanying adults. These free rides are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on routes to the downtown interchange.
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