High temperatures are here, and that means extra stresses on the electrical grid: air conditioners increasing demand and transmission lines losing efficiency. What’s this got to do with coal usage? And how can you help reduce spikes in demand?
Join Recycling Coordinator Jane Wilch and Climate Action Coordinator Sarah Gardner for an interactive discussion of some cool solutions for these seasonal challenges, including why this might be the best time of year to think about a heat pump for your home.
As with previous “Speaking of” discussions, this will be a casual conversation without slides or charts. It’s a chance to ask questions and learn some useful information along the way.
Register online to take part in the virtual discussion at noon on July 18.
Nature Conversations
In conjunction with Iowa City Parks Rec n' Roll event at Terry Trueblood, Green Iowa AmeriCorps will be hosting a discussion on nature and meditation practices. No registration required.
- 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 19
Eco Trivia Night at Big Grove
Join or assemble a team and participate in an Eco Trivia Night! Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia will run 7-8 p.m. Meet at the Event Room at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, 1225 S. Gilbert St.
- 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 28
Bird Walks
These walks will cover many of the key species we find in our area at this time of year, all while exploring many of Iowa City's beautiful parks and neighborhoods. Bring your own binoculars!
- Tuesdays 5-6:30 p.m. & Sundays 10-11:30 a.m. Find locations and other details on the sign-up page.
- Register online.
What types of plants, animals, and fungal life might you find at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory? Find out by joining researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity in UI's 2nd Annual BioBlitz!
- 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 9
This is an all-ages event, no experience required; families welcome. Find more information on the event page.
Registration is required and free.
Blaise Boles
Kirkwood Professor, Climate Ambassador
How do you take climate action?
I am privileged to be able to align my actions with my values. Realizing that contentment is a radical proposition in our consumer society has led me to reduce materialistic instincts and recognize the abundance surrounding me. Small individual actions I take include: growing much of my own food and supporting local CSAs, composting, being vegan, installing solar panels at my home, converting to electric appliances/vehicles, and advocating for my workplace to embrace sustainable practices.
What can others do to take climate action?
Talking about climate change in our communities and with elected officials is probably the most impactful thing we can do, as research demonstrates the primary predictor of climate action is exposure to those discussing climate change. Be aware of effective communication strategies, people tend to forget facts and numbers but they will remember how you made them feel.
Why is it important to take climate action?
As a biologist, I’ve come to recognize my kinship with all of life and have grave concerns about how ecosystems (including humans) are being altered in the face of a rapidly changing environment. But climate change is not only an environmental issue – it is a humanitarian, economic, health, and justice issue as well which are all important to me.
Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly
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Access upcoming and past meeting packets at the Climate Action Commission web page.
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