 Do you need a motorcycle license for an electric moped? Why all the emphasis on insulation? How can we reduce confusion on recycling plastics?
You've got questions, we've got Jane and Sarah! The January "Speaking of" discussion will feature some of the most interesting questions received in the past year. There is still time to send your climate and recycling questions to jane-wilch@iowa-city.org!
- Noon-1 p.m. Monday Jan. 23
- Register online.
 A virtual discussion with Arthur Burton and Kamel Elgiseer on "Climate Action and Sustainability Entrepreneurs" will be hosted by the Office of Equity and Human Rights and the Climate Action and Outreach Division of Iowa City on Feb. 9.
Burton has committed to providing opportunities in clean energy and green job training for members of disinvested communities. Burton’s company, AMB Renewable Energy, develops projects in and around Chicago, including charging stations, solar panels, and other clean energy systems, and Burton prioritizes youth job training. He will be joined by Iowa City resident Kamel Elgiseer, who is part of the Center for Worker Justice Social Enterprise Café. An immigrant from Sudan, Elgiseer was also the vice president of the CWJ board in 2020. The two presenters will discuss Black entrepreneurship as it relates to climate action.
- 6-7 p.m. Thursday, February 9
- Register online.
Saving Energy, Saving Money
Get quick and easy tips to lower your energy bill this winter! Whether you are a tenant or homeowner, this can help you save money and energy in your apartment, house, or mobile home.
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays, January 6 & 13
- Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room D
Bird Walks
No need to be cooped up all winter: join a guided nature walk and enjoy the beauty of the season.
- 1-2:30 p.m. Sundays, ongoing
- See registration page for locations and details.
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Register online.
Field to Family is seeking two AmeriCorps VISTA service members for 2023 to help expand access to healthy and local foods.
Positions focusing on Access & Operations and Education & Outreach will support Field to Family’s work by expanding the organization's local food hub accessibility and enhancing the organization’s educational programming.
Find more information at https://www.cfsvistaprojectia.org
 Althea Downing-Sherer
Student at City High School
 How do you take climate action?
As an individual, some of my favorite small ways to take climate action include being vegetarian, buying used things instead of new when I can, and composting. Also, even though I can’t yet vote, I try to stay educated on current climate issues and advocate for them. Finally, my school’s environmental club has given me a lot of opportunities to take climate action. Helping start a composting program at my school and joining the Climate Action Team to help educate communities about climate-related disasters are some ways I’ve taken action.
Why is it important to take climate action?
Climate action is extremely important to me because as a young person, my quality of life in the future depends on us taking climate action now. Decisions that are made about the environment will have a direct impact on my future and the future of my generation. The consequences of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, food and water shortages, and the loss of biodiversity will be felt most by future generations. The idea of my children or grandchildren not being able to see snow or only learning about certain animals in history books saddens and scares me. So, taking climate action now is important to me to prevent the worst of these consequences from occurring.
What can others do to take climate action?
Obviously, there are many small changes such as reducing meat and dairy consumption, buying items secondhand (or better yet, just buying less in general), and composting food waste. However, I’m aware that these small changes can often feel futile when the majority of carbon emissions are from huge corporations. This problem can be especially frustrating for youth since we don’t have the ability to vote yet. However, I believe that taking climate action on a smaller, local level can also have a large impact.
When I joined Iowa City’s Climate Action Team through my school’s environmental club, I had the opportunity to speak with my neighbors about their experience with extreme climate-related disasters, like the derecho, and educate them about how they can take climate action and plan for disasters in the future. Research shows that Americans are much more likely to take climate action when it’s suggested by a friend or family member than by a political or community leader. Because of this, I believe that one of the best ways to take climate action is to just discuss these issues with your friends, family, and neighbors. For young people, getting involved in your school’s environmental club can also be a great way to take climate action. Finally, I think it’s important to not become too pessimistic about the future. Having a defeatist attitude when it becomes to climate change will not bring about change, and if we continue to take action now there is still hope for the future.
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