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From Climate Fest 2022 to Climate Fest 2023, the numbers have rolled in for Iowa City... |
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In the first month of the Fare Free Transit pilot, City bus ridership has increased by 53%. |
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Green Iowa AmeriCorps members completed home energy audits on 136 Iowa City residences. |
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Kits for climate resilience or energy efficiency were distributed to 1,173 households. |
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City climate action initiatives involved the participation of 231 volunteers. |
 Climate Fest kicks off on Monday, September 18, with a celebration of Iowa City as a great place to walk, bike, and hop on a bus. Keep your eyes out for a trio of decorated bus shelters. Then put a little spring in your step with live music at the downtown transit hub from 3-6:30 p.m. and leave a thank you note for our hardworking transit staff. Thanks to the Fare Free pilot that started August 1, everyone rides free today and every day!
 On Tuesday, September 19, stop by the Green House at 6 p.m. for a special event for renters, Speaking Of...Live! Join Recycling Coordinator Jane Wilch and Climate Action Coordinator Sarah Gardner for a fun discussion of ways renters can amplify their sustainability efforts and resources Iowa City offers to help. Bus routes 1, 2, 4, 9, and 13 stop just a block away from the event!
On Wednesday, September 20, from 5-8 p.m., stop by our Celebration at Big Grove to visit tables from climate-focused community organizations, join a group ride hosted by the Bike Library, and check out Iowa City Public Library's new book bike! Bus route 13 stops right next to Big Grove.
 On Thursday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m., Climate Fest will host a Pollinator Drive-In at the Airport! The documentary My Garden of a Thousand Bees tells the story of Martin Dohrn, a bee enthusiast and wildlife cameraman, and highlights the incredible diversity of bees, even in a tiny urban garden.
That afternoon, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., community members of all ages are invited to the craft room in Robert A. Lee Recreation Center to make their own bees with recycled materials. The bees will be installed in the Discovery Garden after the workshop. The Bee Project was created by artist Elena V. Smyrniotis, and is brought to you by Arts Share and the Grant Wood Art Colony. Bus routes 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, and 13 stop within one block of Robert A. Lee Rec Center.
Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly
September's meeting will include a discussion of how successful implementation of climate action would be reflected in the City's buildings. The public is invited to attend and contribute to the discussion. Access upcoming and past meeting packets at the Climate Action Commission web page.
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Following the Spot the Hot project this summer, the temperature data collected by volunteers was sent to CAPA Strategies for analysis. A summary of the project, the results, and strategies to better prepare for high heat events will be presented on Friday, September 22, at noon, in the Assembly Room at the Senior Center. Come early to learn about tips and resources to defeat the heat! Johnson County Public Health and other organizations will host tables for all to visit and enjoy. All bus routes except number 3 stop within two blocks of the Senior Center.
 On Saturday of Climate Fest, visit Iowa City's third electric vehicle show alongside the Farmers Market, on the east side of City Hall, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Part of National Drive Electric Week, it's a chance to learn about electric vehicles from local EV drivers, view one of the City's electric buses, test out an ebike from World of Bikes, visit with Sierra Club members, and more! In addition, grab a Zero bar and some swag for Climate Action and National Drive Electric Week. Do you have an EV you could show? Sign up to participate at this registration link. Bus routes 2, 4, 7, 9, 11 and 13 stop within two blocks of City Hall.
Visit icgov.org/rootfortrees to apply for a voucher that can subsidize the purchase of a tree planted on a residential property.
In the Root for Trees program, now in its fourth year, Iowa City residents can receive 50% off the cost of the retail purchase price of one tree, up to $125 (a $250 tree). Vouchers for an additional discount off retail price are available for income-eligible households, up to $225 (a $250 tree).
The Root for Trees program runs from September 15, 2023, to May 15, 2024, while funding and supplies last.
 Goldie
Iowa City's Climate Action Mascot
How do you take climate action?
"Light-hearted cheerfulness, restlessness, sociability, and untiring activity" are the personality traits of the American Goldfinch, as observed by naturalist Arthur Cleveland Bent. They also make a pretty excellent set of qualities to bring to the work of climate action, if I do say so myself! Climate change is here, but responding with action can help build both resilience and hope.
What can others do to take climate action?
Since I first took flight at Climate Fest 2022, I have helped get the word out about several climate actions, including:
- encouraging residents to understand R-values and add attic insulation
- building resilience to extreme weather by connecting neighbors to one another
- highlighting the climate benefits of local tap water
- celebrating the options available for getting around Iowa City and committing to walking, biking, or riding the bus at least one day each week
- utilizing Iowa City's Donation Drive-Thru event to keep durable goods out of the landfill.
Each one is a pragmatic step we all can take to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and celebrate the creativity of the solutions. Multiply those actions by 76,000 and Iowa City's leadership in climate action will be unmissable.
Why is it important to take climate action?
I sang it once and I will sing it again: we are all “in it together!”
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