Seeking solutions that make sense in the face of climate change
We know the intensity and extremes of our weather are climate is changing and that it is affecting us right here in Iowa, so this project's goal is to determine what solutions are most feasible and effective to reduce emissions, improve resilience, and save money in the process.
In the coming months, we'll pull together focus groups to start the search, so be on the look out for more!
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Enable Iowans to choose their next steps
Boost economic development
Climate change is any significant change in precipitation, wind patterns, temperature, and/or other
patterns that continues over several decades. Overwhelmingly, human-driven activities have led
to increased greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. This in turn has raised Earth’s average
surface temperature. Climate change has already led to severe weather events globally and in
Iowa, impacting food systems, infrastructure, ecosystems, homes, and more.
Higher temperatures pose many risks to Iowans, including health complications like heat stroke in
the summer, red flag days & wildland fires, crop shortages caused by false springs, and financial
stress from higher energy, grocery, and other bills.
There are many things that can be done to address climate change and mitigate its negative effects. This includes individual actions like home energy efficiency improvement, choosing low emission transportation options, rainscaping, and more. It also includes larger-scale, community level actions such as building retrofitting, infill development, and producing clean energy for the grid. Check out the solutions library for details on many actions that can help with sustainable future readiness.