We're talking to as many Central Iowans as possible to collaboratively answer the question: what's next? We know the climate is changing and that it is affecting us right here in Iowa, so we're seeking solutions to reduce emissions, improve resilience, and save money in the process. Have thoughts? We want to hear them!
Boost economic development
Reduce energy costs & emissions
Enable Iowans to choose their next steps
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.
Breakdown of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Polk, Story, and Warren Counties in 2020
40%
Electricity
30%
Transportation
22%
Natural Gas & Propane
5%
Ag & Land Management
2%
Wastewater
1%
Solid Waste
-1%
Urban Forestry
