Many work for a better future, more are needed

To future generations: It's Thanksgiving 2018. A time to be thankful even though the future looks grim. There are many groups, individuals and families who are working to help save the planet for you.

We would like to thank a few groups: 100 Grannies for a Livable Future, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, Solarize Johnson County, Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture, Generation Ready, Union of Concerned Citizens, Iowa350, Iowa City Climate Advocates chapter of Citizen Climate Lobby, City of Iowa City Sustainability Department, Iowa Audubon, the Ocean Cleanup, Iowa River Cleanup, World Wildlife Fund, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Bold Iowa, Sierra Club, and We Are Still In. Their volunteers and members are few but working hard.

Thank you to individuals as well - like Katharine Hayhoe's How to talk about climate change, Pope Francis's Laudato Si' and Paul Hawken's Drawdown - who provide awareness, strategies, and hope.

Thank you to ordinary people and families. People who are making a difference by changing the way they live and what they eat, signing petitions, reducing, reusing and recycling.

All are working to make the air breathable, water drinkable, land sustainable and parks beautiful. Many more are needed so thank you to all and please continue. We will.

Charlene Lange

Pat Bowen

Iowa City