Take action to fight climate change

By Linda Loos Scarth

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The maxim that came to mind when I first became aware of MovingPlanet.org is: “Actions speak louder than words.” On Sept. 24, each of us has the opportunity to encourage moving beyond fossil fuels to counteract the effects of climate change. Several cities in Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, will host events as part of the worldwide Moving Planet campaign.

Controlling the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and reversing its upward trajectory are imperative in slowing human caused-climate change.

In the absence of legislative leaders making necessary decisions, citizens must move to require policy changes to protect human health and prevent other collateral damage done by burning fossil fuels. Climate change determines where food may be grown or gathered; where it is safe and comfortable to live; where disease vectors and other pests can thrive; and it affects group dynamics and conflicts, human and otherwise.

There is considerable scientific evidence that reducing atmospheric CO2 to a maximum of 350 ppm is a desirable and doable goal. It is often difficult to see the looming climate crisis while dealing with local disasters, personal economic well-being, and the fractured national community. Climate change is the larger crisis that impacts all others.

Concerned groups of citizens must confront those who believe only in economic growth without regard to the costs to citizenry and environment.

On Jan. 1, the Iowa Climate Change Impacts Committee filed its report on climate change to the governor and Iowa General Assembly. The executive summary describes the predicted trends and advises protective action but does not address causes. Until causes are acknowledged, repairs will not begin. It is time to address the causes.

To learn more, search for writings of Bill McKibben, who initiated 350.org and movingplanet.org, and James Hanson, head of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

The public is invited to Moving Planet Bike Ride Cedar Rapids, leaving Tait Cummins Park at 1 p.m. Sept. 24. You also can show support by coming to see the Water Tower Condominium Green Roof (900 Second St. SE) at 1:30 p.m. Or visit Prairiewoods (120 E. Boyson Rd.) for an environmental fair and renewable energy tour. At 3:50 p.m., a group photograph will be taken to show local support for action to protect the well-being of Earth.

Linda Loos Scarth of Cedar Rapids is a retired college reference librarian and student of environmental issues who is a member of the Cedar Rapids group sponsoring the local Moving Planet event. Comments: scarth@infionline.net.