Like many Americans, I’m increasingly concerned
about global warming.  With the recent release of a special report by
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there is no longer any
doubt:  the scientific community is united on the reality of the
problem and the role of human activity in causing it.  Furthermore, in
light of Hurricane Katrina, dramatic loss of polar ice, melting
glaciers and other climate-related developments, it is clear that we
need immediate local and national action at the personal and political
level to reduce our impact on the problem.  (This just in:  today’s
Associated Press story by Randolph Schmid about data showing that this
winter is now officially the warmest on record.)

For years,
author Bill McKibben has been sounding the alarm on global warming.
 Now, finally, more and more people and policy-makers are waking-up to
the reality that new policies and new behaviors are essential.

McKibben
has called on Americans to make April 14 a National Day of Climate
Action.  Over 900 local events are planned across the country.  So far,
here’s what’s happening in Iowa:

AMES:  Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the
power plant on the ISU campus. Participants will walk to the Ames
Municipal Power Plant, then to Bandshell Park for a rally from 2:00 –
4:00 p.m. with speakers and live music. Contact Julia Olmstead at juliaolmstead@gmail.com or (515) 292-4459.

CEDAR
RAPIDS:  To show that change is accomplished through action, not just
talk, the public is invited to walk, bike, take a bus or carpool to The
Cedar Rapids Peace Center (1029 3rd Street SE) for an open forum
discussion entitled “Local Solutions to a Global Challenge:  Creating a
Sustainable Community in Cedar Rapids.”  The forum is free to the
public and scheduled from noon until 5:00 p.m.  Contact (319) 363-1774.

CEDAR
RAPIDS II:  The Linn County Conservation Board and Indian Creek Nature
Center offer a four-week program at ICNC at 7:00 p.m. from April 12
through May 3.  It’s called “Climate Change:  Coming to a Neighborhood
Near You,” and the promotional material reads:  “Climate change:  what
it is, what causes it, evidence that it is real, and what we need to do
to keep the worst-case scenarios from occurring. Learn what you–and we
as a nation–need to do to combat the worst environmental problem of
the 21st century.”  The program costs $3 for members, $4 for
non-members.  Call (319) 362-0664 to register.

CEDAR RAPIDS III:
 Details are still pending, but students at Kirkwood Community College
are planning a demonstration on April 14.  Contact Sarah Griffith at sarah-griffith1@student.kirkwood.edu.

DES
MOINES:  Drake-area resident, Phil Leino, ignited the spark that has
kicked off a coalition effort.  People are invited to walk, bike, bus
or carpool to downtown for a rally at Nollen Plaza from 4:00 to 4:30
p.m.  At the rally, people can purchase a copy of Bill McKibben’s new
book, Deep Economy, and three copies will be given away to the
participant who (1) walked the furthest, (2) biked the furthest, and
(3) got to downtown using the most creative means or had the most
interesting experience en route.  Participants are encouraged to get
the most out of their carbon-saving commute by enjoying supper at a
downtown restaurant and taking-in one of many evening activities.
Contact me or Lynn at imforiowa@gmail.com or (515) 201-9405.

If
you are interested in pulling together an event for your town, it’s not
too late.  If you need additional contacts of like-minded people in
your area, or if you need ideas, let me know. This is a critically
important issue, and the national attention focused on April 14 gives
us a great opportunity to build momentum for change.

Thanks for reading and caring!