Climate crisis solutions and stewardship

FAIRFIELD - The Southeast Iowa Sierra Club and Climate Action Iowa are hosting the compelling film Paris to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. and again Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Fairfield Public Library. This event is free and open to the public.

Distributed by National Geographic, this powerful documentary features stories of everyday Americans who have been on the front lines of the climate crisis. When President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, mayors, governors, community groups, businesses, and ordinary citizens began stepping up, embracing solutions like renewable energy and reaping the benefits of cleaner air, job growth, and cost-cutting - all close to home, where it matters most.

From the former coal town of Pittsburgh to America's breadbasket of Iowa to the island of Puerto Rico, the film takes you through climate change - fueled disasters in numerous communities, as well as their recovery, resiliency, and tireless efforts to inspire homegrown change. Watch for a segment on the Kalona Iowa Municipal Utilities solar initiative and an interview with Iowa State Sen. Rob Hogg.

According to the newly released National Climate Assessment, our Midwest region is projected to see the nation's largest increase in extreme temperature-related premature deaths. Agricultural production will fall, and extreme weather events will disrupt productivity - threatening rural livelihoods, sustainable food security and price stability. The latest report by the International Panel on Climate Change says that we only have 12 years to avert a climate change catastrophe. Energy companies and special interests are spending big dollars to lobby legislators to maintain the status quo. It's essential that citizens speak up, stand up and take action.

Join us for Paris to Pittsburgh to learn about solutions to this urgent problem and how you can make a difference.