In November, I shared the mantra: steeper, rockier, yet not insurmountable. Over the past few weeks, I have continually fallen back on saying those words as a source of hope in a chaotic political landscape at the state and federal levels. It’s hard to find focus as we are continuously bombarded from all directions, trying to weigh how to make the greatest impact. Each day can feel a little more uncertain than the last – a steeper path, yet not insurmountable.
Sometimes I feel like climate change can fall to the sidelines as a justice issue. It feels like a topic for the future, not the present. It feels like there is no room for it at the table because there are so many important legislative issues impacting people’s lives in big ways. While writing these words, I feel a heaviness. I know that there is room at the table for all justice issues, yet for me and many others, sometimes the climate crisis does feel insurmountable – but we know that it’s not.
There is an urgency that I feel in my soul for faith-based climate action amidst policy rollbacks, environmental threats, and growing social injustice. How do we start? We start by putting one foot in front of the other.
One conversation with someone who may not completely agree with you on climate change; one phone call to a federal elected official sharing a story on how climate change impacts you and everyday Iowans; one email to a state elected official on why climate change should be taught, used a factor at the utilities board, or why we need more clean energy in Iowa; one sermon about why environmental justice is essential to your faith community’s beliefs.
With each step we take, we create more momentum. The more people that join us on this uphill journey, our movement grows. Our voices as faith-rooted climate advocates become so great we cannot be ignored. We build the community we need to flourish and make a lasting impact. It will take time, but we can build a more vibrant network of faith and climate action in Iowa.
As a small team, Iowa IPL is focused on sustained, strategic action. We’re prioritizing relationships, education, and direct engagement in faith communities to mobilize people of faith for just policies. As we roll out big changes this week, we hope you feel inspired, energized, and reminded that you are not alone in this work.
On Wednesday, we will share more about our vision for faith-rooted climate action in Iowa and how you can be part of this growing movement. Whether you are an individual looking to deepen your engagement, or a congregation seeking to integrate climate justice into your ministry, there will be new opportunities to take action. Every step—big or small—builds momentum. By coming together, we can advocate for policies that reflect our values, ensuring a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all.