As a person of faith, sometimes people ask me, “Aren’t you just preaching to the choir?” when I’m talking about solutions to the climate crisis. Truth be told, talking is action.
As people of faith and conscience, we know speaking and listening are powerful disciplines that cut across our diverse religious traditions. And practicing our faith in and through conversations both in private and public changes the world.
As we look forward to 2021, talking about climate change in 2019 and 2020 made a huge difference. We will be returning to the Paris Agreement. The incoming Biden-Harris administration has included climate as one of their four pillars for action as they enter the White House on January 20. And nearly every major farm organization is finally talking about agricultural solutions to the climate crisis, for example the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance which rolled out 40 policy initiatives focused on climate change.
One of our most active supporters, Channing Dutton of West Des Moines, tirelessly talks about climate change. The featured photo is of him at Jolly Holiday Lights in Altoona inviting tens of thousands of people to “talk climate” during this holiday season.
“As groups drive by, I’m asking them to pause and think about the climate future. Thinking leads to action. Vans, limos, busses, people in back of pickups, even convertibles with the tops down. Everyone is looking for something fun, festive and safe to do.”
Channing plans to hit all 33 nights of the light show. He estimates there will be more than 50,000 people who will see his sign. Imagine how many conversations will take place in those vehicles driving past the sign, on the way home, around the family table, during a holiday zoom meeting.
Because climate change became so politicized, many Iowans prefer to avoid talking about it. It also can feel like we might not know enough facts to defend ourselves. But notice, we’re not asking for a debate about climate change.
You don’t need to be an expert to talk about climate change and environmental justice. You just need a starting point. And in 2021, we’ve got you covered. Start the conversation with our 2020 Faith Statement.
Our New Year’s Resolution at Iowa IPL is to keep talking about climate change and environmental justice. This includes sending our statement to every state and federal elected Iowan. Make sure your name is included on the statement by signing it at your earliest convenience. And share this statement with your friends and family. Invite others to join you in signing it. Use it for prayer and reflection. Share it on your social media. Join us in committing to using this statement to invite all Iowans to keep talking about climate change. It makes a difference.
So far, as the Biden administration nominates members of its cabinet, president-elect Biden keeps talking about climate change. Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen, check. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, check. Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin, check. Biden is also creating the new position of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and while not a cabinet position will be led by former Secretary of state John Kerry.
All that talking we did through the Iowa Caucus cycle and in the general election made a huge difference. People like Channing, like you, are willing to cut through the politics and the debates and to simply and faithfully, talk about climate change. Houses of worship like Urbandale United Church of Christ talking about energy, community, and investing in solar panels.
Because we are called to climate action, we must keep talking about environmental justice and we are changing the world.