DES MOINES, IOWA (August 6, 2024) — The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement are partnering to present Iowa Environmental Education Week, a dynamic series of events that are open to the public, students, and the environmental community.
Iowa Environmental Education Week is September 23–26, 2024, with engaging events in Des Moines that address urgent environmental issues impacting the entire state.
“As Iowa’s climate, land, and water continue to change, we see a need for enhanced dialog and education about the environmental and health issues facing our communities today and for generations to come,” says Sarah Green, IEC Executive Director. “These events highlight opportunities and solutions for equity, partnership, and meaningful change.”
- September 23: VIP Tour of Des Moines WaterWorks led by Des Moines WaterWorks CEO Ted Corrigan and laboratory staff, and organized by the Iowa Environmental Council. This opportunity is free with a recommended donation of $50 per person. Tour time is 11:30AM– 1:30PM, with lunch provided for all attendees. Attendance limited to sixty people;
- September 24: Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference at the Olmsted Center at Drake University;
- September 25-26: Industrial Farm Animal Production, The Environment, and Public Health Conference from The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement; and
- September 26: ProH20: Celebrating and Advocating for Clean Water in Iowa from the Iowa Environmental Council.
“Environmental education is essential for creating informed citizens who can advocate for equitable and sustainable policies,” says Dr Adam Shriver, Director of Wellness and Nutrition at The Harkin Institute. “And in Iowa, it’s impossible to truly understand how we’re faring in regard to public health and sustainability without talking about the impact of different food production practices.”
The Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference on September 24 includes more than fifty local and national presenters with expertise in water quality, energy policy, climate change, environmental justice, and health. See the full speaker lineup here. Dr Benjamin Pauli, Associate Professor of Social Science at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, will provide the keynote address. Dr Pauli has been involved in the response to the Flint water crisis as both a researcher and a Flint resident.
Other conference topics include:
- Solutions to Nitrate Pollution
- Threats to Legal Protections for Iowa’s Land and Water
- Climate and Environmental Justice at the Local Level
- Cancer and the Environment
- Coal Impacts in Iowa
- And many more
“These issues impact every single one of us as Iowans. It’s about the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live, work, and play on. It’s about fair and just access to resources and the ability to live in a safe, healthy community. If you live in Iowa, this conference is for you,” Green says.
We are pleased to facilitate media interviews with IEC and Harkin Institute staff, as well as conference speakers. Reporters are welcome to attend and cover any of these events. Please contact Bethany Kohoutek via e-mail at kohoutek@iaenvironment.org or text at 515-783-5327 with questions or interview requests.
The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is the state's largest and most comprehensive environmental alliance, comprised of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Through education, advocacy and coalition building, the Council raises awareness, generates action, and creates large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans. Learn more at iaenvironment.org.
