By Charles Peckman
As winter begins to loosen its grip on town, spring has begun to reveal itself. With the warmth comes an exciting environmental event — the Climate Narrative Project.
According to the University of Iowa’s Office of Sustainability website, the project is designed to “reach across academic disciplines and chronicle climate solutions and regenerative approaches to restoration and biodiversity, energy, food, agriculture, water and waste management, community planning, and transportation.”
The theme for this semester is “Envisioning a Regenerative City in an Age of Climate Change.”
This “age of climate change” is to be tackled by the project’s fellows in a variety of ways; past projects have blended environmentalism with theater, art, and even yoga.
With recent advancements in environmental awareness on the UI campus, such as President Bruce Harreld’s announcement to go coal-free by the year 2025, the air is rife with environmentalism, which is extenuated by the Climate Narrative Project.
George McCrory, a communications specialist at the Sustainability Office, said he is excited about this year’s Climate Narrative.
“[The Climate Narrative Project] does a great job of blending science, art, and written word,” he said.
McCrory said the Climate Narrative is an outlet in which students from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, and in the case of regenerative cities, envision a future where everyday life and sustainability are intertwined.
“We want students from different backgrounds,” he said. “[These backgrounds] allow for illuminating discussions about climate change.”
Sara Maples, the interim director of the Sustainability Office, said the Climate Narrative is “a unique opportunity for students.”
“It gives students the opportunity to explore in an interdisciplinary way,” she said.
Maples noted the role the project plays in educating students about climate change, as well as its ability to get students involved in sustainability, including those who may not have the opportunity to do so in their majors.
UI student Erica Fisher, a project fellow, said she is still in the early stages of her project, but her interest in sustainability goes back quite some time.
“The unfortunate reality is that humanity may not be around much longer,” she said.
Fisher described her history volunteering both politically and environmentally and noted something she finds ridiculous: the intertwinement of politics and environment.
“It’s such a big problem, but it’s considered ‘liberal,’ ” she said. “Climate change is happening, and we need to take action.”
Fisher said the Climate Narrative is a perfect opportunity to “reach people who wouldn’t normally consider these issues.”
To her, the unique format of the project allows for a style different from traditional environmentalism.
“I saw the opportunity to tell a story,” she said.
Fisher said the message of the Climate Narrative is simple, yet vital.
“Without a planet, we can’t survive,” she said.
