While weather is a concern to most people, one new club at Iowa State is more concerned about the bigger picture: the climate and what might specifically be causing weather changes.

Climate Action Iowa, a new club that was kickstarted this January, was established for students interested in environmental problems, such as climate change.

“We are organizing students, interns and volunteers to educate the public, build coalitions, promote grassroots power and train the next generation of environmental leaders as part of our grassroots efforts,” said Kelsey Roehrich, senior in public relations and president of Climate Action Iowa.

Climate Action Iowa was created because environmental problems, like climate change, are becoming increasingly more severe. Climate Action Iowa members want to make sure lawmakers know that the environment is important to their constituents.

Climate Action Iowa works with the League of Conservation Voters, an environmental group placed in 30 states that works to turn green and sustainable values into national, state and local priorities.

They also organize students to advocate for sound environmental laws and campaign for pro-environment candidates.

Mackenzie Waldon, a member of Climate Action Iowa, said starting the club at Iowa State was relatively easy because there are similar coalitions in Iowa and throughout other universities across the country. Climate Action Iowa has progressed into a much larger group of young activists over the semester. 

Merry Rankin, director of sustainability at Iowa State, said she was glad to see students taking initiative and raising awareness about environmental issues.

She also said Climate Action Iowa has reached out to other sustainability groups on campus to make connections and work together in making students more aware of environmental and sustainability issues. 

In the future, Climate Action Iowa hopes to send a delegation of ISU students to the Iowa State Capitol for the upcoming environmental lobby day. This year, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., will headline the event. 

“Every year, over 30 environmental organizations from across the state come together to let legislators know Iowans value the quality of life and economic benefits that come from protecting our natural resources and supporting outdoor recreation,” Roehrich said.

The club is open to anyone interested in environmental issues.

“Climate Action Iowa is a fantastic club to join. The fact that our members derive from such diverse disciplines is fundamental to our ability to think creatively and learn more about all factors that influence decisions by politicians and the public. We hear all the time how important it is to be informed in decision making, and joining our bipartisan club is one of the best ways to become more involved,” Waldon said. 

For information on getting involved, students can contact Chris Klarich, a League of Conservation Voters member in Iowa, via email at [email protected].